I'd make UConn about 2.5 if they blow out 'Bama like they did their first three opponents.
Of course there are numerous factors to consider, the two biggest being Okafor's back and Duhon's leg. Also, any other injuries that could occur in Sunday's game could factor in.
But let's not count our chicken yet, there is still a matter of Rolling Alabama and Red Hot Xavier to finish.
Of course there are numerous factors to consider, the two biggest being Okafor's back and Duhon's leg. Also, any other injuries that could occur in Sunday's game could factor in.
But let's not count our chicken yet, there is still a matter of Rolling Alabama and Red Hot Xavier to finish.
What in the world is going on here?
Duke was clearly better than UConn all year long. Duke schools Seton Hall and Illinois, and they have 1 bad game vs. a hot Xavier team that was beating top 20 teams by double digits.
UConn get "byes" into the final four basically beating no one. This team has a home/road dichotomy. They had to play in Phx, now serious travel. Okefer is banged up and he was never that good an offensive player.
Public team: U Conn. "Right" side..........AMAZING.........It is Duke for once.
Duke was clearly better than UConn all year long. Duke schools Seton Hall and Illinois, and they have 1 bad game vs. a hot Xavier team that was beating top 20 teams by double digits.
UConn get "byes" into the final four basically beating no one. This team has a home/road dichotomy. They had to play in Phx, now serious travel. Okefer is banged up and he was never that good an offensive player.
Public team: U Conn. "Right" side..........AMAZING.........It is Duke for once.
Fezzik,
Duke was never clearly better than UCONN. UCONN was the preseason #1 because they have the best collection of players...and they still do. Duke did not "school" Illinois, they were lucky their opponent couldn't shoot the ball that night.
UCONN beat very good teams in Syracuse and a hot Bama team, and whipped both soundly.
Duke lost 4 games down the stretch after a hot start. UCONN was in better form late.
I can't imagine how travel has any effect at this point and with 6 days to rest.
Duke is similarly a much better home team as well.
Is Okafor more banged up than Duhon? Duhon has forgotten that he's allowed to shoot. If Reddick is blanketed where do the points come from? Position-by position, UCONN is clearly the better squad.
As for "public team", I'd call it a wash here. But in any case they just can't make either team major chalk here because any underdog would get support. That said, 2 points isn't much and UCONN is the better squad. I'd call UCONN the "right" side, but then again, that's why it's called an OPINION. I made my line UCONN -3.5 so I think the Huskies have some value here.
Duke was never clearly better than UCONN. UCONN was the preseason #1 because they have the best collection of players...and they still do. Duke did not "school" Illinois, they were lucky their opponent couldn't shoot the ball that night.
UCONN beat very good teams in Syracuse and a hot Bama team, and whipped both soundly.
Duke lost 4 games down the stretch after a hot start. UCONN was in better form late.
I can't imagine how travel has any effect at this point and with 6 days to rest.
Duke is similarly a much better home team as well.
Is Okafor more banged up than Duhon? Duhon has forgotten that he's allowed to shoot. If Reddick is blanketed where do the points come from? Position-by position, UCONN is clearly the better squad.
As for "public team", I'd call it a wash here. But in any case they just can't make either team major chalk here because any underdog would get support. That said, 2 points isn't much and UCONN is the better squad. I'd call UCONN the "right" side, but then again, that's why it's called an OPINION. I made my line UCONN -3.5 so I think the Huskies have some value here.
If the line EVER which I don't forsee goes to 3.5 I'll take Duke for 10 dimes! Duke will be rested too. Key is Villanueva/ Deng matchup which I'll tell you goes to Duke! Coach K will have trhis team ready for the kill! I'm afraid they play their hearts out and lack some hustle come Monday night! BUT COAH K will have this team ready both Saturday and Monday!!
The real key has to be Okafor's health. Nerve damage is tricky, there is no telling if he will be 100% for the game. In the event that he is, I like him to do well against Sheldon Wiliams, with the Deng - Villaneuava a toss-up. imo. UCONN's Ben Gordon will handle Duhon and of course J.J. Redick is a defensive drawback for Duke. Bottom line with a healthy Okafor, in spite of free throw worries, I like UCONN to prevail.
wil.
wil.
