Today’s South Regional finals matchup features two of the best offensive teams in college basketball. The Duke Blue Devils come into this game with one of the best players in freshman center Jahlil Okafor, a projected lottery pick along with an impressive lineup of freshman talent in Justise Winslow, Tyus Jones and Quinn Cook. The team is averaging 80 points per game ranking them fourth in the nation. In a 63-57 win against Utah in the Sweet 16, the Utes held Okafor to just six points completely shutting him down in the second half. But Winslow was able to pick up where Okafor lacked scoring 21 points proving this team is stacked with offensive weapons. Gonzaga, also stacked with offensive talent, comes into this game ranked 10th in the nation offensively. A win for the Bulldogs would mean two firsts. First win against a #1 seed and first final four appearance in school history. Gonzaga’s biggest advantage over Duke is their experience. Forward Kyle Wiltjer, a transfer from UK, is one of the top scorers in the nation and senior point guard Kevin Pangos has had a tremendous showing throughout the tournament.
Despite not having their best offensive game against the Utah, Duke was able to advance thanks to their defense. A full court press had the Utes flustered causing several turnovers which led to easy baskets for the Blue Devils. If the Bulldogs hope to be successful tonight they’re going to have to be able to handle Duke’s pressure and get the ball to the middle of the floor, something Utah was never able to do.
Prediction
Coack K and Duke will cut down the nets to advance to the program’s 16th Final Four. The Blue Devils have too much depth for the Bulldogs.
Who: No. 2 Gonzaga (35-2) vs. No. 1 Duke (32-4)
What: NCAA South Regional final, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. CST
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston. TV: CBS.