Jan. 17--Not long after his former assistant coach's team celebrated victory on the court that bears his name, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski did some name-dropping of his own.
His target: Notre Dame point guard Demetrius Jackson, who dropped 24 points to go with four assists Saturday during the Irish's 95-91 win, their first at Cameron Indoor Stadium in eight tries all-time.
"When you have someone like him, he should handle the ball," Krzyzewski said. "He is a pro. He is a big-time player."
Krzyzewski wasn't done.
"Him on the court gives you a chance to beat anybody because he understands his weaponry and he doesn't get tired," Krzyzewski continued. "He is an old, strong guy and he is perfect mentally. He is just really poised. He is a terrific player."
Jackson, a junior and former McDonald's All-American, played all 40 minutes of the Irish's biggest victory of the season against the defending national champions, who have just five home losses against 105 wins since 2009-10.
He wasn't alone, of course. Steve Vasturia had 22 points and four assists. Bonzie Colson chipped in 31 points and 11 rebounds.
But Jackson stood out. To both coaches.
"Demetrius and Steve were fabulous," Notre Dame coach Mike Brey said, "but mainly Demetrius. He called a great game. ... He's grown so much as a quarterback and a guard and a leader."
Notre Dame improved to 6-20 all-time against Duke, with four of those coming under Brey's direction. Saturday's victory was Notre Dame's fourth in five games against the Blue Devils.
Notre Dame fell by 30 -- 90-60 -- last season at Duke, 10 days after defeating the Blue Devils in South Bend, Ind. The Irish also topped the them in an ACC tournament semifinal.
"It was a game where depth wasn't a factor (Saturday)," Brey said. "You're going to wear everyone down. Both groups were exhausted. Maybe we had a little more juice at the end, but we're a little older."
Notre Dame (12-5, 3-2 ACC) plays Virginia Tech on Wednesday.
