their guys and they have a huge team,” said Lance.
“We knew that if we played our hearts out like that, the
outcome was going to be a win.” Lance went out and
delivered a double-double, asserting himself as arguably
the most valuable player on the floor with three blocks,
a steal and great hustle plays to go with his 11 points
and 10 boards.
It was a man’s game and the Blue Devils earned the
W because our guys were a step quicker to loose balls
and rebounds, displaying a focused intensity all week
long that culminated in a solid 40 minute-performance
at the Garden. Veteran upperclassmen LT, Jon, Zoubs,
Kyle, and Nolan have been through it all, and the group
displayed an impressive desire to win combined with a
savvy understanding of how to make it happen.
“Duke physically handled us,” said UConn coach Jim
Calhoun after the game. “Quite frankly, they outwilled
us and did the things you need to do to win a game.”
“They just wanted the offensive rebounds more than
us and that killed us,” said standout UConn guard Je-
rome Dyson.
“We missed 53 shots and we had 56 rebounds,” said
Coach K. “You know, that’s a very unusual game. But
it’s a game where both teams played with a lot of heart
and we feel very privileged to have won this game and
the NIT Championship.”
After all the debate about shooting, transition offense,
athleticism, and size, this one ultimately came down to
heart and will. And the Blue Devils proved, most impor-
tantly to themselves, that this team’s identity can and
should start with its competitive spirit, unwavering grit,
hunger to win, and considerable toughness.
•
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