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Duke Falls To Louisville In Overtime, 80-73

Duke was so close but couldn’t quite get it

By JD King
Virginia Tech v Duke
 DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 22: Matthew Hurt #21 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots over Isaiah Wilkins #1 of the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 22, 2020 in Durham, North Carolina.
Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

There are losses to be upset about and losses to be sad about. Duke’s loss to Louisville Saturday night was not one to be upset about because Duke played with immense heart and was absolutely worthy of winning.

It’s just that they didn’t.

You could point to various inflections and say if only they hit more free throws...if only that shot had gone down...if only Louisville had missed...if only the refs...

Well scratch that last one.

The main thing to remember about this game is that Duke has grown up.

In the first half, Duke let Louisville’s defense rattle them. In the second? Louisville knew they were in a fight. They knew Duke wasn’t going to quit. They showed some closeups of various Cardinals and there was fear and worry on their faces.

Because Duke showed the heart and fight for which Duke is famous.

Matthew Hurt was especially impressive because he finished with 37 points on 15-21 from the floor. But more than that, he chased greatness. He was brilliant.

Mark Williams, who is still catching up strength wise, fought. So did Wendell Moore. So did DJ Steward, Jordan Goldwire, Jaemyn Brakefield, Joey Baker and Jeremy Roach.

Sometimes you fight and it’s just not enough. But great teams, great programs, don’t quit fighting.

And Saturday night, Duke didn’t. That’s why, despite the loss, we were sad but not upset: they maintained the standards of excellent for which Duke is known.

We couldn't be more proud of the effort we saw.

Jim will be along soon with his take.

Poll

Player Of The Game vs. Louisville

This poll is closed

  • 1%
    Wendell Moore Jr
    (4 votes)
  • 90%
    Matthew Hurt
    (352 votes)
  • 0%
    Mark Williams
    (2 votes)
  • 0%
    DJ Steward
    (3 votes)
  • 1%
    Jordan Goldwire
    (4 votes)
  • 0%
    Jaemyn Brakefield
    (3 votes)
  • 2%
    Joey Baker
    (10 votes)
  • 2%
    Jeremy Roach
    (10 votes)
388 votes total Vote Now

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