ACC Roundup!

You could look at the Georgia Tech-Rice score and think, well yeah, of course they won. The only thing is is that for the last couple of years, you couldn't be sure that Tech would manage to beat a team like Rice. So to hold them to 34 points is a pretty good sign in our book.

Tech held Rice to 22.9%  and completely controlled the inside- all their shots save two were three pointers.

Stop and consider that for a minute.

Tech was almost exactly the opposite: of 21 shots, only three were three pointers.

In such a low scoring game, it's no surprise that 11 points were the most anyone scored - Tech freshman Marcus Georges-Hunt.

And Clemson? Gonzaga more or less defined the undefinable term mid-major (is that like semi-lieutenant? halfway serious? what the hell does it mean?). They're always tough. Maybe what it means is they could legitimately play in any conference in the US but are in a smaller fish bowl.

Anyway, if we were Clemson fans, we'd be really happy with this performance.

Clemson is insanely young: two seniors, no juniors, seven sophs and five freshmen, counting redshirt Jaron Blossomgame.

That they were in the game with one of the nation's most solid programs until quite late speaks well of Brad Brownell's program.

Friday's games are fairly lame, but State lost a lot of respect in San Juan and they probably haven't enjoyed practice very much since. Mark Gottfried has been treated like a bit of a conquering hero, but he's a realist: he's consistently said that State didn't have a great year, they finished great, and he's keenly aware of his team's shortcomings, just as every coach is.

And we're very much mistaken if State's players aren't keenly aware of his unhappiness with their play in San Juan. Calvin Leslie reverted to CJ mode, picking up his fourth and fifth fouls on the same play (second was a technical), and his supposed new maturity got challenged.

State has a lot of talent, but after Puerto Rico, the notion that they are naturally going to cruise to greatness is over. They'll have to work for it, just like anyone else.

The good news is they have the talent to do it. Asheville could be in for a long night.

App State is heading over to Blacksburg for an inter-mountain tussle with the Hokies. We can't see them pulling the upset, but it is the day after Thanksgiving, and until the end of time, ASU teams will be told of the Big Win In The Big House to inspire them. They know it can be done, and Virginia Tech basketball is hardly Michigan football.

You'd hope Wake would handle W&M with no trouble. There's a rather significant talent disparity. But for whatever reason, Jeff Bzdelik's program has still not sunk deep roots. That said, these are the sort of games they really have to win, and W&M has more experience than Wake. Keep an eye on Tim Rusthoven. He may not show up big in the boxscore, but he's key.

Your Season Long Guide To Duke Hoops!

Duke| State | UNC

Testimonials!

I was just glad to find a magazine about Duke basketball. I thoroughly enjoyed the magazine. It was well written and very informative. A must read for any diehard Duke fan.Camille H

"I get excited enough about basketball season as it is, but this Guide has been on my screen for weeks now and I'm more excited than ever. Not just about Duke, but the whole league. There are some truly unique and remarkable stats in this book, enough to make you just itch for the games to begin and see how the players do this year. I think my favorite article is the one on athletes and social media, though. I've read it three times already! Great photos, great writing, and lots of both. This is essential. " PlanBee

"If you haven't purchased the Fan's Guide yet, what are you waiting for? It contains marvelous old-school content in a new-school format." Jerry K.

"Thanks a lot! The guide looks fantastic! I am really excited to dig in." Rick W

"Wow, huge piece of work! Congratulations. You guys never fail to provide the best a fan could ask for." Bill C.

DBR Auctions! New T-Shirts! DBR Is On Twitter!(DBRTweetz)