Boarding Call: Brian Zoubek Pulls Down 17 As Duke Tops Terps

In 2006 Brian Zoubeck was not your typical high school senior.  The seven footer truly stood out in a crowd!  Duke fans immediatly started smiling with thoughts of this guy being the next "big" thing, especially with the lack of depth in the front court that has troubled the Devils in recent years.

Zoub was considered one of the top 30 athletes coming out of high school that year and was expected to be a key part of helping Coach k get his fourth title.  If he is, he will need a few more games like the one he had against Maryland this past Saturday.

Duke stepped onto the court with one large goal in mind, take control of the ACC.  a win over rival Maryland would do just that.

Not to mention it was K's 1,000th game, and 63rd birthday.

Zoubek provided K with one of the best presents imaginable.  a 16 point 17 rebound game in his first start of the season, and arguably his best game in a Duke uniform.  Those numbers are pretty staggering, but he did it in only 22 minutes of playing time.

On the night, Duke dominated the terps winning with realtive ease.  Playing at the friendly confines of Cameron Indoor Stadium they were able to withhold every single run made by Maryland.  Their big mean were just too much down low.

They were also able to keep Maryland's best player Vasquez from having a monster night.

The win puts Duke in the driver seat and well in front of the race that is the ACC.  This is not your typical ACC season but a regular season title is still meaningful. 

This win may have been for the ACC lead, but it could mean much more in the future.  if they can continue to get this type of play from Brian Zoubek, this team could really turn into something special!  Add a rebounding monster and true post presance to the three S's and you have a combination found only at Duke.

At a time when teams are starting to plateua this team continues to get better.  They are poised to win the ACC and make a strong tourney appearance in March.