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Sparkling D Lifts Duke To No. 2

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By JOEY JOHNSTON

jjohnston@tampatrib.com

Published: January 10, 2009

In the ACC, this week's big news was North Carolina's loss against Boston College.

The Tar Heels lost the No. 1 ranking, and maybe some hope was given to the league's under-the-radar unbeaten teams, Clemson (15-0) and Wake Forest (13-0).

But to Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, there was even bigger news.

The Blue Devils (13-1), who visit the Florida State Seminoles (13-2) today, are No. 2 in the national rankings.

"I don't think it was even mentioned in the newspapers here," Krzyzewski said.

Not that a lofty national ranking is big news for Duke. But Krzyzewski is stumping for some attention with his team, which has definitely played second-fiddle to the stacked Tar Heels this season.

Duke has been doing it with defense. It happened again Wednesday night, when the Blue Devils stopped Davidson 79-67. Davidson star guard Stephen Curry had 29 points, but had to work furiously against an aggressive switching Duke defense, which checked him with six different players.

"They put you on your heels," Davidson coach Bob McKillop said. "They expose you. They undress you."

They also get nice offensive contributions from Kyle Singler, Gerald Henderson and Jon Scheyer.

Defense, though, is fueling Duke's run. Sunday, the Blue Devils limited Virginia Tech to 13 second-half points in a 69-44 victory.

"Single digits would have been better," Scheyer said.

He was joking - we think.

Since Duke lost at Michigan 81-73 on Dec. 6, the Blue Devils have defeated five nonconference opponents by an average of 20 points. Obviously, the competitive level increases today with ACC league games.

If Duke's performance continues in league play, the Blue Devils will plenty of notice.

Reporter Joey Johnston can be reached at (813) 259-7353.

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