From the Winston-Salem Journal - 2/18/04: <a href='http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ%2FMGArticle%2FWSJ_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031773743695&path=!frontpage&s=' target='_blank'>A Fan-tastic Feeling</a>

Quote:Yesterday, the day before Duke's return to Joel Coliseum for tonight's 9 p.m. rematch, Strickland was asked to recount perhaps the most pleasant memory of his freshman season.

"The crowd was a big part of us winning that game," Strickland said. "When we were down they were there to the end. And when we got up, they were still right there. Out of the two years I've been playing, I think that Duke game last year was probably the biggest impact the crowd has had on a game I've ever seen.

"It's just a great memory. When you think about it, sometimes you wish you could go back to those days and feel the glory of it. But that's in the past, and hopefully we can come in (tonight) and do the same thing and hopefully the crowd will be there supporting us until the end."

Here's hoping that the Deacs can make it 2 in a row over dook at the Joel!!

Okay, at the half, I think some interesting statistics should be acknowledged:

Battle of the Point Guards
Duhon (senior PG) - 4 points, 2 assists
Paul (freshman PG) - 4 points - 5 assists

Nod to Paul on the matchup so far

Rookie of the Year matchup
Deng: 11 points
Paul: 4 points

However as we all have discussed, it isn't just straight stats that make the difference in ROY...it's what you do for & bring to your team. Paul is leading Wake at both ends of the court & directing the team into an effort that, but for a last second Ewing 3 pointer, would have Wake within 2 at the half after being down as much as 9. Paul has also stripped Deng twice...things of beauty! I actually have to agree with dookie V & Mike Patrick because even they say Paul makes more of a difference to his team than Deng does.

Other points of note:
1)Levy on Redick is the perfect choice! Redick with a mere 2 points & 3 fouls. Gotta love it!
2) I'll give some credit to Nick Horvath...he's making the most of his minutes & looks to have more coordination on the floor than I've ever seen. Yes, he's pulled some punk moves on Trent Strickland, but the refs were on top of it. As much as I usually dislike Karl Hess & dook Edsell, they are calling a pretty decent game (*gasp*).

I'm enjoying the heck out of this game...haven't sat down the entire time. It's another barnburner & I'm hoping that Wake can make it 2 in a row over the dookies in Winston. :)

Head to head competition:

Chris Paul - 23 points (8-12, 2-3 from 3 point land, 5-5 from the line)
Luol Deng - 20 points (8-15, 0-2 from 3 point land, 4-5 from the line)

And I'll say it again...Paul leads his team, Deng merely plays for his team.

And just for nate:

Duhon: 12 points (5-13, 2-5 from 3 point land, didn't make it to the line)

Senior vs. freshman...I'd say the senior got some schooling.

Wake 90
dook 84

<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>It's a great day to be a Demon Deacon!</span>

That was a big time win. Paul is incredible.

Awesome game! Paul has got to be the rookie of the year although he plays like a much more seasoned player. (Unlike Deng who sometimes is completely lost on the court)

Congratulations!

doh

This win has definetly helped our confidence the last couple of games.