Duke Game Thread

Okepka got schooled by Okafor
CO fouled out - had 2 points and NO blocked shots
Hope this helps convince him that he needs to come back next year
He has improved but is definitely not ready to play at the next level right now
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I think Obekpa played very good deny defense againts Okafor...Okafor got away w/a lot of overt pushing to create space...should have been called a number of times especially early in the game...Okafor is a better player - plain and simple...but you cant say that Obekpa played poor defense...

That said, he should come back and try to mirror the offensive improvement that Syracuse's Christmas has displayed in his senior year
 
I
Debilitating loss for SJU.

I think when the book is closed on this season we will look back to this game and see that we had given up 53 innthe first 32 minutes vs Duke and 24 in the last 8 minutes And we will say "that's where we lost the chance to right the ship this season."

I think that it's absurd that our conference record is 2-4 based on the way we played for the majority of this game. We had a top 5 team on the ropes the whole day, so the 2-4 conference record is a reflection on an inept coach. We ca t finish games because our guys get tired. Same thing happened vs Nova. I know, I am rehashing but this goes to Lavin recruiting 6 big east players (and I don't even think we can call Phil Greene a BE player).

For once I cant say the refs did a bad job. They actually gave us the gift three pointer befor half where the shot clock expired. Even Ray Charles can see that.

So now we play out the string. Yes there's still 12 games plus the BET but this team is too inconsistent despite the talent being there to offer any hope of a resurgence this year. We prob go to Creighton and lose Wednesday. They are due for a win and have been close on a few occasions. Is there a team other than us they are happier to see?

I feel for the kids. they play their hearts out especially Harrison and Pointer. Jordan is brilliant then he commits a critical foul when a Duke player is shooting a three and he also completely disappeared second half and comitttedfour turnovers. NBA ready my ass. Obekpa today too ZERO blocks. He better not go pro either. Not ready. Oakafor was way superior today.

So it was a great performance for 32 minutes with the ending we all wish never happened. I would've been happier with my 98-71 prediction I wouldn't be this frustrated at least.
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Disagree. With pretty much everything you said.
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Today was a chance to get a signature win we desperately needed and we had a double digit lead with eight minutes to go and lost. That's the reality. With losses against nova the zags butler the hall and now Duke it's time to start winning these games if we are gonna make a push. We can't be happy with a close game against Duke. We should've won 100% today and we blew it. moral victories will get us to the NIT or less at this point.
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1. When the season began, were we supposed to win this game?
2. When we went off at 11-1, were we supposed to win this game?
3. When Harrison got hurt, could you expect we'd even be in the game?

i'll answer for you - 1. No 2. No 3. No

Today would have been a phenomenal win for this year's edition, but if Harrison's injury is affecting his play, no one in their right mind could expect a win today.

Any questions?
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Beast, folks on message boards are the only ones saying Harrison's poor shooting is being caused by a minor calf injury. He is not saying it and neither are the coaches. I think he is just having bad games. As for Duke, I am not impressed. This team is very vulnerable and the Miami beatdown at Cameron proves my point. Even our much maligned redmen should have won this game with a little smarter shot selection and perimeter defense. Okafor did not beat us today the Duke guards did!!
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Just having bad games? Have you watched him? He can't elevate on his shot. He just barely hits the front of the rim on many shots. He can't take his first quick step from the top of the key. The step which usually results in him either getting to the rim, getting fouled or both. He's not racing up and down the court like he usually does. There's other telltale signs. That's not a slump, thats an injury. I don't care what anyone says or doesn't say.
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For certain. Staff concurs by the way.
 
I
Debilitating loss for SJU.

I think when the book is closed on this season we will look back to this game and see that we had given up 53 innthe first 32 minutes vs Duke and 24 in the last 8 minutes And we will say "that's where we lost the chance to right the ship this season."

I think that it's absurd that our conference record is 2-4 based on the way we played for the majority of this game. We had a top 5 team on the ropes the whole day, so the 2-4 conference record is a reflection on an inept coach. We ca t finish games because our guys get tired. Same thing happened vs Nova. I know, I am rehashing but this goes to Lavin recruiting 6 big east players (and I don't even think we can call Phil Greene a BE player).

For once I cant say the refs did a bad job. They actually gave us the gift three pointer befor half where the shot clock expired. Even Ray Charles can see that.

So now we play out the string. Yes there's still 12 games plus the BET but this team is too inconsistent despite the talent being there to offer any hope of a resurgence this year. We prob go to Creighton and lose Wednesday. They are due for a win and have been close on a few occasions. Is there a team other than us they are happier to see?

I feel for the kids. they play their hearts out especially Harrison and Pointer. Jordan is brilliant then he commits a critical foul when a Duke player is shooting a three and he also completely disappeared second half and comitttedfour turnovers. NBA ready my ass. Obekpa today too ZERO blocks. He better not go pro either. Not ready. Oakafor was way superior today.

So it was a great performance for 32 minutes with the ending we all wish never happened. I would've been happier with my 98-71 prediction I wouldn't be this frustrated at least.
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Thought you'd emerge and knew you'd be happy.
Lavin probably saved his job today so you and your boys can remain angry for many years to come.
Thanks for dropping by.
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Make sure u tweet that sweetie. You've done well with that.
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Still pissed I was correct Jordan?
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Right it's too bad he transferred.

Thank God we had a guy that looked just like him playing today.
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He was history and got talked out of it.
You question my Diallo tweet from last month at the PC game?
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I didn't see ur Diallo tweet I hope it's good news for the program. But if u think today's game saved Lavin's job you are mistaken. It's already a done deal and SJU cannot afford to continue paying his salary and his staff's salaries. They are in the jay wright/jt3 area and we don't get those results. hes out.
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If you are going to come on here and make those statements about Lavin's job, please cite your sources. Or stop with the rumor mongering. It's not very ethical.
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He shouldn't have to cite $hit. People come on here all the time and spout rumors about 17 year old recruits and you don't ask em to name their sources.

Yes, he is calling for the head of a BASKETBALL COACH that makes $1.5 million dollars. Part of the reason said coach makes $1.5 million is because of public scrutiny that comes with the position. He also has a very well compensated staff compared to a huge part of the business, so do not feel sorry for Steve Lavin. This is a results business.
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Bullspit! If you're going to come on here and make outrageous statements that Lavin is done, etc etc, then cite your sources. Otherwise it's just your opinion and its rumor mongering and gossip. This is not the same as saying a recruit is interested. Two totally different situations.
 
I
Debilitating loss for SJU.

I think when the book is closed on this season we will look back to this game and see that we had given up 53 innthe first 32 minutes vs Duke and 24 in the last 8 minutes And we will say "that's where we lost the chance to right the ship this season."

I think that it's absurd that our conference record is 2-4 based on the way we played for the majority of this game. We had a top 5 team on the ropes the whole day, so the 2-4 conference record is a reflection on an inept coach. We ca t finish games because our guys get tired. Same thing happened vs Nova. I know, I am rehashing but this goes to Lavin recruiting 6 big east players (and I don't even think we can call Phil Greene a BE player).

For once I cant say the refs did a bad job. They actually gave us the gift three pointer befor half where the shot clock expired. Even Ray Charles can see that.

So now we play out the string. Yes there's still 12 games plus the BET but this team is too inconsistent despite the talent being there to offer any hope of a resurgence this year. We prob go to Creighton and lose Wednesday. They are due for a win and have been close on a few occasions. Is there a team other than us they are happier to see?

I feel for the kids. they play their hearts out especially Harrison and Pointer. Jordan is brilliant then he commits a critical foul when a Duke player is shooting a three and he also completely disappeared second half and comitttedfour turnovers. NBA ready my ass. Obekpa today too ZERO blocks. He better not go pro either. Not ready. Oakafor was way superior today.

So it was a great performance for 32 minutes with the ending we all wish never happened. I would've been happier with my 98-71 prediction I wouldn't be this frustrated at least.
Click to expand...

Thought you'd emerge and knew you'd be happy.
Lavin probably saved his job today so you and your boys can remain angry for many years to come.
Thanks for dropping by.
Click to expand...

Make sure u tweet that sweetie. You've done well with that.
Click to expand...

Still pissed I was correct Jordan?
Click to expand...

Right it's too bad he transferred.

Thank God we had a guy that looked just like him playing today.
Click to expand...

He was history and got talked out of it.
You question my Diallo tweet from last month at the PC game?
Click to expand...

I didn't see ur Diallo tweet I hope it's good news for the program. But if u think today's game saved Lavin's job you are mistaken. It's already a done deal and SJU cannot afford to continue paying his salary and his staff's salaries. They are in the jay wright/jt3 area and we don't get those results. hes out.
Click to expand...

If you are going to come on here and make those statements about Lavin's job, please cite your sources. Or stop with the rumor mongering. It's not very ethical.
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Tony nothing is final imo. However, talk or rumors started as soon as we missed the dance last year and failed to show up for our NIT game at Carnesecca. When the recruiting went south last year the wishful thinking by some fans became louder as evidenced on all the fan boards.
Personally, I don't think Lavin and Chris Monasch have a great relationship and both are trying to keep their jobs with our AD more than willing to throw Lavin under the bus. A few old influential fans have not been supportive of the Lavin record but imo the final decision by the President will be based more on future potential than past mediocrity. Lavin can argue mitigating circumstances such as his illness, loss of parent, players leaving unexpectedly early which clearly has affected continuity and his record.
If he puts together a strong recruiting class there is no incentive to fire him this year. The wild card that will hurt Lavin is his team imploding so unfortunately every game will be a play in game to the post season. I think money is the least of the factors at present.
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People voice their opinion on here all the time. And it's just that; opinions. But when guys come on and make declarative statements like its a fact, thats when they have zero credibility. I completely get that rumors fly everywhere and all the time. But at least you qualified your statement by saying that they are rumors, and not done deals. Some posters should be more honest and say that it is their opinion and nothing more. That's all I'm saying.
 
I thought the atmosphere at the Garden was electric, our boys were excited to play. After their initial punch we regrouped, exploited their front court, and finished the 1st half strong. (Interesting that a few Duke fans near me noted that Okafor doesn't like hard contact, so they understood JDR playing as a body to hit him). We were in control until the 8 minute mark, their bigs asserted themselves, the guards hit threes, and we turned it over recklessly in that span. We fouled their guards, they fouled Chris, and it got away from us. I also think that Duke, at the 8 minute mark in the second half, wanted it more and had the talent to get it. We don't. I also think that D'Lo needs a break, Jordan and Dom played well, and the SJU fans, save those that screamed during the Anthem, were great. I was happy to be there
 
I
Debilitating loss for SJU.

I think when the book is closed on this season we will look back to this game and see that we had given up 53 innthe first 32 minutes vs Duke and 24 in the last 8 minutes And we will say "that's where we lost the chance to right the ship this season."

I think that it's absurd that our conference record is 2-4 based on the way we played for the majority of this game. We had a top 5 team on the ropes the whole day, so the 2-4 conference record is a reflection on an inept coach. We ca t finish games because our guys get tired. Same thing happened vs Nova. I know, I am rehashing but this goes to Lavin recruiting 6 big east players (and I don't even think we can call Phil Greene a BE player).

For once I cant say the refs did a bad job. They actually gave us the gift three pointer befor half where the shot clock expired. Even Ray Charles can see that.

So now we play out the string. Yes there's still 12 games plus the BET but this team is too inconsistent despite the talent being there to offer any hope of a resurgence this year. We prob go to Creighton and lose Wednesday. They are due for a win and have been close on a few occasions. Is there a team other than us they are happier to see?

I feel for the kids. they play their hearts out especially Harrison and Pointer. Jordan is brilliant then he commits a critical foul when a Duke player is shooting a three and he also completely disappeared second half and comitttedfour turnovers. NBA ready my ass. Obekpa today too ZERO blocks. He better not go pro either. Not ready. Oakafor was way superior today.

So it was a great performance for 32 minutes with the ending we all wish never happened. I would've been happier with my 98-71 prediction I wouldn't be this frustrated at least.
Click to expand...

Disagree. With pretty much everything you said.
Click to expand...

Today was a chance to get a signature win we desperately needed and we had a double digit lead with eight minutes to go and lost. That's the reality. With losses against nova the zags butler the hall and now Duke it's time to start winning these games if we are gonna make a push. We can't be happy with a close game against Duke. We should've won 100% today and we blew it. moral victories will get us to the NIT or less at this point.
Click to expand...

1. When the season began, were we supposed to win this game?
2. When we went off at 11-1, were we supposed to win this game?
3. When Harrison got hurt, could you expect we'd even be in the game?

i'll answer for you - 1. No 2. No 3. No

Today would have been a phenomenal win for this year's edition, but if Harrison's injury is affecting his play, no one in their right mind could expect a win today.

Any questions?
Click to expand...

Beast, folks on message boards are the only ones saying Harrison's poor shooting is being caused by a minor calf injury. He is not saying it and neither are the coaches. I think he is just having bad games. As for Duke, I am not impressed. This team is very vulnerable and the Miami beatdown at Cameron proves my point. Even our much maligned redmen should have won this game with a little smarter shot selection and perimeter defense. Okafor did not beat us today the Duke guards did!!
Click to expand...

Just having bad games? Have you watched him? He can't elevate on his shot. He just barely hits the front of the rim on many shots. He can't take his first quick step from the top of the key. The step which usually results in him either getting to the rim, getting fouled or both. He's not racing up and down the court like he usually does. There's other telltale signs. That's not a slump, thats an injury. I don't care what anyone says or doesn't say.
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For certain. Staff concurs by the way.
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The staff that "concurs" played him most of the game. His "injuries" are relatively minor. Luckily Rysheed and Pointer took up the slack. If a player says he is fine but ends up hurting the team and if he insists then it up to the trainer and coaches to protect that player. Utilizing more Branch and even the walk on in 2 minute spurts would have then made a big difference in the outcome since Harrison is a poor defender even when 100%. The last second 3 at the end of the first half certainly had elevation but his 10 foot chippies that were short were a killer. The staff apparently had no problem having him take 14 shots.
 
I
Debilitating loss for SJU.

I think when the book is closed on this season we will look back to this game and see that we had given up 53 innthe first 32 minutes vs Duke and 24 in the last 8 minutes And we will say "that's where we lost the chance to right the ship this season."

I think that it's absurd that our conference record is 2-4 based on the way we played for the majority of this game. We had a top 5 team on the ropes the whole day, so the 2-4 conference record is a reflection on an inept coach. We ca t finish games because our guys get tired. Same thing happened vs Nova. I know, I am rehashing but this goes to Lavin recruiting 6 big east players (and I don't even think we can call Phil Greene a BE player).

For once I cant say the refs did a bad job. They actually gave us the gift three pointer befor half where the shot clock expired. Even Ray Charles can see that.

So now we play out the string. Yes there's still 12 games plus the BET but this team is too inconsistent despite the talent being there to offer any hope of a resurgence this year. We prob go to Creighton and lose Wednesday. They are due for a win and have been close on a few occasions. Is there a team other than us they are happier to see?

I feel for the kids. they play their hearts out especially Harrison and Pointer. Jordan is brilliant then he commits a critical foul when a Duke player is shooting a three and he also completely disappeared second half and comitttedfour turnovers. NBA ready my ass. Obekpa today too ZERO blocks. He better not go pro either. Not ready. Oakafor was way superior today.

So it was a great performance for 32 minutes with the ending we all wish never happened. I would've been happier with my 98-71 prediction I wouldn't be this frustrated at least.
Click to expand...

Disagree. With pretty much everything you said.
Click to expand...

Today was a chance to get a signature win we desperately needed and we had a double digit lead with eight minutes to go and lost. That's the reality. With losses against nova the zags butler the hall and now Duke it's time to start winning these games if we are gonna make a push. We can't be happy with a close game against Duke. We should've won 100% today and we blew it. moral victories will get us to the NIT or less at this point.
Click to expand...

1. When the season began, were we supposed to win this game?
2. When we went off at 11-1, were we supposed to win this game?
3. When Harrison got hurt, could you expect we'd even be in the game?

i'll answer for you - 1. No 2. No 3. No

Today would have been a phenomenal win for this year's edition, but if Harrison's injury is affecting his play, no one in their right mind could expect a win today.

Any questions?
Click to expand...

Beast, folks on message boards are the only ones saying Harrison's poor shooting is being caused by a minor calf injury. He is not saying it and neither are the coaches. I think he is just having bad games. As for Duke, I am not impressed. This team is very vulnerable and the Miami beatdown at Cameron proves my point. Even our much maligned redmen should have won this game with a little smarter shot selection and perimeter defense. Okafor did not beat us today the Duke guards did!!
Click to expand...

Just having bad games? Have you watched him? He can't elevate on his shot. He just barely hits the front of the rim on many shots. He can't take his first quick step from the top of the key. The step which usually results in him either getting to the rim, getting fouled or both. He's not racing up and down the court like he usually does. There's other telltale signs. That's not a slump, thats an injury. I don't care what anyone says or doesn't say.
Click to expand...
For certain. Staff concurs by the way.
Click to expand...

The staff that "concurs" played him most of the game. His "injuries" are relatively minor. Luckily Rysheed and Pointer took up the slack if a player says he is fine but ends up hurting the team if he insists then it up to the trainer and coaches to protect that player. Utilizing more Branch and even the walk on in 2 minute spurts would have then made a big difference in the outcome since Harrison is a poor defender even when 100%. The last second 3 at the end of the first half certainly had elevation but his 10 foot chippies that were short were a killer. The staff apparently had no problem having him take 14 shots.
Click to expand...
Two different issues. No doubt staff allowed him to play most of game & take a lot of shots. I'm sure he said he was fine. That said, he does have a calf injury which is hampering him in my opinion. Not making excuses or defending anyone, just noting what staff said. If you think they are misleading us, take it up with them. I have no interest going back & forth with you on this. It doesn't mean much to me either way 72.
 
For those who went to the game, what was the % of St. John's to Duke fans?
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Hard to tell since St. John's led for much of the game and during that stretch it "sounded" like 60-40 St. John's. Most of the upper level did appear Duke fans.
 
For those who went to the game, what was the % of St. John's to Duke fans?
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Hard to tell since St. John's led for much of the game and during that stretch it "sounded" like 60-40 St. John's. Most of the upper level did appear Duke fans.
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I was in the 200s and it seemed to me like it was pretty even to me up there.
 
There were duke families at the game - dressed up in their duke outfits. One of them sitting in front of us watched a movie on their laptop during a good stretch of the game. It was a first.
 
There were duke families at the game - dressed up in their duke outfits. One of them sitting in front of us watched a movie on their laptop during a good stretch of the game. It was a first.
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They are sure strange
 
I was happy with the turnout. I'd say 50-50. Students were out behind the basket so the rumors of them selling their tickets was greatly exaggerated.

Damn what could have been. I'm so damn pissed but not at our guys. They left it all on the court so I'm definitely happy about that.

God I freaking hate Duke
 
Here's what I took from the game:

1. D'Angelo is hurting us far more than helping at this point. Maybe if we weren't so thin and desperate for wins, he could have rested the last few games and been ready today. He is a warrior that is taking his pain like a man. He must be hurting plenty to be shooting so poorly of late.

2. Lack of depth is showing in the end game. It's not our only issue, but it has to play a role in the 6 losses, all of which were up for grabs until the last 5 minutes or so.

3. Duke was unconscious the last minutes. Some 3's they hit were just plain tough shots, as were the old fashioned threes. We tried, but in the end they had more play-makers and size.

4. Lack of size and a few strong rebounders is a problem for teams that can't shoot. We shot well, then the wheels fell off in the last 8 minutes. We were mostly one and done from then on.

5. We have no inside scoring capability. That makes us easier to defend. And Duke is no defensive giant.

6. I don't ever recall announcers pointing out the most basic mistakes made by players as often as they do with us. It's not bias; we just make too many boneheaded rookie mistakes. Problem is that there are no freshman out there on which to place the blame.
 
Here's what I took from the game:

1. D'Angelo is hurting us far more than helping at this point. Maybe if we weren't so thin and desperate for wins, he could have rested the last few games and been ready today. He is a warrior that is taking his pain like a man. He must be hurting plenty to be shooting so poorly of late.

2. Lack of depth is showing in the end game. It's not our only issue, but it has to play a role in the 6 losses, all of which were up for grabs until the last 5 minutes or so.

3. Duke was unconscious the last minutes. Some 3's they hit were just plain tough shots, as were the old fashioned threes. We tried, but in the end they had more play-makers and size.

4. Lack of size and a few strong rebounders is a problem for teams that can't shoot. We shot well, then the wheels fell off in the last 8 minutes. We were mostly one and done from then on.

5. We have no inside scoring capability. That makes us easier to defend. And Duke is no defensive giant.

6. I don't ever recall announcers pointing out the most basic mistakes made by players as often as they do with us. It's not bias; we just make too many boneheaded rookie mistakes. Problem is that there are no freshman out there on which to place the blame.
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I still believe that absent Jahlil Okafor we would have won this game,even with Duke's bevy of all Americans. I would not be surprised to see Duke lose 2 of their next 3 games.
 
The place was mad crazy with people. It was odd to see the Garden packed to the ceiling, especially when they have not even opened up the 200 level or above for every game this year that I have been at.

Personally I was pleased and pleasantly surprised that the Garden was filled with as much Red as there was. While obviously there was a huge Duke presence (not surprising given the circumstances) I thought the crowd was a bit more of a St. John's crowd than a Duke crowd.

As for the game itself, to me, it was like a play in Three Acts. Most enjoyably in Act Two, St. John's drummed Duke like they were a team from the lower half of the America East Conference. During those twenty four plus minutes we outscored the Blue Devils 51 to 30. The Duke part of the crowd was virtually silent while Dom and Rysheed looked more like lottery picks than Okafor did. Unfortunately Act two was preceded by Act One, when Duke sprinted to a 21 to 10 lead and was followed by Act Three, when Duke closed out the game on a soul crushing 26 to 7 run.

That all being said the Garden was rocking during Act Two and it was nice to see the place packed to the ceiling, with St. John's dominating the action for a really long stretch of the game. If you stayed, like me, for the Iona-Niagra game, (played in front of a crowd of about 800 people) you realize the stark contrast between what our program could be and is at its most exciting and what lower level programs are.
 
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