Home still sweet for Duke
North Carolina at Duke - Sat, 9 p.m. ET
It took an extra five minutes and a driving layup by Chris Duhon in the final seconds for Duke to win the first meeting by a basket. Perhaps similar drama will occur in the rematch.
Duke was outshot and outrebounded by UNC, but won the free throw game (22-for-26 to 12-for-17) and capitalized on 20 Carolina turnovers. Duke also made just a few more big plays at both ends of the floor.
North Carolina got a huge game inside from Sean May (15 points and 21 rebounds), but he shot just 7-for-18 and missed shots that he normally makes. Rashad McCants was terrific as usual, with 27 points and nine rebounds. If North Carolina gives the same kind of effort it gave in the first game, and cuts down the turnovers, a precious road win is likely.
Duke rarely loses back-to-back games, especially at home. And after being handled rather easily by Georgia Tech on Wednesday, North Carolina will find a very intense and more poised team than the one that lost some of its composure a few nights ago. Duke will pound the ball inside, be more judicious with shot selection, and will prevail in a very physical game against an improving and very dangerous tournament team.
Pick: Blue Devils
Stanford at Washington - Sat, 6 p.m. ET
This is a very different Washington team than the one Stanford beat 85-72 in a game that was closer than the score indicates. For Washington, it was the second of five consecutive losses in open conference play. Since then, the Huskies have won 11 of 12 conference games and 11 of 13 overall. Active, changing defenses and explosive offense are the keys. This team shares the ball, has a number of capable scorers, plays hard and is "bubbling" with confidence.
Stanford had another last second win at Washington State on Thursday. The Cardinal were fortunate to win, having been outplayed practically the entire game. Matt Lottich's 3 at the buzzer saved the quest for an unbeaten regular season. A similar type of game by the Cardinal will equal a loss for sure, and even playing significantly better doesn't guarantee a win against the streaking Huskies.
To stay unbeaten, Stanford has to limit its turnovers and make Washington play in the halfcourt. Establishing an inside game will also be important. Even though Stanford has shown resilience with a number of close victories, I think the Huskies will win. Their confidence, multifaceted offensive attack, ability to force the tempo and being at home will lead to a "Biggie Sized" marquee win.
Pick: Huskies
Illinois at Ohio State - Sun, 4 p.m. ET
I'll be calling this game at my alma mater where the Fighting Illini have a chance to win the outright Big Ten Championship. One of the hottest teams in the country, with nine consecutive wins, Illinois is getting it done with defense and a crisp offense. In its last 10 wins, Illinois has only allowed 39% FG shooting by the opposition. On offense, four players average double digits in scoring, and Illinois leads the Big Ten in assists.
Ohio State has won three of its last four to get to 14-14, but it has been a disappointing season. The Buckeyes have struggled on defense and with perimeter shooting – although both have shown improvement lately. It will take a very strong effort to beat Illinois, and I don't think the Buckeyes have enough offense to pull it off.
Pick: Illini
