Despite the record of the Johnnies (10-13, and on an 11 game losing streak), the seats in Madison Square Garden filled up rapidly for what would be a memorable matchup between Duke and St. John’s.
As a sellout crowd was emerging, a long time season ticket holder was asked, “any prediction today?”
The response was to the point. “Pain, …pain,” and, after a five second pause, “Duke pain.”
The game began with Tariq Owens tipping off against Duke’s sensational freshman, Marvin Bagley III.
Bagley won the jump, and it was noted that Bashir Ahmed was defending Duke’s senior star, Grayson Allen.