WRAL Sports Fan

College Basketball

Duke's Ball Movement Evident in Win Over N.C. State

By Dane Huffman

Feb 1, 2008

DURHAM, N.C. — Cameron Indoor Stadium had a strange feeling in the first half Thursday night.

Many Cameron Crazies, trying to show support for environmental-friendly policies, put on green T-shirts.

And N.C. State, trying to show it can be competitive in the ACC, put on a remarkable first half that earned a 46-37 halftime lead.

The odd hue and State’s inspired play had the Duke crowd mumbling in shock.

After halftime, all that changed.

Many Crazies ripped their shirts off and put on blue ones in an attempt to restore the Cameron aura.

And the Duke team, with its suffering defense and a relentless half by Greg Paulus, pulled away for a 92-72 victory that was startling given the first half.

Underlying that blistering performance was magnificent ball-handling, a key element for this team and one that makes it much different than a year ago.

Last season, the Devils had 433 assists against 509 turnovers, a miserable effort for a program of its caliber.

That has changed this season, and that change was evident Thursday.

Duke (18-1, 6-0 ACC) had six assists and seven turnovers in the first half.

In the second half, the Devils’ ball movement was magnificent, with players spaced out across the floor in shooting position and the ball zipping from one Devil to another to create open shots.

Duke had nine assists, and four turnovers, in the second half.

Duke senior DeMarcus Nelson said that in the past, the Blue Devils funneled the ball to players like J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams, stars who could score and create their own baskets.

But this year, the team is more balanced, and ball movement is more important.

“That’s something we talk about,” Nelson said. “With our versatility, we have guys who complement each other. …

“And ball movement is key to that.”

Much of Duke’s play in the second half was remarkable to watch. The key stretch came early in the second half as the State wilted under Duke’s pressure.

Greg Paulus made three straight three-pointers to tie the score at 55 and Duke took the lead on a basket by Gerald Henderson in transition.

After a second straight State turnover, Paulus shot downcourt with the ball and then flipped behind his back to Kyle Singler for a dunk. Paulus unleashed a scream as Cameron erupted.

“Paulus put us on his back to get us back in the game and get us that little lead,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “It seemed like everybody then just picked up. DeMarcus has been the guy that’s been doing that for us, but I thought Greg did that tonight. DeMarcus played real well but it was Greg tonight hitting the shots and putting pressure on the ball. He had six assists and no turnovers, so it was one of his best games here at Duke.”

Paulus had plenty of help. Singler had 19 points and Henderson and Nelson each had 18. Duke also made 9 of 20 three-pointers as the Blue Devils moved the ball around for open looks.

“They were knocking down threes – everybody was knocking down 3s,” State point guard Javi Gonzalez said. “That was the game there.”

“Our three-point shooting was sensational in the second half,” Krzyzewski said. “It was because we really shared the ball.

"There were some beautiful connecting plays. And our defense was outstanding.”

Gonzalez didn’t start but played well, subbing in early in the contest when starter Marques Johnson struggled against Duke’s full-court pressure.

Gonzalez had a solid first half and finished with five points, three assists and three turnovers.

Gavin Grant was brilliant for State, scoring 26 points, and freshman center J.J. Hickson battled inside for 14 points and 10 rebounds.

But the start of the second half was the undoing of the Wolfpack (13-7, 2-4).

“I thought we came out ready,” Lowe said. “But they came out with more aggressiveness.”

And more balance and ball movement.
All that – once the blue shirts were back – was too much for N.C. State Wednesday night.