[College Sports News]

Duke had one big half from the field, another from the line*- and a big game from DeMarcus Nelson. Together, they put the ninth-ranked Blue Devils into the finals of the CBE Classic. Nelson scored a career-high 23 points, and the Blue Devils shot 74 percent from the floor in the first half of Monday night's 71-56 semifinal victory over Air Force.

Nelson Leads Duke Past Air Force Into CBE Finals, 71-56

[Lefty Noob]

The finals are tonight, and according to this article, Duke is to face the winner of the Texas Tech-Marquette game.

Anyone know which team won that game? And regardless of who their opponent is, will the Blue Devils be able to come away with the CBE Classic title?

[College Sports News]

Duke was held scoreless for a four and a half minute stretch at the end of the game and couldn't mount a comeback as the ninth-ranked Blue Devils (4-1) fell to No. 13 Marquette (6-0) 73-62 Tuesday night here in the championship game of the CBE Classic at Municipal Auditorium.

Duke Falls To No. 13 Marquette In CBE Finals, 73-62

[Dump Paulus]

Well what a pathetic showing last night for the Blue Devils!!! I was truly disappointed with the effort displayed by everyone. Paulus wouldn't step up (which is natural) and when McRoberts tried he was really hammered.

I sure wish we had a good point guard with some leadership capabilities!!!

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Dump Paulus

Well what a pathetic showing last night for the Blue Devils!!! I was truly disappointed with the effort displayed by everyone. Paulus wouldn't step up (which is natural) and when McRoberts tried he was really hammered.

I sure wish we had a good point guard with some leadership capabilities!!!

Welcome to GoTeamsGo, DP, and thanks for joining us. Wish we had good news to talk about with the Blue Devils, though. Duke went scoreless for the final four-plus minutes, and they manage only 20-53 from the floor. They gonna be able to rebound from this loss, DP? What's Coach K gotta do to get these guys back on track?

[Dump Paulus]

Wow!!! That's a good question? I wish I could say that coach K was going to send Paulus to the football team but I don't think that is going to happen.

I do believe that a few of things need to happen.

1. Nelson has to step up and take charge. He is an excellent player and he is coming into his own. With Dockery and Reddick gone I believe his time has come to make an impact.

2. Zoubek has to be more of a integral part of the offense. He is 7'1" and shows good potential early in this season. I hope coach K chooses to play him more and more each game and I really hope the kid picks up on all the coach has to teach.

3. The team as a whole has to play as a team. I did not see any leadership in the Marquette game. Paulus acted like he could care less if he was on the floor and showed no motivation or hussle at all. I hope that changes, Duke deserves better than that.

I guess the only saving grace is that NC came out on the wrong end of their matchup with Gonzaga. I thought I was watching the Duke team except Roy Williams was on the court side. They played exactly the same way as Duke did the previous night.

One thing is for sure is that the ACC is going to be really tough this year. If the GT / Memphis game is any thing like what we will see this year, it will definitely be an exciting yr in ACC basketball.