Bob Holliday: McRoberts, Paulus Key In Duke's Win Over Wake

This was a much different Duke team today than the one which lost its last two regular season games. Freshmen Josh McRoberts and Greg Paulus made themselves major factors against Wake Forest. Their timing could not have been better. Star J.J. Redick had to leave the game midway through the first half with a bruised knee. He returned. But today Redick was not forced to shoulder the scoring load.

McRoberts and Paulus combined for 31 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. Both made key defensive plays and handled the ball almost completely without error. So even when DeMarcus Nelson fouled out, McRoberts and Paulus helped keep the Deacons at a distance. Particularly noteworthy were two late game plays with Duke up ten: McRoberts' offensive rebound slam and a feed from Paulus to the breaking Roberts for another slam. Suddenly Duke's lead grew to 14 points, and what little life Wake Forest had left after two big wins and a stout first half against Duke, seeped out after McRoberts twin throwdowns.

For the day, Duke put four players in double figures, one of its most balanced scoring efforts all year. Win or lose against Boston College, the Blue Devils appear better positioned for a deep run into the NCAA Tournament than they did before the ACC Tournament began.

-Bob Holliday