Duke, still stinging from its first ACC loss of the season, will play at Maryland tonight in a game that promises to have twice its normal passion and intensity.
Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. at the Comcast Center (ESPN Ch. 33), and the game comes four days after Duke had its 45-game home winning streak snapped by Florida State. Maryland's fans get riled by any Duke appearance, and the first sellout crowd of the season is expected.
Maryland also will name the Comcast Center court for Gary Williams, who retired after last season and is the only men's basketball coach to lead the program to an NCAA championship.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski said he was disappointed by Duke's 76-73 loss to FSU, but not by his team's effort. He knows a sharp performance will most likely be needed tonight against a highly motivated opponent.
"Poor performances are what we spend a lot of time reacting to," Krzyzewski said. "It's one reason why I think we haven't had as many over the years. If you're busting it the whole game and you lose, I'm very positive with our kids. I've been that way most of my career."
Duke (16-3 overall) is 4-1 in the ACC and in a three-way tie for first with FSU and N.C. State. Maryland (12-6) is 2-2 in the conference in its first season under Mark Turgeon.
Krzyzewski is hoping freshman guard Quinn Cook, who played just one minute against the Seminoles, will be available tonight. Cook suffered a bruised knee and was sick last week, which limited his playing time. Krzyzewski said the knee problem was not related to the knee injury Cook suffered in high school.
Krzyzewski and Williams had memorable coaching battles. Williams also was often the target of derision from Duke fans at Cameron Indoor Stadium, because he perspired heavily in the building's heat and because he coached so intently.
In games at Maryland, no matter the opponent, Williams always pumped his left arm as he walked on to the court to fire up the crowd.
Both coaches led their teams to wins on the other's home floor, and they matched strategies in ACC tournament championship games.
Now Williams will join Krzyzewski in having his school's home court forever bear his name.
"It's a big night for him," Krzyzewski said. "I'm happy for him, and it's a great honor to have your school do that, especially him being a graduate of the school."
The Terrapins will be intent on winning for Williams on his special night, but Krzyzewski and his veteran players said they won't encounter anything unusual.
"As far as them being more hostile or emotional, they are all the time," Krzyzewski said. "I don't know if that will get them more (fired up). They have a great crowd all the time when they're playing us.
"So whether the court was named after Gary before the game or not, I would expect them to give us their best shot."
Turgeon said his respect for Williams has grown since he became Maryland's coach.
"We all know how Gary got up for the Duke games," Turgeon said. "It's an appropriate night for us to unveil his name on the floor."
Maryland is hoping to have Alex Len, a 7-foot freshman center, back. Len sprained an ankle and played only seven minutes in Maryland's last game, a 73-60 loss to Temple.
Turgeon didn't know Tuesday afternoon if Len would be available. Len did not practice Monday.
"He is going to give (practice) a shot today," Turgeon said Tuesday. "He's still sore. We'll know more after practice today where we are with Alex. Obviously, we need him. We need his length and fouls for tomorrow night."
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