11/22--Duke Beats Purdue 53-41

Positives:
We won the game against a ranked opponent.
Free throw shooting was up significantly

Negatives:
Turnovers
Field goal shooting was awful
Offensively, it was an ugly game

I don't really quite know what has happened to Duke's offense lately. Our posts, while they're doing a great job defensively and a great job running the floor, seem to be having a difficult finishing near the basket. Our guards aren't doing so hotly either, especially with the three pointers. I'm confident that this will come. Hopefully this comes along sooner rather than later (well, tomorrow against UConn would be nice).

Another thing, and this from both games (Purdue and Temple later), I'm left a little annoyed by Coach P's comments after these games. On one hand, you love how she keeps praising the team and building up their confidence. On the other, come on, she has to know that Duke can do so much better offensively than what they are doing, starting with foul shots. Posts missing layups--not going to get it done against better opponents (again, UConn's coming up tomorrow). She keeps on saying how she loves the intensity and the grit, which is all fine and good but people know what Duke can look like and Duke so far has not looked like it. So, Coach P, maybe it's time to start harping the offensive part of the game a little bit? I know you love the heart, but what about the production? I love Duke and support the team wholeheartedly, but it sure has been tough to watch/listen to the team this year. It's been easy to cheer for the team and the individual players, no doubt, with the intensity that they've shown, but clearly something needs to be worked out offensively for everyone to be more productive and to avoid silly mistakes.

Top 5 Scorers:
Jasmine Thomas--15
Chante Black--10
Wanisha Smith--7
Joy Cheek--6
Brittany Mitch, Keturah Jackson--4

Top 5 Rebounders:
Chante Black--11
Krystal Thomas--5
Joy Cheek--4
Carrem Gay--4
Jackson, Mitchell, J. Thomas--3

Top 2 Assists:
Wanisha Smith--2
Jasmine Thomas--2

Top 2 Steals:
Keturah Jackson--3
Jasmine Thomas--2

Top Blocks:
Chante Black--4

Team Comparisons:
FG%
Duke 31.7% over Purdue 29.3% (ermmm...let's get that up, okay?)
3 PT %
Purdue 33.3% over Duke 23.5% (ummm..this too...)
Rebounds
Duke 39 over Purdue 35
Assists
Duke 9 over Purdue 8
Turnovers
Duke 20 over Purdue 25

Worrying Stat of the Day:
Shooting percentages, both FG and 3 PT ones. Our players rock offensively and they just haven't really shown it too much this year. Again, I'm not worried that it won't happen, because I'm confident it will. I just wish it would get here sooner. Speaking of that, when's Abby going to play??

Attendance:
NA--US Virgin Islands

Next Game:
Friday November 23 vs. Temple (Paradise Jam)

2007-2008 Duke Blue Devils Women's Basketball: 4-0

GO DUKE!