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***DUKE VS SYRACUSE - ACC TOURNEY QUARTER-FINAL OFFICIAL GAMEDAY THREAD***

K

krzyzewskiville

Senior
Oct 7, 2004
11,113
724
0
We've all been eagerly anticipating seeing Duke back at full strength, and it's not going to happen in the ACC tourney. Having Zion back is HUGE, not having Quis will hurt, but it's not the same level of impact. Still, I know we're all hopeful that he can return this year still and we can end in April, at full strength...

But onto today. It would appear that Syracuse, after knocking out a feisty Pitt team, won't be at full strength, either. Battle didn't play last night and is doubtful for tonight's game - which is a goliath loss for the Orange. Battle averages 17 ppg and is the straw that stirs the drink.

It's going to be interesting to see how we play with Zion back. Do we return to form almost instantly? Does it take a game or two? At this point, I just want to see three straight days of Blue Devil basketball and start off March with an ACC tournament championship, and a #1 seed in the NCAA tourney. We can down play it all we want, but those are important markers.

Without Battle and with Zion back, I think Duke is too much tonight. Syracuse is well coached, and the matchup 2-3 has been difficult for us to beat before, but down its star I think it's an up hill battle for the Orange. No spread has been posted, yet, but I'm going to guess Duke will be in the -11/-13 point favorite range.

Tonight's game is slated for an 9pm est tip - but likely won't start until closer to 9:30pm following the third quarter-final. The game will air on ESPN HD.

Duke 78

Syracuse 66

GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
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B

BeerPoisoning

Senior
Feb 17, 2019
1,260
980
0
I don’t like to count my chickens before they hatch but Syracuse w/o Tyus Battle is practically a layup game. I hate to see anybody injured but this will make Zion’s return much smoother. We should be able to handle Syracuse without the need of his presence, so I personally doubt he’ll play more than 20 minutes. Just enough game time to shake rust before Friday. Like I said... I hate to hear of Battle’s injury but this takes the “performance pressure” off of Zion’s return.

If Zion plays 20 minutes and our other starters play their usual minutes, I could see this being a blowout... But hopefully we put them away in the 1st half / early 2nd, take the win at a smaller margin and rest the legs.
 
S

Shatterthesky22

All-Conference
Dec 8, 2018
1,802
1,571
0
Hate seeing Battle get injured. I think we all agree injuries to your best player suck balls. With him out I don't think this is very close

87-65 Duke.
 
N

Nivram50

Junior
Oct 17, 2018
126
209
0
I had a conversation with my father (the world's most pessimistic Duke fan, ok let' me clarify - one of the world's greatest pessimists I love you Dad!) yesterday about the return of Zion. He was not happy that Zion will be playing this evening. "It's gonna throw the chemistry of the team off. They will play like crap and be coming home."
I asked what made him think that the chemistry developed from June through late Feb had been completely erased and replaced in the 5 games since. I pointed out the kid's engagement and enthusiasm on the bench during his recovery. Zion has been in the middle of things and very much a part of team chemistry even though he hasn't been able to get on the floor.
There will be some rust. I don't doubt it. But, barring any additional injuries I don't have much worry about tonight's game - particularly if Battle doesn't play.
I think the Devils take care of business tonight.
Duke 84 (Will be higher if the jump shots are falling which is a question mark)
'Cuse 71
 
T

TheDude1

Heisman
Apr 15, 2010
8,726
11,199
0
Is battle really out? I don’t see anything saying that… Just a coach saying he probably won’t be available.
 
D

duhondukie

All-Conference
Jan 12, 2010
1,901
1,038
0
I think this will be a tight game. I see us settling for 3's way to much against that zone. Syracuse will shoot the light out (as everyone seems to do against us).
I think we win in the last 4 minutes of the game

Duke 73
Syracuse 68
 
T

timo0402

Heisman
Feb 24, 2009
13,868
13,709
57
Duke by 20. Let’s go, first stop, quarterfinals. Choooo chooooo! THE CONDUCTOR!
 
C

CRAZIE4LIFE

All-Conference
Feb 16, 2011
3,748
3,452
0
I doubt it will be, but would like a 20+ point game so we can get the bench more playing time and let our starters rest a little for tomorrow.
 
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L

Laettner

All-Conference
Mar 11, 2002
6,249
1,390
0
Zion gives us an energy boost and hop in our step. Suffocating D and transition game returns! People in Charlotte are chomping to see big Z.

Duke - 78
Syr - 64

Let's go!!!!!
 
D

dukiejay

Heisman
Mar 2, 2005
11,293
16,311
0
I think things will be pretty right the first 30 minutes or so, then we kind of pull away the last 10 minutes for about a 12-point win. I’ll say 79-67.
 
L

Liftee

All-American
Mar 6, 2011
3,199
5,513
0
I too question whether Battle will really be out. I expect the guy to play, a little gimpy, and put in 5 three pointers.

I also expect Buddy Boeheim to be on fire.

However Chukwu will foul out early and Duke will have its way in the paint which will be enough to offset our usual shooting woes. I see Duke by 10-12 unless AOC is hot again in which case it might be closer to 15-18.
 
A

AlanInNJ

All-Conference
Feb 25, 2014
1,665
2,462
0
'Cuse will show up to play with or without Battle. Shame he is hurt, hope he's back healthy for the NCAA's. I could see them make a S16 run like they did last year under the radar. There may be a little rust to knock off, but I think we pull away in the second half and coast to a 15 point win. Please no injuries! PLEASE!!!!

Duke 82
Cuse 67
 
D

dukegrad02

Sophomore
Apr 3, 2006
1,203
146
0
Cuse will have tired legs.

I'm hoping no Battle means not much of a battle. He'll rest up for the NCAA tournament and Cuse will have a good run to the second weekend (as long as its not through Duke).

I'm hoping Duke can manage to avoid foul trouble and do a respectable/serviceable job shooting from the outside

Duke 84
Cuse 62
 
S

skysdad

Heisman
Mar 3, 2006
42,753
22,653
0
Duke 78
Syracuse 66

May we not overlook the Orange in anticipation of Zion's return. It will be nice to have him play against unc cheater u. I think the world of college basketball is looking forward to that. With that said will not break my heart to see UL to send the cheaterest home. OFC
 
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S

SwatX1

Heisman
Jan 4, 2011
8,336
10,579
68
LetsGoDuke301 said:
A lot of optimism with the score predictions. I see Duke winning by somewhere +/- 10 points.
Click to expand...

I think it all comes down to whether Battle plays or not? I haven't heard for sure one way or the other. Has it been announced?
 
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