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AP: Smith's Performance Key in Duke's Win
3/21/2010 9:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Athletics
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duke guard Nolan Smith had hoped to face Louisville — where his father, the late Derek Smith, once played — on Sunday.
But California's first-round win knocked Louisville out of the NCAA Tournament and created a challenging matchup for Smith.
He responded with one of the best games of his career as Duke used tight perimeter defense to earn a 68-53 win and advance to the South Regional semifinals. Duke (31-5) will play No. 4 seed Purdue (29-5) at 10 p.m. Friday in Houston.
Smith played a huge role in getting the Blue Devils to the regional semis. He was assigned to defend the Pac-10 player of the year, Cal guard Jerome Randle.
"From the get-go, I really wanted to make it clear that I was going to be in his jersey the whole game," Smith said. "That was the game plan."
Check out the full story at newsobserver.com.
But California's first-round win knocked Louisville out of the NCAA Tournament and created a challenging matchup for Smith.
He responded with one of the best games of his career as Duke used tight perimeter defense to earn a 68-53 win and advance to the South Regional semifinals. Duke (31-5) will play No. 4 seed Purdue (29-5) at 10 p.m. Friday in Houston.
Smith played a huge role in getting the Blue Devils to the regional semis. He was assigned to defend the Pac-10 player of the year, Cal guard Jerome Randle.
"From the get-go, I really wanted to make it clear that I was going to be in his jersey the whole game," Smith said. "That was the game plan."
Check out the full story at newsobserver.com.
Players Mentioned
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