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So the 2007/2008 season comes to an end. And in the end, things had a familiar ring. Lose to Duke 82-70. Look marginally competitive. Season over. No post-season.
The Jackets went down big in the first half, which is a death-wish against Duke. However, they managed a big run early in the 2nd half to cut it to 2 points. For a few minutes it looked like it might actually be a game. How did they cut into something like a 19 point lead? First, Duke backed off a bit defensively. Second, GT figured out a nice pick-and-roll strategy to get penetration at the top of the key and exploit some over-playing out high. Third, the Jackets hit a bunch of shots both inside and outside and didn't miss many. Fouth, Duke went cold.
But that was it. Duke turned back up the defensive pressure and that was all she wrote. Really there were two key plays that seemed to be back-breakers. Both were the result of strong aggressive defense by the Jackets, but both resulted in easy, quick transition 3-pt hoops by Duke. Back-breakers.............. whatever.
The Jackets went down big in the first half, which is a death-wish against Duke. However, they managed a big run early in the 2nd half to cut it to 2 points. For a few minutes it looked like it might actually be a game. How did they cut into something like a 19 point lead? First, Duke backed off a bit defensively. Second, GT figured out a nice pick-and-roll strategy to get penetration at the top of the key and exploit some over-playing out high. Third, the Jackets hit a bunch of shots both inside and outside and didn't miss many. Fouth, Duke went cold.
But that was it. Duke turned back up the defensive pressure and that was all she wrote. Really there were two key plays that seemed to be back-breakers. Both were the result of strong aggressive defense by the Jackets, but both resulted in easy, quick transition 3-pt hoops by Duke. Back-breakers.............. whatever.
At the end of the day, the season was characterized by frustration for fans, players and coaches, with a few brief sprinkles of fun and excitement. The highlight was probably the victory on senior day over Clemson. Anyhow, thanks again to Jeremis Smith, Anthony Morrow and Matt Causey. Great having you here.
Looking ahead, it's going to be hard to predict what we'll have next season. Losing those three guys but only adding Iman Shumpert (for now). It's going to take maturation and development, not an influx of new talent.
Guess it's time to move on...............
Speaking of moving on, the beesball team loses 8-7 to FSU in the bottom of the 9th. Rough day.