Duke v OSU

[Peake]

1. It is at Ohio so I expect OSU to play very well.

2. You should be able to tell within the first 5 minutes or so if Duke is shooting the ball well. If they are this will be a game.

3. The battle down low. Expect Miles Plumlee to use all 5 fouls down low. Sully should be able to face up and take either Kelly or Mason Plumlee off the dribble.

4. Can OSU keep Austin Rivers out of the lane? When he slashes good things happen for Duke.

5. Can't let Dawkins set up and shot.

I think OSU gets it done at home, but Duke sticks around and makes it a free throw contest the last 2 minutes.

[run-n-gun]

Ohio State is on a, what, 27 game home win streak? I don't expect them to lose. Sully should go off inside, Craft should handle Rivers pretty well. He probably hasn't seen a defender like him yet this year. And I have a feeling Bufford goes off tonight.

[Peake]

I agree with most, but Hardaway Jr is the best defender in the conference, so Rivers has seen as good or better. I doubt Rivers get "handled" by anyone this year.

[ACCBiggz]

I think Ohio State wins but I'll say this, if Duke wins they should be (but won't be) #1 in the nation. They've played a great schedule thus far. Belmont was considered pre-season as one of the top mid-majors this season, Michigan State and then three games in three days in Maui vs. Tennessee, Michigan and Kansas. And now Ohio State? Strong.

[seofan_via_dublin]

Just heard Duke had to take two separate planes to get here - 1 for the team, and 1 for the Austin Rivers hype.

[underthemound]

I'm pretty sure Hardaway Jr. wasnt recognized on the Big Ten all defensive team last year. Craft and Jordan Taylor are the only returners to the conference with that title. He's a good defender but in my opinion and many others behind those two.
Just wanted to throw that in there (may be a little bias).
GO BUCKS!

[Peake]

Hardaway Jr was THE TOP DEFENDER for the US National Team.

I will take Hardaway Jr over Craft on D.

[3morethan2]

don't have to be on the all defensive team to be a good defender. I doubt that craft handles rivers...besides that i think Ohio State wins in a close game don't see anyone really stopping Sullinger but I wouldn't be surprised if Duke wins, been battle tested this year, Ohio state hasn't besides florida

[underthemound]

Rivers out of the game within the first 4 minutes. Couldn't handle the pressure!

[Gregg811]

Good first half by the Bucks. Keep it going second half.

LETS GO BUCKS!!!

[seofan_via_dublin]

Can't decide what's better, Bucks first half, or Coach K crying about not getting calls.

Hey coach, they don't call the flop in the Big 10!!!

[Bleeding Red]

Rivers is a special player.

Ohio State is a special TEAM.

[Steely Dan]

Can't decide what's better, Bucks first half, or Coach K crying about not getting calls.

Hey coach, they don't call the flop in the Big 10!!!

Could not have said it any better myself. Keep rolling Bucks. Thad Matta has no real PR issues, nor do his players. Wow, that is refreshing...........

[Bleeding Red]

Can't decide what's better, Bucks first half, or Coach K crying about not getting calls.

Hey coach, they don't call the flop in the Big 10!!!

His crying is paying off to an extent. Duke has gotten several reach in calls that were considered just good defense the first half.

[seofan_via_dublin]

Great gameplan from Matta to not get caught up in slowing down Rivers with Craft.

Instead Craft has made Steph Curry a non issue.

Rivers is very good, but OSU has focused on stopping the Duke team, not the Duke star.

[TribeManiac10]

OSU looks like the real deal at this point.

[seofan_via_dublin]

Curry came in shooting 57% from 3, tonight 1-6 so far.

AARON CRAFT!!!

[gymrat88]

Great performance by the Buckeyes! Sullinger did a solid job throughout of controlling the boards and getting his points. Craft was brilliant as usual, and Thomas showed off his offensive skills. The Buckeyes were extremely motivated to win this game. Duke looked stunned by the quick start, and they were not physically prepared for the Buckeyes strength and athleticism and were not mentally prepared for the emotions from the crowd and team. Great win for Ohio State. Keep it rolling!

[Gregg811]

a great win...complete domination by the Buckeyes.

LETS GO BUCKS!!!

[bdubya]

Well, that sucked.