I expect a fairly low-scoring game because these are two of the top defenses in the country. In fact, according to kenpom, Duke is 3rd and Butler is 6th.
As for the winner, I picked Duke to win. I'll root for Butler, but they'll have a hard time dealing with Duke's size.
Duke's regular rotation contains five players of 6'8 or taller (Singler, Zoubek, Thomas, Plumlee x2). Plus, they have a starting backcourt of 6'2 and 6'5.
OTOH, Butler is one of the smallest teams in the country.
If Duke can shoot 3s at close to the rate they've been shooting them until now, I don't see them losing.
Spread:
at +7.5 or better, I lean Butler
at +310 ML or better, the same
As for the winner, I picked Duke to win. I'll root for Butler, but they'll have a hard time dealing with Duke's size.
Duke's regular rotation contains five players of 6'8 or taller (Singler, Zoubek, Thomas, Plumlee x2). Plus, they have a starting backcourt of 6'2 and 6'5.
OTOH, Butler is one of the smallest teams in the country.
If Duke can shoot 3s at close to the rate they've been shooting them until now, I don't see them losing.
Spread:
at +7.5 or better, I lean Butler
at +310 ML or better, the same