Kyrie Irving returns as Duke takes on Hampton.
NCAA Bracket Update: Kyrie Irving Returns As Duke Blows Out Hampton
No. 1 Duke had no problems with No. 16 Hampton in its 2011 NCAA Tournament opener, winning in a blowout, 87-45. The Blue Devils put on a clinic to No. 1 seeds on how to handle a lowly team like Hampton, racing ahead early and never letting the Pirates get into the game. But the bigger news was the return of point guard Kyrie Irving from injury.
Irving certainly looked a bit rusty, but his return from a toe injury in December went far better than most could have expected. He ended with 14 points on 4-8 shooting, to go along with four rebounds and two steals. Sure, it was Hampton, but it’s still a significant return that makes Duke that much scarier. Andre Dawkins added 13 for the Blue Devils, while no Hampton players scored in double figures.
Read Article >NCAA Tournament Update: Kyrie Irving Returns As Duke Routing Hampton
No. 1 seed Duke is routing No. 16 seed Hampton, 39-22, in its first 2011 NCAA Tournament game, which isn’t a surprise. The Blue Devils jumped ahead early and have maintained a comfortable lead throughout. The Blue Devils haven’t been lights-out, but they have been good enough.
No, the real story is that Kyrie Irving has returned. Irving checked in right after the first television timeout, making his first appearance since suffering what most felt was a season-ending toe injury in December. Irving played briefly, scoring two points on two free throws. He also has one rebound and one turnover, which was an offensive foul call on his first possession.
Read Article >NCAA Bracket Predictions, Preview: No. 1 Duke Vs. No 16 Hampton
As for Duke, they enter the NCAA Tournament for the second-straight season as a 1-seed. And for the second-straight season, a lot of college basketball fans don’t think the Blue Devils deserve that distinction. That didn’t seem to bother Coach K’s squad too much last year when they won the National Championship and we should all know by now not to underestimate Coach K in the NCAA Tournament. Their bracket has it’s potential pitfalls (Texas, UConn) but it also has what’s considered the weakest 2-seed (San Diego State), making this bracket very winnable or America’s Non-Sweethearts.
Prediction: Duke should win this one running away, 88-65, but not without a little scare from the Pirates early on.
Read Article >
