In a week of jaw-dropping futility by the top-ranked men's college basketball teams in the country, one stood tall.
Well, Five stood tall.
After #1 Kansas, #2 Ohio State, #3 Texas and #4 Pittsburgh all lost this week, the fifth-ranked Duke Blue Devils smothered Georgia Tech, 79-57, in a game that may put the former #1 team back in that slot after the other top contenders' struggles.
Playing in front of their faithfully-energized fan base, on Coach K Court, the Blue Devils had some trouble with the Yellow Jackets' energy and athleticism early, but righted the ship after Coach Mike Kryzewski was fired up on a no-call for a charge and received a technical for arguing. Pumped by their fearless, excellent leader, the Blue Devils swarmed in a long-shooting, post-charging attack that overwhelmed the Jackets.
Naismith Player of the Year candidate Nolan Smith had 28 points and 7 rebounds. Senior Kyle Singler rebounded from the single-lowest scoring output of his career (2 points vs. UVA) with 15 points and added 9 rebounds, and forward Mason Plumlee had 9 points and 9 boards in a game that was over at halftime. Once they righted the ship and had the adrenalien pumping, the Devils led by 9 at the half and raced skyward after that, ending the game with only two of their starters (guard Seth Curry and forward Ryan Kelly) on the floor.
Duke was #1 for the season's opening weeks-coming off a National Championship Game win over Butler-until they lost to conference rival Florida State. A surprisingly tough loss to unranked St. John's sunk them lower, but they've recovered, showing particular tenacity in a gritty win over rival North Carolina at home two weeks ago.
Could they be back at No. 1 when the polls come out tomorrow?
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