The Rivalry: F
Can we just it give up at this point? This game was never a rivalry and it will never be one. Duke has now won 10 in a row. No one in Durham thinks about Syracuse. No one in Durham has ever thought about Syracuse.
Otto’s Army “Campout”: F
We’ve been very critical about Otto’s Army in the past. Their lack of attendance, standing, and noise have frustrated the basketball purist in me on many occasions. Last night’s “Campout” was an embarrassment to the word and to the entire sport. The “campout” was inside the Miron Victory Court. How can a campout be indoors? The whole point is to be out in the elements. You might as well camp inside the concourse. Be better Otto’s Army.
I’ll give Otto’s Army this though they did show up in big numbers. For the first time all season, a section in the upper deck was full! If only it was just for the game where the Orange were almost 20 point underdogs. Of course, in fitting fashion, a lot of them in the lower bowl left at halftime.
The 2-3 Zone: D
SU had probably as good of a start to the game as possible. It was tied after the first media timeout. Then, Adrian Autry switched to a 2-3 zone and the Blue Devils made three consecutive threes. That defense just isn’t quick enough to keep up with Duke’s fast paced offense. By the time the defense rotates, the ball had been swung all the way around the arc.
Booing Maliq Brown: D
I wasn’t a fan of the loud boo’s that went Maliq Brown’s way when he entered the game. I fully understand the frustration with him transferring to Duke but he wasn’t played enough here and obviously made the decision that was best for him. The kid wants to win and he smartly chose to go somewhere else to do so. Maliq Brown on this team wouldn’t result in more wins. There isn’t anything that would other than maybe Cooper Flagg.
Naheem Mcleod: B
A positive in this game! I couldn’t give McLeod an A because no one deserves and A when you put up a performance like this but the big fella fought to try and keep it semi close. After a solid performance against Cal, the seven-footer showed up once again and played big minutes.
