Maryland and Duke: Using One ACC Game to Predict the Next
Plenty has been said about Kentucky’s biggest weakness from last night: the rebounding effort wasn’t there for long stretches, and Alex Len and Co. capitalized by grabbing a ridiculous number of boards. On the plus side though, 3-point defense, through the first half at least, was phenomenal. The Terps got hotter in the second half, and still only finished at 15.8% from outside.
How can we expect the solid 3-point defense and rebounding struggles to translate against the Blue Devils? Well, let’s do the bad news first.
(1) Unlike their ACC counterparts, the Blue Devils live on the 3-ball. Five of their six players that got >20 minutes in their season opener shot three or more 3-pointers, and the team as a whole made 45.8% of them. Guards Tyler Thornton and Seth Curry went 3-6 and 3-7, respectively. The Cats did a good job holding Maryland to a low percentage, but this was a team whose strength is scoring inside, not outside (they only shot 34% outside last year). Cal will have to maintain the defense’s high level through the coming week going into Atlanta in order to keep up the good work
(2) Meanwhile, we might have a little better time on the glass. Against the Georgia State Panthers, Duke nabbed a total of 30 rebounds, with 5 of those being on the offensive end. The Panthers, by the way, pulled down 31 (9). You have to hope that Noel, WCS, and Poythress can rebound better than RJ Hunter, James Vincent, and Rashaad Richardson, right? Part of running your offense on the exterior is that you leave yourselves vulnerable to being outrebounded, as Duke displayed last night.
So what does this mean for Kentucky on the defensive end? It means they’ll have to extend to the outside to get in the faces of their shooters, and outmuscle the “Ho-humlees” on the glass when their good defense causes shots to clang off the iron. If we can outrebound the Devils, even by a little bit, and hold them to between 33 and 40% from outside, I like our chances. We made some mistakes against Maryland, but rest assured Cal will use the tape to his advantage in breaking down the Blue Devils.
18 Comments for Maryland and Duke: Using One ACC Game to Predict the Next
Dook puke.
Let the arrogance flush.
Along side bama fan’s ‘lossitude’.
For one week, Tejas A&M will be that stick up day ash dey gat ta walk wit….not strut.
Did we have an earthquake in the Commonwealth? Where?!? Daggum! I missed it!
Duke has been soft for a few years now so KY should make a better showing on the boards on Tuesdy.
A little bit? Better outrebound them by a LOT, or spend all week on the treadmill.
Thank GOD a story about the only real sport at UK….BASKETBALL…majority don’t care who the next football coach is going to turn the job down…or what loser will commit coaching suicide
Prior to yesterday I felt pretty good about duke beating uk but duke looked like garbage last nite. I think when you compare each lineup neither team has much of an advantage outside of Plumlee and he is still prone to terrible shot selection
My Terp bro said the Russian never exploded offensively previously – like he did last nite.
Work to do (say it like 20 Hail Mary’s).
CLOSE game; we shtank; look for the winner rematch in the Big Dance.
I predict Maryland will finish ahead of Duke in the ACC standings. Terps are looking like the second best team in the ACC behind NC State.
Our 3 defense wasn’t that good, maryland just couldn’ t hit. but the young cats will get better as the season goes along. its still early and i hope we beat puke but if we don’t its not the end of the world.
Can not afford a ticket; school night.
Yada yada yada.
Even if Hey Zeus – hizzin self – was performing a half time ‘welcome up’ show, I couldn’t afford it… (monetarily or time wise).
This is why I go to mass every Sunday.
CAL goes daily.
Got to respect that.
So Alabama lost today, to this guy’s offense: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kliff_Kingsbury Mitch, call him tomorrow!!
Hey y’all. I just got back from White Castle and KartKountry. Great time as usual.
I see the Basement Dwellers and Attention Seekers are at it again tonight.
Sad, sad little lives. G’Night, Big Blue Nation. This is gonna be a GREAT season.
And thank you God, for lettin’ that Muhammed kid pick the University of
La-La-Land. That was mighty nice of Ye, and we won’t forge the favor.
And God, while you’re at it, bless Linda Taylor and her hubby tonight.
It’s rough for decent BBN fans to put up with some of the crap around here,
but Lord, thank you for people like Linda. Keepin’ it real. Keepin’ it true.
Keepin’ it BLUE. Amen.
Eh, I’d like to buy a “T” for the end of that “forge” on “forgeT the favor”.
Lo siento mucho, mis amigos.
We’ll take our lumps early. But here’s the thing about a Calipari team, the gap in the rebounding last night will definately be a different story come Tuesday. Other than IU and Loserville, Dook is the most detested school I have! GO CATS!!!!!!!!!
#6 Speak for yourself, it’s people like you that have kept our football program in the cellar. I’d say the vast majority of Kentucky fans are anxiously awaiting any and all news regarding the coaching search. State your opinion all you like but you dont speak for me and the rest of the BBN.
Remember 1 thing…Duke has only beaten UK one time in a regional final, national semi-final,or national championship…the Latener game when the SOB did not miss one shot.
If we play them in a regional final, national semi-final, or national championship game, regardless of what happens in Atlanta…we will win.
I hate shorts especialy at a resturant!
Den Mothers Everywhere your kind words are much appreciated. Thank you.