Editor's
Note: Updates are complete. [8:30 PM 2/9/2007]
The Nutshell
In one of the most dominant defensive performances in the history of the
program, Duke held the #1 offense in the country to just 53 points on 27%
shooting from the floor. Three of UNC's four stars were held to just 6-29
from the floor, and that included player of the year candidates Ivory
Latta (a jaw-dropping 3-20 and 0-11 from three) and Erlana Larkins (1-8).
Duke outrebounded the Heels, had fewer turnovers and survived a
foul-plagued game to nurse a narrow lead throughout the game, and then
take over in the last seven minutes after the Heels had tied it at 47-all.
Duke's seniors played out of their minds on defense, with Harding
dominating Latta and Bales playing Larkins to a draw. Ali found time to
shut down center LaToya Pringle (2-11) in her spare time. Wanisha Smith
was the offensive star in the first half with 17 points, while Abby Waner
had 11 of her 16 in the second half. Duke's bench played 34 minutes and
made some crucial plays as every Duke player battled foul trouble. UNC
was in the bonus six minutes into the second half, and only their ability
to get to the foul line kept them in the game. UNC had held a mental edge
over Duke the past couple of seasons, but they were never able to get Duke
to crack in this game. In this brutal, physical war of attrition, it was
the Heels who looked worn down at the end and Duke who looked fresh and
aggressive. Duke still has to face UNC in Cameron and Maryland on the
road, but this game was a major plus in their quest to get the #1 seed in
Greensboro.
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