Well - we're back in the Elite for the third time in six years and the second in the last three. Duke's favored by 2 1/2 points as it stands.
This one is obviously going to be tough but once you're this far in the tourney, they all are. The Zags definitely sport a formidable front line and a potent perimeter that can hit the three. In my mind, however, this game is going to be won or lost in the paint. Duke has to stop giving up the number of offensive rebounds it has been. It'll make this afternoon's game a long one if Gonzaga blisters us on the boards.
On the other hand, we have Justise as the "X-Factor" in this one. The Zags don't have an answer for him and he's been rocking the south regional since last Friday. Expect Justise to lead our breaks as usual and continue to be our savior in the tourney.
Like I said before this game is likely to be won or lost in the paint. I think we'll go neck-and-neck with them with the three-ball.
Ultimately, however, I don't think Gonzaga isn't all that battled tested and it'll cost them down the stretch. If we can hit free-throws and keep the rebounding battle close, we win. On top of that, Duke has shown up and the met the challenge in every big game, all year, until the ACC Tourney Semis against Notre Dame team that just proved its for real.
Expect this one to be a fast-paced, high-scoring affair - and Duke will win.
Game is slated for a 5:05pm est and will air on CBS.
Duke 82
Gonzaga 77
GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This one is obviously going to be tough but once you're this far in the tourney, they all are. The Zags definitely sport a formidable front line and a potent perimeter that can hit the three. In my mind, however, this game is going to be won or lost in the paint. Duke has to stop giving up the number of offensive rebounds it has been. It'll make this afternoon's game a long one if Gonzaga blisters us on the boards.
On the other hand, we have Justise as the "X-Factor" in this one. The Zags don't have an answer for him and he's been rocking the south regional since last Friday. Expect Justise to lead our breaks as usual and continue to be our savior in the tourney.
Like I said before this game is likely to be won or lost in the paint. I think we'll go neck-and-neck with them with the three-ball.
Ultimately, however, I don't think Gonzaga isn't all that battled tested and it'll cost them down the stretch. If we can hit free-throws and keep the rebounding battle close, we win. On top of that, Duke has shown up and the met the challenge in every big game, all year, until the ACC Tourney Semis against Notre Dame team that just proved its for real.
Expect this one to be a fast-paced, high-scoring affair - and Duke will win.
Game is slated for a 5:05pm est and will air on CBS.
Duke 82
Gonzaga 77
GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!