Encouraged.

There are many words I could use to describe my post-game feelings after the 79-73 loss, but I’d say above all, that’s the one I’d pick.

No, they didn’t get the win. Yes, it was disappointing and frustrating. Particularly since they lead for most of the game. Carolina took their first lead with five minutes remaining in the game. But Duke played well for the most part against what is likely the most talented team in the country. Jon Scheyer and Gerald Henderson were just outstanding. Paulus played well, also. Josh McRoberts got into foul trouble for the second straight game (his 4th with over 11 minutes left), and that hurt a little in the last 10 minutes as Carolina began to pound it inside.

However, what ultimately may have done them in was their second half free throw shooting. I don’t know what the final numbers were, but they were 2-9 at one point, after shooting 100% in the first half. They make some free throws, they may win the game. There’s just no excuse for that.

Their defense was great against Hansbrough throughout most of the game (he played better after McRoberts got his 4th foul.) He was clearly frustrated. Brandan Wright, however, was a difficult matchup and had a great game. But overall, they played very good defense, and as I’d hoped, it gave them a chance.

But, for the third straight game, they couldn’t quite close it out. That’s now 4 conference losses by an average of less than 3 points. They’re almost there, but not quite.

I feel slightly better about the rest of the season, although it’s still not any easier. But hopefully, assuming they can win their home games (and I think they will), they can still finish at least .500 in the ACC if they can steal a road win. It will be very difficult to win at Chapel Hill, so they’re going to have to get one at BC, Maryland or Clemson, which will be a tall order. What hurts is that they’ve lost three in a row, but it should only have been one. They should have won both of the last two games.

Despite Maryland’s success over Duke this decade which I mentioned in the last post (seven wins since 2000), only three of those wins were at College Park. Duke is 4-3 this decade at Maryland, so maybe they can steal another one there this weekend. BC and Clemson will be difficult due to “controversy” of past games (the game at BC last year. the Clemson game a couple of weeks ago at Cameron.) They’re both looking for payback.

So, a disappointing loss, but still encouraging. They’re getting better, and that’s what is most important right now. I thought they’d be farther along by now, but they’re making progress. I hope that, despite the loss tonight, their confidence will be high going into the next two games on the road. It should be. They proved they can play with the best tonight. Although it will be tougher on the road, there’s nobody on their schedule they can’t beat. They just have to go do it.

That’s all for now. I’ve got to go order one of these.