Simms wrote:

It is currently halftime, so you may see the "Stay Tuned" screen.  The new A10 ad is awesome too:

https://vimeo.com/117428302

 The conference has done a tremendous job of rebranding.  Our commissioner deserves a ton of respect.  I just wish we could start an A10 vs Big East tournament, but I know that the Big East would never agree to it because they suck.  

 

I wish they would just kill the audio for the ads but keep the video rolling like they did last year.  The new HD cameras are much better. 
 

There's the defense we know and love.

The Dukes didn't display much intensity in the second half of either of their first two games.  Hopefully, that won't be the case on Friday against Penn State.  It would be nice heading into Florida with a perfect 3-0 record.
 
LET'S GO IRON DUKES! 

Just a quick question, up by 24 with 3:48 left what was Sanders or in fact any first line player still doing in the game.

As matter of fact tonight the subs actually built the lead a bit at the end. Still not very smart.

Dukes2012 wrote:

Also, that refereeing was ridiculous. The refs needed to take a step back. There were way too many soft fouls called. Ruined the flow of the game.

Amen.  Those of us at the scorer's table were bracing for a long night at the rate they were calling fouls.  At some point just let them play and get on with our lives.

Also loved how the refs complained when we stretched the lone called timeout of the second half into the media timeout which we are required to do by NCAA rules...

WEB, as someone stated above, I think the bench will shorten as the competition improves. At this point, I don't mind the full sale hockey line changes, as it's a good chance to get guys experience. That is more important IMO then trying to beat these outmatched teams by as much as possible

Giving up a wide open 3 wasn't the way I wanted to see the game start, but after that the Dukes played a very good first half.  The defense was much better than it's been, but with Micah Mason being as hot as he was I thought they should have been looking to get him the ball more.

The defense slipped in the second half and the offense cooled but we still won by 20 so no complaints.

Darius Lewis had another fine game with at least 10 rebounds.  His playing is much improved so far.  If it continues on Friday our chances of getting a win will be pretty good.

Hopefully Powell will be back on Friday.  He should be out of the doghouse by then unless he finds a way to stay there.  I seem to recall Bill Clark having some issues early in his career and he found his way onto the nominee list for the 100th anniversary team.  Here's hoping TySean Powell can follow that example.

I think the refs did call to many touchy fouls and it was a miserable second half to watch. If the team can shoot this hot from behind the arc they could be very dangerous. The defense did get off to a slow start, but they did keep the 20 point lead the entire game. Looking forward to penn state, looks like they are struggling to score as they only put up 62 points against VMI. Hopefully all of you on the board show up because the students will be on break and I know it is light up night downtown. I think the PSU game will be a good indicator of where this team is. Castro played decent in the first half but had 3 T.O's back to back in the second. I think he if he cut off his mullet he may play better! GO DUKES! SHOO-SHOO RAW-RAW

While you guys are being lulled by wins over two weak opponents, Jim Ferry is starting to be Jim Ferry again. Defense disappears in the second half, according to our man Zac. Lineup goes 4 small, per WEB. And the core three will start playing 38 minutes per game again soon. From what Dome says above, I'd guess Powell (whom some projected for greatness here) is a goner. That gives you only two post players with experience (Lewis and Robinson) plus Sanders. Gill is basically a very tall 3 at this point.

But the bright side is 2-0. If Mason can continue to shoot well (and Colter) you at least have that "puncher's chance."

Sanders' ankle twist is something that happens. Hopefully not a lingering issue. Our training staff seems better than the Colleary days when plantar fasciitis used to wipe out full seasons for kids. For the record, I'm not calling for walkons to get minutes unless you have true garbage time. You have a couple young/new guys who should get as many minutes as possible because once the competition becomes real you're going to see Ferry go to the four small Iron Dukes lineup.

Said it before: not sustainable in the A10. Which is why I still lack confidence in either the coach or the team. Maybe the Penn State game can change my mind.

CLK wrote:

We played good defense in the first half, but holy smoke we gave up 48 points and was outscored by 7 in the second half.  Guys no matter how anyone tries to spin it that is not good.  This is the second game in a row where the wheels came of in the second half.  Honestly they look like two different teams, Ferry needs to fix this. 

Craig MeyerVerified account ‏@CraigMeyerPG 12h12 hours ago Duquesne G Derrick Colter: “If we keep letting them score like that in the second half, we’ll lose that, if it’s against a real A-10 team.”


Random thoughts:

- Castro 2 assists and 4 turnovers in 16 minutes. 
- 19 team turnovers
- 29 of 52 total shots by the Dukes were three point shots.  The good news they were hitting 48%
-  Steel looks like a steal for the Dukes
-  I hope Sanders is OK.  I believe in HS he had an ankle injury that sidelined him for most of his Jr. year
- James is not a 4 I hope that is the last time we see that
- If they can get the ball to Robinson he will score.  Progressing but needs to play better defense.
-  Mason what can you say...terrific.
-  What the heck is up with Powell? 

- Attendance 1,016.  Pathetic schools spirit as usual in the A J Slumber Center.  No student involvement. 

Karlo Zovko ‏@Kzovko 12h12 hours ago  I had no clue Duquesne even had a game. Part of the problem. Students are not involved or informed


Big game against PSU.  If the Dukes come to play all 40 minutes I think we win. 



 

Regarding Castro, there is some talent in there.  He has control and knows how to use his body when driving for layups.  This is a classic case of knowing what you are good at and not in terms of his struggles. 
I didn't have an issue with really any of the trey balls.  They all were good shots. 
Steel looks solid already
James isn't a 4.  We know this and Ferry knows this.  The game was out of reach and he was messing around with resting guys.  I highly highly doubt Eric James is a 4 in an A10 game. 
Regarding Zovko, it won't hurt to print out a schedule back in August when it comes out.  This is a poor excuse. 

duq81, because some folks are frustrated and disgusted with what this program has become does not make them haters.  Most like me are sick and tired of losing and hearing excuses.  If you look at this team objectively and point out the weaknesses that does not make you a hater.  We are all hoping that we have a breakout season and make the NIT.