The king is dead

By Barry Jacobs

Posted: March 8, 2007

A youngster behind the basket nearest the Duke bench waved a sign that said, simply, “Dynasty,” the capital D rendered in the same Gothic script used by the Blue Devils. But all dynasties come to an end, no matter how contorted the definition, and so tonight the most remarkable streak in ACC Tournament history was snuffed by the last program to prevent Duke from reaching the finals.

“It really hurts a lot,” said Duke junior DeMarcus Nelson, "because I’ve here two years, my last two years I’ve won the tournament.”

N.C. State last beat the Blue Devils in the ACC Tournament in the 1997 quarterfinals. Since then, Mike Krzyzewski's squads went on a run of nine consecutive championship appearances. The 85-80 overtime victory by the 10^th-seed Wolfpack, fueled by a personal-best 30 points from forward Brandon Costner, improved its record to 16-14 and sent seventh seed Duke home with its third overtime loss in three tries this season.

The fortunes of lower seeds have now sprouted in all three opening round games. Earlier, Florida State beat Clemson in a 9-8 matchup, and No.12 Miami ousted fifth seed Maryland. Krzyzewski cited this as evidence of the ACC’s strength and balance.

Duke won the previous meeting between these two teams, at Raleigh in January, but point guard Engin Atsur was absent for the Pack due to a hamstring injury. This time the missing party was Duke wing Gerald Henderson, suspended for a game after his harsh blow injured North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough last Sunday.

This was the second time in three seasons a team missing a key, suspended performer went out quickly in the ACC Tournament at the hands of N.C. State. Wake Forest, the second seed, lost to the Pack in the 2005 quarterfinals without guard Chris Paul.

There was little surprise in Duke’s demise, as its defense proved little obstacle for the third straight game. N.C. State made a stunning 60.8 percent of its shots, the school’s best in the ACC Tournament in seven years and the best against Duke this season. “We executed our offense extremely well,” said Sidney Lowe, one of nine ACC players who went on to coach in the league.”We took what was there, and then we got big stops down the stretch.”

Duke had five players in double figures, including guard Marty Pocius, whose 14 were a career high but not enough as Duke fell to 22-10.

4 Comments

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You are right Duke1977, I am not exactly sure how McRoberts got away without a charge. It could have been due to the couple of "extra" steps that State took going to the basket, but hey, they all do it, but those who did not make it through yesterday, better luck in the NCAA or NIT. BUT for those who are moving on or have not played yet.... BE AFRAID... BE VERY AFRAID! I am a die hard UNC fan and from what I saw yesterday... Its all about who wants it more bottom line. Of course I want my heels to go all the way, but no "B" games allowed, only the "A" game matters now and they all better bring it!

unc4ever
March 9, 2007 9:20 a.m.

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it was not called a charge because in would have been macbaby's 5th foul, the towel boys ran out of towels so they could not have clean up his tears if they called a charge.

Heelz1
March 9, 2007 9:09 a.m.

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I agree with Nick- No one from Duke let alone McRoberts stopped NCSU's drives to the basket. I was glad to get the points when McRoberts dunked over the State player but why isn't that charging? For years it seems like it's a foul if you wave at a guy driving the lane but let McRoberts jump onto someone and nothing is called. It's the same way with what used to be "over the back" calls on rebounds. They don't seem to call that much any more.

Duke1977
March 9, 2007 8:46 a.m.

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I think Josh McRoberts has been trying to do a little too much lately. He needs to realize that when he is double teamed, there is another player open for a pass. It frustrates me to sit and watch Duke blow games in the last 5 minutes, just as they did tonight.

I do think Duke found a new player in Pocius, though. Hopefully he will come through for them in the NCAA.

Anyone care to explain to me how McRoberts made the all-defensive team? He got owned by NC State ALL NIGHT! Not a good showing by Duke, hopefully they turn it up next week.