Sunday, March 09, 2008

Duke vs. North Carolina

Last night North Carolina # 1 in the nation went to play Duke # 5 in the nation. It was a great battle and a wonderful game. There was a great deal on the line for the winner. The winner would:

- be the ACC regular season champs
- be # 1 seed in NCAA tourney and play in NC
- bragging rights against their biggest rival

If there was one sporting event that I would go to if I had a chance, it would be this game at Duke. Intensity is unbelievable and the fans there are nuts (crazy as they like to be called).

The sea of blue, the jumping up and down and the noise would be unbelievable to experience live. In this post is some of the photos of the fans and the game. Kevin captured some great shots and they really give you a feel for the game. Here we go:


Pre Game

Dick V. loves college basketball and he loves this enviorment and he goes "crazy" during the calling of the game. I thought he did a great job last night. Here he is having fun before the game.



DURHAM, NC - MARCH 8: Sports commentator Dick Vitale surfs the Cameron Crazies before the game between the Duke Blue Devils and the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium March 8, 2008 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C.

The Duke fans gave the UNC coaches and players some harrassment over their injuries, so called injuries and the injuries reports that they give. The Duke fans below are trying to show some of their creativity.



DURHAM, NC - MARCH 8: The Cameron Crazies hold up a mock injury report for the North Carolina Tar Heels during warmups before they face the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium March 8, 2008 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C Cox)

If you are a Tar Heel and come into Duke to play a game, you have to be calm, cool and collective and have "thick skin" because they are going to ride you hard as seen in the photo below:



DURHAM, NC - MARCH 8: Marcus Ginyard #1 of the North Carolina Tar Heels tries to ignore getting heckled by the Cameron Crazies during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium March 8, 2008 in Durham, North Carolina. North Carolina defeated the Duke Blue Devils 76-68. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Getty Images


It was an aggressive game and there were some unbelievable defensive stands. Here is one example of the tough UNC defense that came in to play:



DURHAM, NC - MARCH 8: Danny Green #14 of the North Carolina Tar Heels blocks a dunk by DeMarcus Nelson #21 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium March 8, 2008 in Durham, North Carolina. North Carolina defeated Duke 76-68. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Tyler Hansbrough may be the player of the year. He is a gutsy player who plays hard and gives 100% every second on the court. He is a big man that loves to pound hard in the lane. he gets the rebounds and puts it back in. His FG% was down a little last night and he did not get to the free throw line despite all the banging; yet he still had 16 points and 15 rebounds. Here is a photo that is very common, shooting with two men on him.



DURHAM, NC - MARCH 8: Tyler Hansbrough #50 of the North Carolina Tar Heels shoots over Lance Thomas #42 and Kyle Singler #12 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium March 8, 2008 in Durham, North Carolina. North Carolina defeated Duke 76-68. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

UNC pulled the victory out in the end. Their D clamped Duke in the last 4 mins. Danny Green gave the fans, we are better sign, by lifting his jersey as he went off the court.



DURHAM, NC - MARCH 8: Danny Green #14 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates their 76-68 win over the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium March 8, 2008 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

It was a great game and I am glad that I was able to tune in. If anyone wants to lay down some serious cash and get me to this game next year, I would be forever greatful to you.

If Lawson can stay healthly, I think UNC will win the tournament this year. Yes, he only had 10 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists but his leadership on the court and his quickness as a guard is undeniable and he along with Hansbrough in the middle will cut down the nets.

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