***DUKE VS NORTH DAKOTA STATE - NCAA TOURNAMENT OFFICIAL GAMEDAY THREAD***

[krzyzewskiville]

There isn't much to write about other than win and advance. This team is too well coached, too smart and too grounded to look past anyone - including NDSU as the #1 overall seed.

The Bison are coming off of a "First Four" win over North Carolina Central, 78-74. The Bison can shoot it, they defend well and are led by junior forward, Tyson Ward. Ward is an athletic swing who was a big land for NDSU when he signed. I would imagine RJ will get that matchup.

We enter this game primed for a run at our 6th national championship. While Jack White will likely sit because of a hamstring injury suffered in the ACC championship game, it'll nice to get Marquis back in the mold, and I assume back into the starting lineup. He brings a much needed body and shot blocker in the paint that will be extremely important if we are to make a deep run. Let's keep everyone healthy and put this one away early so we can rest the big dogs.

Tonight's game is slated to tip on CBS at 7:10pm est. Duke is currently favored by -26.5...That's a large spread to cover but it'll be close.

Duke 86

North Dakota State 61

GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[FearTheBeard_rivals208808]

Duke 92
NDSU 63

It’s gonna be a blood bath.

 

[DiehardDukeFan4Life]

Duke 90
NDSU 60

I expect that Bolden will come off the bench tomorrow night because if I’m remembering correctly Coach K said in his press conference that Bolden would play but probably wouldn’t start.

 

[DukeSky85]

We need to make a statement early...no mercy..

Duke 94
NDSU 63

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

Don't let NDSU breathe, don't let them think they have a chance, step on their throats and do what Duke is supposed to do.

Duke 82
NDSU 65

OFC

 

[GTHC_ GTH!]

I’m afraid Zion might actually eat a bison during the game. And I mean a player.

Duke 98
NDSU 1 less player than when the game started

 

[Shatterthesky22]

Yeah this isn't gonna pretty. Sorry, not sorry Bison! 101-70 Duke

 

[Laettner15]

Duke - 97
NDSU - 72

 

[SwatX1]

Duke 102
Them 68

 

[SwatX1]

 

[timo0402]

Duke 90
NDSU 63

 

[DukeDenver]

I’d love to see Zion, RJ and Tre on the bench with 10 minutes remaining. At least get Baker some Tourney experience.

 

[Duke1783]

Duke big!

 

[dukehokie]

Duke should win big and it would be nice to continue to develop some semblance of a rotation here. We are essentially at full strength, but still down Jack. That’s an easy fix though as Jav and Ques will hold that spot down. No injuries please and move on.

 

[skysdad]

Duke 86
NDS 61
OFC

 

[Canadian Dukie]

Should be an easy win.. stay focused 97-71 Duke

 

[pisgah101]

Duke-110
Other team- 62

 

[SwatX1]

I’d love to see Zion, RJ and Tre on the bench with 10 minutes remaining. At least get Baker some Tourney experience.

Me too. I'd like to see him take at least 3 open 3's and see what happens

 

[DukeRulesBasketball]

The journey to the final four starts today!!

Duke shouldn’t have any issues at all with NDSU!

Duke: 93
NDSU: 57

Let’s go Duke!!

 

[Willcampbell]

We need to make a statement early...no mercy..

Duke 94
NDSU 63

...No mercy indeed...also no Mercer (or Lehigh).
OFC
Duke 101
NDSU 66

 

[Willcampbell]

Also, we can't lose on my birthday. We just can't
OFC

 

[Canadian Dukie]

Also, we can't lose on my birthday. We just can't
OFC

Happy Birthday Sir!

 

[Austinduke]

Let’s GO DUKE!! Ready to watch our team play

 

[HeLooks2MuchLikeDave]

This should be the one game we get to watch without being stressed out

 

[The Optimist]

Let's do it. 89-67

 

[Showenuff]

 

[chov1125]

Just win baby!!

 

[Showenuff]

Some of your scores seem pretty high to me. It's STILL a first tournament game for our 4 freshmen. I think we win by 15-18 points. Margin of victory ain't **** anymore, I'll take 6 wins by one point each and be fine. Sightson6

 

[Mac9192]

Will maybe start a little slow, then gradually pull away. Should win by at least 25.
I'll say 88-62

 

[spike05rk]

Duke

 

[Smythe13]

Duke. Maybe a Joey Baker sighting

 

[500HP_Devil]

Who doesn’t like bison burgers??

 

[HonkeyT]

Reporter:

“Clubber, what is your prediction for this fight?”

Clubber:

“Pain”

 

[bluedevilfan42]

Also, we can't lose on my birthday. We just can't
OFC

Happy Birthday! They wont!

 

[bluedevilfan42]

Some of your scores seem pretty high to me. It's STILL a first tournament game for our 4 freshmen. I think we win by 15-18 points. Margin of victory ain't **** anymore, I'll take 6 wins by one point each and be fine. Sightson6

Hell no - we can't have that happening!! Over 1/2 of this board will be in the hospital or a mental facility if we're only winning by one in every game.

 

[Hurley22]

Let's go! The madness is here. Duke by a lot in this one and hopefully some rest for the starters for most of the second half.

 

[christophero]

Would like to see Bolden. I can't see today being close, but this is March Madness. It may be close in the first half. Duke 79, NDS 58.

 

[Duke1783]

Need to see some 3’s going down today

 

[christophero]

I would put Baker in with 5 minutes left and just tell him to shoot.

 

[jcdevilfan]

Last time around folks, enjoy these kids and remember. The most I have to say is please, no injuries! Bolden will get some minutes to run up and down the floor tonight, which is great. Duke wins big.
We're 0-0 with 6 to go!
Go Duke!
OFC