Evan Altemus
BAYLOR +5
Duke finally has to face a team that can challenge them. They have had a rather easy path to the Elite 8 by beating a Purdue team without Kyle Hummel, California, and Arkansas Pine-Bluff. However, Baylor has size all over the court and some of the best guards in the country. The Bears are much more battle tested than the Blue Devils, as they have had to play a tough Old Dominion team and a St. Mary’s team that had defeated quality opponents in Richmond and Villanova. Duke has built up an impressive record by defeating many less than stellar teams in the ACC, but they haven’t faced the best teams in the country. I feel that Baylor is vastly under-rated here while Duke is over-rated based on public perception and the weakness of the ACC with the tougher opponents in the Big 12. Finally, the Bears get to play almost a home game by having this contest in Houston. Baylor will have a substantial edge in the fan base because of the close proximity to their school. Look for Baylor to keep this game very close and don’t be surprised if they win outright, even in dominating fashion.
4 UNIT SELECTION BAYLOR.
BAYLOR +5
Duke finally has to face a team that can challenge them. They have had a rather easy path to the Elite 8 by beating a Purdue team without Kyle Hummel, California, and Arkansas Pine-Bluff. However, Baylor has size all over the court and some of the best guards in the country. The Bears are much more battle tested than the Blue Devils, as they have had to play a tough Old Dominion team and a St. Mary’s team that had defeated quality opponents in Richmond and Villanova. Duke has built up an impressive record by defeating many less than stellar teams in the ACC, but they haven’t faced the best teams in the country. I feel that Baylor is vastly under-rated here while Duke is over-rated based on public perception and the weakness of the ACC with the tougher opponents in the Big 12. Finally, the Bears get to play almost a home game by having this contest in Houston. Baylor will have a substantial edge in the fan base because of the close proximity to their school. Look for Baylor to keep this game very close and don’t be surprised if they win outright, even in dominating fashion.
4 UNIT SELECTION BAYLOR.
