Welp, strong first half, gave us something to root for - then an awful ending to first, and pretty atrocious second. Unfortunately ultimately got embarrassed on nat tv, not the outcome desired at all. Didn't expect a win of course, but you have to make it a competitive final, didn't even cover, and basically got run out of the gym. Duke is not as good as normal this year - barely a top 25 team, really only have 2 players - granted those 2 are VERY good. But pretty disappointing frankly. This is not the same level of a team HU has had in the past.
That said, I will say the guys played hard, they put in effort, this outcome wasn't from lack of trying - they just simply aren't good enough to play with that opponent.
The turnovers were awful, absolutely ridiculous display - bumbling the ball, dribbling off their feet, stepping out of bounds, passing the ball into the stands, getting the ball stolen out of their hands, I mean Duke has some talent of course, give them credit, but this was gross basketball from HU. This was sadly too big a moment for them to sustain a full game.
And good grief, Washington can't finish a play to save his life - seeing this all season from him. Lot's of flash getting to the basket and NEVER finishes. Infuriating. He's here for D and 3, I know, but man this guy at his experience level can't score unless it's from deep.
But positives to work from:
- Awesome experience for this team to play at Cameron! Facing that environment will pay off for them.
- I thought HU did at least try to attack the basket and the mid range, they just got routinely and completely stuffed out when doing so.
- TT, DD, and JC all played pretty well - they had a few gaffs, which hurt. TT just couldn't do enough with doubling.
- Was super pleased to see Fritz play more controlled and stay IN! Big positive from the game IMO.
- And how about HU blocking shots, that was surprising and awesome to see!
- Side Note: I managed to get the game on a big screen in a Boston bar opposite the Celtics game
had fun rooting, got a few to join!
Bottom line to me: this is still not a team at the level we've seen from HU in the past - it is a very flawed group that is using some smoke and mirrors to scratch out wins. Can it win the CAA? Sure, weak league, any of the top 4-6 probably can. I just don't see a champion yet. HU STILL has not beaten a team with a real pulse yet - all the wins are over average to below average teams. They need to prove they can beat someone with talent... obviously all that really matters is March, but they are running out of OOC opportunities to show up.