The Duke Blue Devils used a 2nd half blitz where they outscored the Wolfpack by 17 points  to help them mature as a team.  The Blue Devils seemed to once again be on the ropes in danger of losing a fourth straight game as the Wolfpack unleashed six consecutive three-point shots before the break.  Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski would go on to say that most teams would have folded or given up after that in his post game press conference.   But the Blue Devils, instead, adjusted throwing out varying defenses which were successfully designed to slow Antony Barber.  In the process, Krzyzewski's young team got over a hump and back on track heading to Miami for a Monday match up with an older and talented Hurricanes team.

Weathering storms

Duke literally weathered two storms.  The first was of course, the snow and ice which descended upon the Triangle.  The second, was a Wolfpack team that were hitting circus shots which helped them carry a 7 point lead into the half.  When you're a young team like Duke, facing adversity and missing a key player, nothing helps build team confidence like a road win over your neighbor with their wolf ears pinned back.  The Duke players grew up a lot as they boarded their bus in snowy conditions and then later mounting a comeback in a game they dominated down the stretch.  The Blue Devils had a 17 point swing over a team, that like all others in the ACC, had this game circled on their calendar.  In getting a win in the bag, Duke now has  a launching point to get back in the race for a decent NCAA seed.  The win may have also saved a streak that has been going since 2009.  That being that the Blue Devils have remained in the A.P.  top 25 every single week since that time.

Player(s) of the game

As some of you may know, we conduct a poll after each game on twitter asking you who your player of the game was.  Grayson Allen was the clear choice over Brandon Ingram by our followers.  Allen was sensational in scoring 28 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, all while dishing 7 assists.  He was determined and a clear leader playing captain like basketball.  But Duke could not have won without Brandon Ingram and in my opinion, they were co-players of the game. Ingram scored 25 points, pulling down 7 rebounds while dishing 4 assists.  But Ingram drew a lot of Pack defenders his way opening the court up for other teammates.  Ingram was arguably the teams best defender as well, having two key steals and a vital block at key moments in the game.

Iron Man minutes continue

Duke is a very depth shy team.  That was a Captain Obvious statement, for sure, for the Blue Devils got a single minute out of Sean Obi.  Meanwhile six players got every other minute in the game.  Duke basically has six starters and no bench at this current time, but that may change soon.

A bootless Amile Jefferson

Amile Jefferson was walking around without his walking boot.  The senior captain has been treated with injections for bone growth and his foot has seemingly healed.  Now, he must get back into the normal side of things which includes putting weight on his foot while gaining confidence that he can push off on it.  It will take Jefferson a while to get back into shape, but his return is coming and that will be a big boost for Duke and their depth issues.

A daunting task looms

Duke must travel all the way south to Miami for Monday's game against a seriously good Hurricanes team.  "They're an older team," exclaimed Krzyzewski when looking ahead after th win over N.C. State.  Miami is in a sense a match up nightmare for the depth shy Blue Devils.  While the Canes play a core contingent like Duke, they are anchored in the middle with a beastly Tonye Jekiri,.  He will present a major test for Marshall Plumlee but what makes Miami tough to guard are just that, their guards.  They have an old backcourt with Angel Rodriquez and Sheldon McClellan but they also have three other guards in their rotation who can all play.  This makes for a difficult match up for Duke who could find themselves playing from behind early and often.  Miami always brings it when Duke comes to town, just like every other ACC team.  But the Hurricanes are without a doubt one of the most difficult games on the teams schedule.  The Blue Devils will be the underdog in this game.