#8 Ohio State @ #14 Duke - 11/30

[mainejeff]

This should be an interesting match-up on Thursday @ 7:00pm on ESPN2.

I'm picking Duke in an upset here.

Both of these teams are on Maine's upcoming gaunlet of road games with the Black Bears facing the Buckeyes on Sunday and then 2 weeks later @ #6 Mississippi State (12/17) & @ Duke (12/19). Those 2 games in 3 days are just plain nasty!

 

[USFMB]

I'm rooting for Ohio State.

First, because USF and Duke are near each other in the polls.

Second, because USF gets to play Ohio State at home on 2/11 and we want them highly ranked when we beat them.

 

[Gate81]

I'll be shocked if Duke wins, given OSU's recent games (except Louisville, which seems to be the real deal this year). Or maybe it's just wishful thinking because as a Bay area resident that's better for Stanford given its OSU losses PLUS we all know that JPM is such an underperforming coach. Then we get to watch for the post-game tire tracks.

 

[Carnac]

These are the games that help us gauge and form an intelligent opinion/decision on how good a particular team is. At the beginning of the season, how can you tell how good a team is if all of their opponents come out of a bakery, or are mid-majors that are nowhere near their level talent, strength or maturity?

UConn has proven their #1 ranking is well deserved by defeating 4 ranked teams right out of the box. They will solidify that ranking Sunday when they handle the Irish of Notre Dame by double digits.

 

[willtalk]

I'll be shocked if Duke wins, given OSU's recent games (except Louisville, which seems to be the real deal this year). Or maybe it's just wishful thinking because as a Bay area resident that's better for Stanford given its OSU losses PLUS we all know that JPM is such an underperforming coach. Then we get to watch for the post-game tire tracks.

And you know that JPM is an underperforming coach how? From all the negative comments you hear about her on the internet. Do you even actually follow the program and understand the variables involved?. Also what difference will the outcome to the Ohio State game make once Oregon St, who lost to Duke, Beats Stanford other than they played Ohio St. twice and might only play Oregon state once. Of course what also need to be considered is that Oregon States SOS will effect the entire conference where as Ohio St. ranking will only effect them twice. One would probably need a computer program to actually figure out which scenario would work out better for Stanford in the long run.

 

[mainejeff]

Duke up a dozen at the half.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Mitchell is 4-13 and 2-8 in 3s. She'll keep shooting of course.

 

[BigBird]

Mitchell is 4-13 and 2-8 in 3s. She'll keep shooting of course.

Yet the talking heads are still singing her praises. I wonder sometimes if we are watching the same game.

 

[noirwestern]

Well crap. It was Duke's game to lose and looks like they've decided to do just that. Can't say much for either one of these clubs except so much talent, so little coordinated play.

 

[Geew1992]

When the announcers say the foul is on Lexi brown as duke goes to the free throw line

 

[huskeynut]

5 minutes to go and Duke up 66 - 57.

 

[JordyG]

I'm really impressed with Duke's patience, their resolve and their ability to execute. When OSU came back to tie after being down 17 they stayed with the plan with a 9-0 run.

 

[Plebe]

When the announcers say the foul is on Lexi brown as duke goes to the free throw line

She has a name and it's Pam Ward. She is ... uninspiring.

 

[JordyG]

Greenwell still having problems when doubled at the half court. Duke working that high post screen to death.

 

[BigBird]

Ms. Ward just noticed that “Mitchell has shot the ball a lot.” Noooooo. Really?

 

[BigBird]

Frequently, both teams exhibited really bad fundamentals. Bad shot selection, sloppy passes, etc.

 

[JordyG]

How did Duke win this game? Don't lose the game in transition. Walk the ball up. High post screens, slip screens, ladder screens, rub screens, curls and patience, patience, patience. 21 TO's for Duke and OSU couldn't take advantage against the matchup zone. With the occasional box and one.

 

[HuskyFan1125]

I'm really impressed with Duke's patience, their resolve and their ability to execute. When OSU came back to tie after being down 17 they stayed with the plan with a 9-0 run.

5th year seniors in the backcourt add to that (Brown and Greenwell)

 

[BlueDevils]

Ohio State just did not come ready to play and we did. South Carolina next!

 

[Suebird10fan]

When the announcers say the foul is on Lexi brown as duke goes to the free throw line

I was starting to question my sanity on that one, repeated multiple times. Yikes!!!

 

[JordyG]

Add to how Duke won. OSU (McGuff) continues to show an offense and defense that lacks discipline, passion, and a winning philosophy. Mitchell is a chucker and always will be. The team has little depth and little talent beyond Mavunga (a transfer) and Mitchell. Unfortunately McGuff hasn't shown he's a very good recruiter either. When Mitchell leaves this team is looking at 3 maybe 4 years of not making the NCAA's.

 

[Checkmate]

Frequently, both teams exhibited really bad fundamentals. Bad shot selection, sloppy passes, etc.

so true, neither team deserved to win. Duke had 21 turnovers and many more passes were deflected .. The Ohio State was killed on the boards , as well as sloppy on offense.

 

[EricLA]

Nice win for Duke. How lucky are we as UCONN fans to be able to dissect a game like this pointing out all the flaws and ways that UCONN would NEVER execute (on both sides of the ball).

I was rooting for Duke. Not a fan of tOSU. Any program that hires the dad of a star player to get her to come to their program is not a school I can root for...

I was talking with Ken (Milford) about Kelsey - I don't think she's going to be as successful in the pros - she's a volume shooter who needs to take a LOT of shots to get her points, but she can do so because she's the "best" player on her team.

In the pros, when surrounded by teammates as good or better than she is, the voluminous shots won't be allowed. She will need to be a more efficient shooter.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Mitchell shooting! 9-27 and the 3 component of that 4-17

 

[HopJim]

Nice win for Duke. How lucky are we as UCONN fans to be able to dissect a game like this pointing out all the flaws and ways that UCONN would NEVER execute (on both sides of the ball).

I was rooting for Duke. Not a fan of tOSU. Any program that hires the dad of a star player to get her to come to their program is not a school I can root for...

I was talking with Ken (Milford) about Kelsey - I don't think she's going to be as successful in the pros - she's a volume shooter who needs to take a LOT of shots to get her points, but she can do so because she's the "best" player on her team.

In the pros, when surrounded by teammates as good or better than she is, the voluminous shots won't be allowed. She will need to be a more efficient shooter.

Impressed by Duke. Well rounded team. Good defense and rebounding. Seemed to run exactly same offense as UConn.