Big men present big problem

DURHAM -- Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski's first comment to the media Sunday afternoon wasn't about his Blue Devils. It wasn't about the disappointment he felt after his seventh-ranked Blue Devils fell 78-74 in overtime to Miami, either.

Krzyzewski instead spoke about Reggie Johnson, the center for Miami who was dominant in every way.

"I thought Johnson was spectacular," Krzyzewski said.

Indeed, Johnson was: He led Miami with a career-high 27 points and was one of the reasons the Hurricanes never trailed in overtime.

Johnson, who is listed at 6-foot-10 and 284 pounds, played tougher than Duke forwards Josh Hairston, Mason Plumlee and Miles Plumlee.

The three struggled to keep Johnson out of the paint. When the Hurricanes missed shots, Johnson was there for 12 rebounds. Plus, Johnson held Duke's trio to a combined 10 points.

"I thought Miami was more physical than us," Krzyzewski said. "They really forced us out of the paint."

Looking ahead, both Krzyzewski and the Blue Devils know what's coming at them Wednesday night.

When Duke travels to face rival North Carolina, the Blue Devils will see a pair of forwards who can have the type of game Johnson had.

The Tar Heels have 6-11 John Henson and 7-footer Tyler Zeller. Each average at least 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Before Sunday's game, Johnson was averaging just 10 points a game. But by the end of the first half, Miami coach Jim Larranaga switched his offensive game plan to center around Johnson.

"I felt like I had the hot hand the whole game," Johnson said. "Coach Larranaga was trying to ride me a lot, and my teammates found me in good position to catch a score."

In the ACC, Krzyzewski understands a surprise result in one game can turn into a trend from a strategic standpoint. Johnson's performance illustrated that.

When Florida State beat Duke 76-73 at Cameron Indoor Stadium, the Seminoles also were effective in controlling the paint by being physical.

In his preparation, Johnson noticed that.

"I watch film, and I watched the guys at Florida State and how they guarded the Plumlees," Johnson said. "That was big for me and my teammates to study that game."

One adjustment that led to a Duke rally in the second half was trapping Miami's guards once they crossed halfcourt, limiting Johnson's touches inside.

When Johnson did get his hands on the ball, the Blue Devils did a little bit of everything: guarding him one-on-one, doubling him in the post or rotating the defense to his side of the court.

No matter the situation, Johnson kept prevailing.

"We played outstanding defense on Johnson at the end of regulation," Krzyzewski said. "It was just his brute strength to score a couple of baskets."

During his postgame news conference, Krzyzewski said he hadn't thought about No. 5 North Carolina or Wednesday's game. He claimed his Blue Devils were ready for the Hurricanes.

When Duke does face North Carolina, Krzyzewski will hope he doesn't see Henson or Zeller repeat what Johnson did Sunday.