Please tell me...

[LetsGoDuke301]

What is with the fear of Iowa St?

I want to slap the next person who says Iowa St would beat Duke.

But you never know, if they beat Duke, I guess those people should slap me.

But seriously! Why do they scare us?

This post was edited on 3/17 9:26 PM by LetsGoDuke301

 

[kailman]

I didn't say they'd beat Duke but they are very capable. Have you watched them much? I've watched them many times this year. They are super athletic. Every guy can drive every guy can hit threes. They can run and slow it down and score. They can lay eggs. But they are capable of big things. If you've watched them more than once and they don't scare you then something is wrong. BUT if we play them it's in elite 8. I am going one game at a time this year. After the two debacles last year and in 12. Right now I don't care about anyone but the game tomorrow night to see who we play.

 

[LetsGoDuke301]

Like I said. You may get to slap me. I just don't see our season being ended by them.

In the end, if we get a chance to see, it would mean that they both got there.

 

[dukiejay]

Because Iowa State is good. And they're playing quite well right now too. They're every bit as good as Notre Dame....a team that handled us for 30 minutes less than a week ago.

Plus, I don't think a lot of people believe in Duke right now because of two of the last three seasons, and because Gonzaga doesn't have a solid tournament history. Those are the top two seeds....so ISU is getting some love.

 

[LetsGoDuke301]

Dukejay. I like your reasoning in your latter point of view. I just feel like they are getting too much love. I have been wrong many times, but if I am wrong on this, I will be pissed.

Go Duke!

 

[pisgah101]

They may beat us but they aren't better then ND IMO. Also ACC>big 12 and ND has a better record and beaten better teams. Anything is possible I jus really hope we get the chance to play them. This bracket is really nice for us so let's not have a let down!

 

[mo.st.dukie]

Originally posted by dukiejay:
Because Iowa State is good. And they're playing quite well right now too. They're every bit as good as Notre Dame....a team that handled us for 30 minutes less than a week ago.

Agreed, although ISU was handled by Texas for most of that game, they were down 10 under 4 minutes while Duke was down 5 to ND under 4 minutes. ISU was also pushed to the limit by OU and down big early in the 2nd half against KU. The perception of ISU really took a positive turn when they were able to pull out those wins in which their opponent controlled portions of the game. Duke's perception took a negative turn by not being able to pull out the win. And also, let's not forget Duke had ND tied on the road with about 2 minutes to go and blew them out by 30 in Cameron.

But yes, ISU is really good and could give us a tough game.


This post was edited on 3/17 11:54 PM by mo.st.dukie

 

[aah555]

ISU is not better than Duke against common competition, but they're a tough matchup for us. Duke generally does not defend teams that (i) have athletic guards who can get into the lane; and (ii) a number of 3 pt. shooters on the perimeter and wing who can stretch our D. Teams that have both are particularly problematic. The 4 losses we've suffered to date have come against squads that can do both. However, beyond those examples we're very familiar with, let's also not forgot how well even teams have shot against us from 3 (including very mediocre shooting teams) in games we actually won. Va Tech hit 12 3s. Ga Tech (a terrible shooting team) went 8 of 11. UNC, a poor shooting squad, went 8 of 16. FSU, a poor shooting squad, went 7 of 14.

When you combine ISU's athleticism on the perimeter with their 3 pt. shooting / our alarming inability to defend the 3 at times, you see a pretty obvious matchup issue. If we zone ISU, they'll absolutely light us up from 3. If we play man, they'll put Jah in a million ball screens and either get layups b/c we're overcommitting to stop the 3 or, if we go under, light us from 3. Throw in Niang and it's just a bad matchup.

Now, does that mean we'll necessarily lose? No. ISU's not a good defensive squad either, and Jah will probably have a big offensive night. However, we're talking about a 50/50 type shootout -- and I think that's what we see in the predictions. Plenty of people think Duke could win. But, against ISU, it would turn entirely on which good-shooting team is shooting best.

 

[Tim1515]

Iowa State and Gonzaga are very good and tough match ups for Duke.

Slap me if you want but how any Duke fan can look at an elite 8 game as a game we can't possibly lose after the last few years seems...well you know.

It is hard to imagine us losing Friday but Sunday could be a tough fight...that is the only reason I'm not worried about Iowa State.

 

[Crank_it_loud]

I'm surprised people are already looking past SDSU. They will give Duke a difficult time.

 

[2 skerz 3_rivals208847]

People fail to mention that WE will be a tougher match up for them than they will be for us!

 

[timo0402]

As i've mentioned in another thread, if we play our best no one can beat us, not named UK. It's when we do not play our best that doubt creeps in, and that is a combination of our performance and lack of effort/concentration on Friday, and the fact that ISU won their tourney. I for one, CANT even get to next weekend until our team actually MAKES it to next weekend. So much has to happen for a Duke-ISU matchup to happen between now and next week, i think we should be slapping ourselves for even looking this far ahead (although i know it's fun.)

 

[pisgah101]

SDSU can't score AT ALL that's prob why people aren't talking about that possible matchup, I actually think St Johns is who we play even tho they are without there center, that's how bad I see SDSU so..

 

[aah555]

SDSU reminds me a lot of FSU teams from a few years ago. Great defensive discipline. Impressive length across the board. Not much offensive punch. I think SDSU can definitely give us some heart burn and muck up the game, but not sure they can slow us down enough to have a chance to win late. If Duke's hitting 3s, I think it's lights out.

 

[crazyduke3]

If Duke can lose to a 15 seed when they were a 2 seed, then I'm sure SOMEHOW a 3 seed can beat a 1. Just possibly.

 

[JCColsCane]

I don't think you would call it a fear of Iowa State, but more of a healthy respect. They are a very good team, as is Gonzaga. If these two teams meet, it will be a very good game to watch. By the way, if one gets the upper hand, I wouldn't advise changing the channel, as neither one will give up until the clock reads 00:00.
Can Iowa State and or Gonzaga beat Duke, you better believe it. But on the same token, that door swings both ways. It is a matter of consistency throughout the Tourney that will get us where we want to be, along with a little luck and staying healthy.
Also, let's don't forget, that's 3 wins away for us to even get to that point! That's also an Elite 8 meeting, and we haven't been there for awhile!
Go Duke!!


JC-OFC

 

[Crank_it_loud]

St Johns will struggle to score against SDSU, especially without their C.

SDSU is long and can shut down the 3pt line. Not saying Duke would lose, but it could be very tough....

 

[bshrader1]

This time of year, it isn't about common opponents or how you played against ranked competition (at least not as much) as it is about matchups. Don't miss the forest for the trees.

Iowa State has big, very physical guards, the likes of which we have struggled to defend this season. While they lack the size to defend Okafor in the post one-on-one, they are very athletic, and can really spread out a defense on the other end. They have a very athletic wing in Hogue and Niang can pull out a big.

Ultimately I think we would win a matchup against Iowa State, but make no mistake, they are very talented and would give us a tight game, IMO.

 

[HuffyJB]

Originally posted by Crank_it_loud:
St Johns will struggle to score against SDSU, especially without their C.

SDSU is long and can shut down the 3pt line. Not saying Duke would lose, but it could be very tough....

I thought that when the brackets were released. Duke has by far the highest rated 16 seed match-up, but they should still win that obviously. Then, as a 1 seed, they will likely be playing a top 30 team in the second round (SDSU is #27)! That is not an easy draw. 1 seeds don't typically have teams that high in the RPI in the second round. That is more like a Sweet 16 match-up.

 

[aah555]

Originally posted by HuffyJB:

Originally posted by Crank_it_loud:
St Johns will struggle to score against SDSU, especially without their C.

SDSU is long and can shut down the 3pt line. Not saying Duke would lose, but it could be very tough....

I thought that when the brackets were released. Duke has by far the highest rated 16 seed match-up, but they should still win that obviously. Then, as a 1 seed, they will likely be playing a top 30 team in the second round (SDSU is #27)! That is not an easy draw. 1 seeds don't typically have teams that high in the RPI in the second round. That is more like a Sweet 16 match-up.

Eh. The 8 seeds are typically 33-36. SDSU would be a bottom 6 per RPI -- which is really not that far off. I think they're certainly a solid squad that could beat us if we play a poor game. But, you really could say that about a lot of 8/9 seed. Frankly, I don't even think they're the most dangerous 8 seed in the tournament (that would be NC State) and they did also lose to another 8 seed (Cincy). After round 1, everybody in the NCAA tournament is pretty good and capable of an upset if you don't bring your best. SDSU is no different. But, if you ask me, I'd much rather get SDSU as an 8 than a number of teams seeded lower -- e.g., LSU as a 9, OSU as a 10, Texas as a 11.

 

[Tim1515]

As I pointed out in another thread...Utah is ranked #8 by Ken Pomeroy. Most of us have not seen them play but statistically they are the most difficult 3rd game for any 1 seed.

 

[vcugreg]

We've lost the benefit of the doubt. With the teams we had both years we got bounced in the first round, I honestly can't blame people for being skeptical.

We know we have a different team than those years, but we follow Duke EVERY game whereas a lot of these talking heads on the tv and radio have just seen a few of our games.

As several have said in other threads, these past few years have taught me to not look past the next opponent on that bracket. So, for me, I won't even entertain playing Iowa St. until they are our next team...

 

[DukeDenver]

Originally posted by vcugreg:
We've lost the benefit of the doubt. With the teams we had both years we got bounced in the first round, I honestly can't blame people for being skeptical.

We know we have a different team than those years, but we follow Duke EVERY game whereas a lot of these talking heads on the tv and radio have just seen a few of our games.

As several have said in other threads, these past few years have taught me to not look past the next opponent on that bracket. So, for me, I won't even entertain playing Iowa St. until they are our next team...

So how do you think VCU is going to do against Kentucky?

 

[jnastasi]

Iowa St is hot right now. It's all about being hot going into the tourney.

 

[aah555]

Originally posted by Tim1515:
As I pointed out in another thread...Utah is ranked #8 by Ken Pomeroy. Most of us have not seen them play but statistically they are the most difficult 3rd game for any 1 seed.

Eh. Not sure I believe KenPom's rankings here. Utah's best win all season is a 1 pt. OT win over Wichita State back in December. After that, their only other tourney wins were against BYU (a first 4 team) and UCLA (a team many thought shouldn't make the NCAAs). Utah lost to San Diego St., lost to KU, got swept by Arizona, got swept by Oregon, and lost to UCLA. Utah's KenPom's numbers look great b/c they often dominated in wins against mid-tier teams (e.g., a 42 pt. win over UCLA on the heals of UCLA's debacle against UK, a 42 point win against Arizona State, 28 point wins against Colorado and USC, etc. etc.). But, if you look at how Utah played against good teams -- especially down the stretch (lost 4 of 7) -- it's not really very impressive.

I think both UNC and Maryland are far more dangerous Sweet 16 opponents than Utah.

This post was edited on 3/18 12:41 PM by aah555

 

[LastWaltz]

ISU is also extremely well coached.

 

[chov1125]

Originally posted by aah555:

Originally posted by Tim1515:
As I pointed out in another thread...Utah is ranked #8 by Ken Pomeroy. Most of us have not seen them play but statistically they are the most difficult 3rd game for any 1 seed.

Eh. Not sure I believe KenPom's rankings here. Utah's best win all season is a 1 pt. OT win over Wichita State back in December. After that, their only other tourney wins were against BYU (a first 4 team) and UCLA (a team many thought shouldn't make the NCAAs). Utah lost to San Diego St., lost to KU, got swept by Arizona, got swept by Oregon, and lost to UCLA. Utah's KenPom's numbers look great b/c they often dominated in wins against mid-tier teams (e.g., a 42 pt. win over UCLA on the heals of UCLA's debacle against UK, a 42 point win against Arizona State, 28 point wins against Colorado and USC, etc. etc.). But, if you look at how Utah played against good teams -- especially down the stretch (lost 4 of 7) -- it's not really very impressive.

I think both UNC and Maryland are far more dangerous Sweet 16 opponents than Utah.

This post was edited on 3/18 12:41 PM by aah555

I like UNC's draw mainly because I have Wofford beating Arkansas in Round 2 (still awkward to say)....I don't like UNC's lack of perimeter shooting and that will cost them somewhere throughout the tourney.

I really like Maryland, especially Wells and Trimble....Normally I would say never trust a freshman in the tourney but I see Well's experience and ability to create off the dribble setting up Trimble's game perfectly and should ease him through and allow him to shake the nerves... I wish they had 1 or 2 more perimeter shooters and I might even take a shot in the dark with them against UK, but reality is I see them as an undersized Big 10 team that will get swallowed up by UK.

I agree I don't like Utah not at all...The Pac-12 was not overly impressive this year and Utah's resume doesn't show me much....I don't think they have the firepower to fight off a March underdog if said dog has a hot half. SF Austin has put up a ton of points this year, but have not played a ton of talent...I may still take a shot with them though.

 

[vcugreg]

We've lost the benefit of the doubt. With the
teams we had both years we got bounced in the first round, I honestly
can't blame people for being skeptical.

We know we have a
different team than those years, but we follow Duke EVERY game whereas a
lot of these talking heads on the tv and radio have just seen a few of
our games.

As several have said in other threads, these past few
years have taught me to not look past the next opponent on that
bracket. So, for me, I won't even entertain playing Iowa St. until they
are our next team...

So how do you think VCU is going to do against Kentucky?
____________________________________________________

LOL. Denver. They are out West this year playing OSU first game. VCU lost one of their best players in Weber near the end of the year. Such a shame too because he was so close to breaking the steals record... They made a run through the A10 tourney but I honestly don't think they will get past OSU. If they do, Arizona will shellack them.

 

[DukeDenver]

Originally posted by vcugreg:

We've lost the benefit of the doubt. With the
teams we had both years we got bounced in the first round, I honestly
can't blame people for being skeptical.

We know we have a
different team than those years, but we follow Duke EVERY game whereas a
lot of these talking heads on the tv and radio have just seen a few of
our games.

As several have said in other threads, these past few
years have taught me to not look past the next opponent on that
bracket. So, for me, I won't even entertain playing Iowa St. until they
are our next team...

So how do you think VCU is going to do against Kentucky?
____________________________________________________

LOL. Denver. They are out West this year playing OSU first game. VCU lost one of their best players in Weber near the end of the year. Such a shame too because he was so close to breaking the steals record... They made a run through the A10 tourney but I honestly don't think they will get past OSU. If they do, Arizona will shellack them.

Ha, yeah I was just kidding. I went to a VCU game this season. They just don't have much of an interior, and the ball movement is just bad, made worse without Briante. If they aren't raining threes, the first two rounds will not go their way.

 

[LetsGoDuke301]

As far as looking ahead, that was not my intention. I was more commenting on the talking heads on the radio and a few on TV.

I know a lot has to happen before that game takes place, that is why I said if they play each other that would mean that they both made it there.

I understand that ISU is capable of wining, hell, Mercer beat us last year. My only issue with all of the Iowa state love is that it comes with the discrediting of Duke.

 

[uwgbluedevil]

I feel like this is similar to 2010 when Baylor was in our bracket. Everyone was picking Baylor to beat Duke when were the one-seed, especially because it was being played in Houston.

Iowa State does worry me a bit, but again, its one game at a time. Let's worry about who we have to play Friday night.

 

[mo.st.dukie]

LetsGoDuke301, take a bow.

 

[DukeSky85]

Bravo!!!!

 

[MustSeeTV]

Damn OP! Just saw the Iowa St score and immediately thought of this thread haha. Good call man.

 

[dbav]

I have no fear of Iowa State in our bracket.

 

[LetsGoDuke301]

Well damn. Nobody gets to slap anybody.