SuNdAy'S iNfO

[Lumi]

Something old and something new in Midwest Final

Michigan State is back in the Elite Eight, trying to make their sixth Final Four appearance in a dozen years. Tennessee on the other hand is making their debut as one of the eight finalists in contention for the national championship. Each has endured the most unlikely of circumstances to arrive at this point.


The Spartans (27-8, 14-20 ATS) are battered, bruised and one other factor, still playing. Durrell Summers seems to have taken it upon himself to be the leader with leading scorer Kalin Lucas out. Summers had 19 points in the win over Northern Iowa (26 vs. Maryland) and he and his teammates still believe they have ways to go. ?It feels great to be back," forward Draymond Green said of being among the last eight teams. "We've still got bigger dreams."

Michigan State has been thru winning streaks, injuries, suspensions and benching, yet continues to press on. "That's kind of enjoyable, to find a way," coach Tom Izzo said. "It's somewhat more rewarding than the last two." Michigan State has covered 21 of their last 29 Sunday games.

Tennessee (28-8, 15-17-1 ATS) head coach Bruce Pearl knows his team and knows his math which led to upset of Ohio State. ?I told our team, 'It's our team vs. their six,"' Pearl said. "We were a better 10 than their six." For Vols fans and backers, the Elite Eight is a better number than the Sweet 16.

Wayne Chism and Brian Williams used their size and bulk to dominate Ohio State in the paint, out-rebounding the Buckeyes 41-29 and scoring 50 of their 76 points in the lane area. Pearl has taken a collection of players that could have folded their tent and disappeared when their leading scorer Tyler Smith was suspended for the year and three other players were disciplined for varying lengths of time, instead he sold them on team and different leaders emerged, leading to Tennessee on 10-2 (6-5-1 ATS) closing run. The Volunteers are 5-1-1 ATS in last seven matchups with teams with winning records.

Tennessee is a two-point favorite at Sportsbook.com, with total of 135.5 and they are 5-1-1 ATS against the Big Ten of late. The Vols will have to continue to play great defense and be prepared for Spartans transition game. Rebounding will be huge factor for Tennessee, as Michigan State is 25-3 SU (11-16 ATS) when they grab more boards than the opponent. Look for Volunteers to again work the ball inside where Izzo?s team doesn?t have a great deal of height.

The Spartans will need a complete team effort once again. Summers and Raymar Morgan need to be the scoring leaders and receive plenty of moxie from Korie Lucious and Green, who comes off the bench. Michigan State is 7-2 ATS in NCAA Tournament tilts and 6-2-1 ATS as a neutral site underdog.

Concerning the total, Michigan State is 7-3-1 UNDER after a cover and Tennessee is 8-2 UNDER since Jan. 31 as a favorite.

Whatever the outcome, the winner will be the lowest seed in the Final Four since 2006 when 11th seeded George Mason waltzed into the surroundings.

Power Line ? Tennessee by 1

 

[Lumi]

Is Baylor REALLY this good?

Is Baylor REALLY this good?

Is Baylor REALLY this good?

The NCAA Tournament has enjoyed a number storylines this March, with lower seeds pulling off unpredictable upsets and destroying brackets from coast to coast. One story that isn?t getting enough press, but will explode if they win in Houston is the Baylor Bears.

It was just seven years ago Baylor was rocked with a scandal in the death of basketball player Patrick Dennehy. His teammate Carlton Dotson pleaded guilty to the homicide and coach Dave Bliss was believed to be in a cover-up, which also happened to dig up recruiting violations by Bliss, forcing him to resign. The Baylor basketball program was dead.

Scott Drew was told by almost everyone that the Baylor basketball job was a suicide mission for someone young with upward mobility. Drew took the job anyway and what he has accomplished in this short period of time is as good or better than any Cinderella story in March.

Baylor (28-7, 18-10 ATS) has as much physical ability as any team left in the tournament. LaceDarius Dunn is dominant scorer (witness the 23 points vs. St. Mary?s), Tweety Carter can scorch the nets and distribute dimes with regularity. Ekpe Udoh and Josh Lomers are big bodies around the rim, with Udoh a terrific specimen, just tapping into his potential. The Bears are versatile and have experience and are 12-2 ATS having won four of their last five games this season. One more thing, until 10 days ago, the last time Baylor won a NCAA tournament game was 1950. Gulp.

Standing in their way is one of the dominant programs in recent college basketball history (10 Final Four?s under Coach K), the Duke Blue Devils (32-5, 21-14-1 ATS). In what has been an unusual basketball season, even the Duke-haters have been surprisingly quiet. It?s not like the Duke has snuck up on anyone this year, being co-champions of the ACC, winning the conference tournament and elected as a top seed, yet all this has happened with very little clamor.

Maybe it?s because of the Blue Devils failures in the previous couple of tournaments or lack of superstar talent on the roster. Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith are the three best perimeter players in the country on the balance of the season. None of them carries much of a ?wow? factor, yet each is coldly efficient. Even oddsmakers haven?t been able to beat Duke, since they are regularly shaded with additional baggage and they are 10-1 ATS versus offensive teams scoring 77 or more points a game this season.

Where coach Mike Krzyzewski?s team has made the biggest strides is the frontline players add defense and rebounding, two qualities lacking of late. Opposing teams are scoring only 60.5 points per contest against Duke on 40 percent shooting. The combinations of Brian Zoubek, Lance Thomas and the Plumlee brothers have stifled opposing offenses and the Blue Devils are 9-2 ATS after allowing 25 points or less in the first half last outing.

Duke is a four-point pick at Sportsbook.com and will be in unfriendly environment, with Houston crowd pro-Baylor. The Dukies are 7-3 ATS as neutral site favorites and 16-6 UNDER after five or more consecutive victories. Baylor will be able to feed off the energy from the crowd and are 9-1 ATS after two games as chalk. Their mission in 2-3 zone is to keep what appears to be a tired Jon Scheyer in shooting slump and control the boards. The Bears are 10-1 OVER after a win by 15 points or more this season.

The 1 vs. 3 Elite Eight conflicts show there is not much difference between the teams with 10-8 SU edge for the higher seed. Where separation occurs is when the top seed has won nine of 10 games before the tournament (Duke 12-1 SU), they are 7-2 SU and if the lower seed has inexperienced coach in the Big Dance, they are 2-7 SU.

Power Line ? Duke by 3

 

[Lumi]

South regional Elite Eight

South regional Elite Eight

South regional Elite Eight

Game is being played at the Reliant Center in Houston. All times ET.

No. 3 Baylor Bears vs. No. 1 Duke Blue Devils (-4.5, 140), 5:05 p.m.

The South Region?s finale matches a pair of teams who have both utilized intimidating defenses to reach the Elite Eight and two squads no one would remotely want to face right now.

That was evident when Baylor drilled St. Mary?s or ?America?s team?, as Gaels center Omar Samhan dubbed he and his teammates, Friday. Samhan had carried Cinderella St. Mary?s through the first two rounds but, when matched up against the Bears? fierce 2-3 zone defense, struggled mightily in a 72-49 victory for Baylor.

Duke continued its impressive march through the Big Dance, advancing to the round of eight for the first time since 2004 in its win over Purdue. After leading 24-23 at halftime in what was a defensive struggle, the Blue Devils turned to their offense in the second half in a 70-57 victory.

But it was Duke?s defense and rebounding that once again was the difference in the win. The Blue Devils out-rebounded Purdue 45-to-22 and have a remarkable plus-14.3 rebounding margin for the tournament.

As good as Duke is defensively and crashing/defending the boards, Baylor ? the quickest team in the field ? might actually be better. This season, the Bears rank ninth in the entire country in rebounding margin (+7.2) while their opponents have shot only 37 percent from the field in their three tournament victories.

The Blue Devils could have success shooting from the perimeter against Baylor?s zone and it appears Jon Scheyer might have found his shooter?s touch. After shooting just 21 percent from the field in Duke?s first two and a half games of the tournament, the standout guard made 5-of-9 field goals in the second half against Purdue.

The Bears have the added advantage of playing a near-home game. Against St. Mary?s, it was estimated that roughly 25,000 of the 40,000 in attendance at the Reliant Center was wearing Baylor green and gold.

?Baylor Nation was here,? said forward Quincy Acy, ?and they were out and strong, and brought more fuel to us.?

This game should be close and picking its winner is a tough call. Either way, whichever team plays its way to the Final Four in Indianapolis, Baylor covers the points.

Final score prediction: Baylor 70, Duke 68

 

[Lumi]

Midwest regional Elite Eight

Midwest regional Elite Eight

Midwest regional Elite Eight

Games to be played at St. Louis Friday. All times ET.

No. 5 Michigan State Spartans vs. No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers (-1, 135.5), 2:20 p.m.

We will either see someone familiar or someone new go to the Final Four from the Midwest Regional.

Tennessee (28-8) is never been to the Elite Eight before this year, let alone a Final Four. Michigan State (27-8), one of the nation?s powers, seeks a sixth Final Four trip since 1999.

Finally, a team took advantage of Ohio State?s lack of depth. Tennessee had 10 players see action Friday, compared to OSU?s seven (one more than usual, due to foul trouble). Fatigue finally nailed the Buckeyes during crunch time and the Vols earned a 76-73 win.

?I told our team, ?It?s our team vs. their six,?? Volunteers coach Bruce Pearl said after the victory. ?We were a better 10 than their six.?

The J.P. Prince trend came through again for Tennessee. In the Vols? last 13 games, they?re 10-0 when the 6-foot-7 guard scores in double figures and 0-3 when he doesn?t. He had 14 points, second on the team behind Wayne Chism, who had a great game down low, with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Michigan State rallied from a 7-point halftime deficit to get past upstart Northern Iowa 59-52.

And it was Korie Lucious who hit the big shot again. Thrown into the fire after the team?s best player, Kalin Lucas, went down with a ruptured Achilles, Lucious? spin-around jumper in the closing moments clinched the victory.

Lucious scored 10 points, while Durrell Summers had 19 points and seven rebounds. Summers, who averages 10.7 ppg, had 26 points when the Spartans got past Maryland 85-83 in the second round and has become a big X-factor for MSU the way Prince is for Tennessee.

Tennessee outrebounded Ohio State 36-23, with a whopping 18 boards on the offensive end. The Spartans average nearly 10 more rebounds per game than their opponent. If the Vols can hold their own on the glass, that can go a long way.

Buckeyes coach Thad Matta said Tennessee?s defense had been under-covered by the media all season and it was the toughest his team had faced this season.

This may be a rare instance where the proof lies with the oddsmakers. In Tennessee?s last 48 games, the under is 33-14-1.

Lucious was a difference maker for MSU Friday. He also had six rebounds, four assists and four steals with only two turnovers. But compared to the ?don?t let them get past you? defense of the Panthers, the Volunteers will unleash a new level of on-the-ball pressure the inexperienced point guard has yet to see.

And whereas Michigan State overmatched Northern Iowa in athleticism, the Spartans may look sluggish compared to their opponent Sunday.

The depth and athleticism of the Volunteers may finally be too much for the banged-up Spartans, who have gotten by with lots of heart but no Lucas and hobbled starters Chris Allen and Delvon Roe.

If Chism can stay out of foul trouble down low and not allow scores of second-half points by the Spartans ? and make sure Lucious doesn?t thrive outside ? Tennessee will be going to the Final Four for the first time.

Prediction: Tennessee 71, Michigan State 66

 

[Lumi]

CBB | (723) BAYLOR @ (724) DUKE | 03/28/2010 5:05 PM
Play ON BAYLOR using the money line in All games in non-conference games
The record is 8 Wins and 1 Losses this season (+10.25 units)
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CBB | (763) N CAROLINA @ (764) RHODE ISLAND | 03/30/2010 9:20 PM
Play ON RHODE ISLAND using the money line in All games in non-conference games
The record is 27 Wins and 7 Losses for the last three seasons (+22.50 units)
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CBB | (741) SAINT LOUIS @ (742) VA COMMONWEALTH | 03/29/2010 7:00 PM
Play AGAINST SAINT LOUIS against the spread in Road games after a non-conference game
The record is 0 Wins and 10 Losses for the last two seasons (-11.00 units)
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CBB | (763) N CAROLINA @ (764) RHODE ISLAND | 03/30/2010 9:20 PM
Play ON N CAROLINA using the money line in All games in non-conference games
The record is 20 Wins and 4 Losses for the last three seasons (+17.65 units)
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CBB | (765) PACIFIC @ (766) MISSOURI ST | 03/30/2010 8:00 PM
Play ON MISSOURI ST using the money line in All games in non-conference games
The record is 10 Wins and 1 Losses this season (+9.90 units)
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CBB | (761) DAYTON @ (762) OLE MISS | 03/30/2010 7:00 PM
Play AGAINST DAYTON using the money line in All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games
The record is 10 Wins and 26 Losses since 1997 (-30.20 units)
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CBB | (741) SAINT LOUIS @ (742) VA COMMONWEALTH | 03/29/2010 7:00 PM
Play AGAINST SAINT LOUIS against the spread in Road games in non-conference games
The record is 0 Wins and 9 Losses for the last two seasons (-9.90 units)

 

[Lumi]

NCAA Basketball Picks

NCAA Basketball Picks

NCAA Basketball Picks
Tennessee vs. Michigan State
The Volunteers look to build on their 5-0-1 ATS record in their last 6 non-conference games. Tennessee is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Volunteers favored by 2 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-1 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

SUNDAY, MARCH 28
Time Posted: 8:30 a.m. EST
Game 721-722: Tennessee vs. Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 73.262; Michigan State 70.708
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-1 1/2)
Game 723-724: Baylor vs. Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 74.531; Duke 77.538
Dunkel Line: Duke by 3
Vegas Line: Duke by 5
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (+5)

 

[Lumi]

Tennessee (28-8) vs. Michigan State (27-8)

Tennessee (28-8) vs. Michigan State (27-8)

Tennessee (28-8) vs. Michigan State (27-8)



Sunday, March 28th, 2:20 p.m. (et)


FACTS & STATS: Site: Edward Jones Dome (39,647) -- St. Louis, Missouri. Television: CBS. NCAA Tournament Record: Tennessee 16-18, MSU 51-22. Series Record: Michigan State leads, 4-2.

GAME NOTES: In the Elite Eight for the first time in school history, the sixth-seeded Tennessee Volunteers continue their run against the fifth-seeded Michigan State Spartans in the Midwest Regional finals at the Edward Jones Dome. The winner of this game will move on to the Final Four in Indianapolis and take on Butler.

The Vols are facing their second straight Big Ten member, as they upended second-seeded Ohio State, 76-73, in the Sweet 16 round on Friday. Tennessee had been 0-5 in NCAA regional semifinals prior to Friday's result that gave the team 28 overall wins for the season, the second most in school-history. Included in those victories were a pair last week with triumphs of San Diego State (62-59) and Ohio University (83-68) in the initial two rounds of the tourney.

While the Vols are in uncharted waters, the Spartans should feel right at home. MSU is in the Elite Eight yet again, making its seventh appearance since 1999. The Spartans, who made it to the championship final last season, are in search of their sixth Final Four showing in the last 12 years. Getting to this point wasn't easy, however, as MSU edged both New Mexico State (70-67) and Maryland (85-83) in the first two rounds prior to topping ninth-seeded Northern Iowa, 59-52, in the Sweet 16 on Friday.

As far as the all-time series in concerned, the Spartans own a 4-2 advantage over the Vols and that includes a 79-68 victory in the most recent meeting in 1994.

Wayne Chism tallied 22 points and J.P. Prince blocked a game-tying three-point try at the buzzer, as the Vols clipped Ohio State on Friday. It was clearly the best performance of the tourney thus far for Chism, who scored 18 of his points after the break and also grabbed 11 caroms for the game. Prince finished with 14 points and six assists, while Cameron Tatum and Bobby Maze chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Brian Williams also played a big role with nine points and 12 boards for Tennessee, which tore down 20 offensive rebounds and scored 50 points in the paint. The Vols' depth and length have really caused problems for opposing clubs, and the 6-9 Chism is the focal point, averaging team highs of 12.6 ppg and 7.3 rpg. Scotty Hopson had a quiet night on Friday with just three points, so look the 6-7 guard to improve today considering he averages 12.2 ppg on the season.

With just under three minutes remaining and the score knotted at 51-51, MSU closed the contest on an 8-1 spurt for a 59-52 win over Northern Iowa on Friday. Korie Lucious, making the start in place of injured leader Kalin Lucas, scored 10 points and hit a jumper with 90 seconds left that helped seal the deal for MSU. Durrell Summers turned in 19 points and seven rebounds to pace the Spartans, who held North Iowa to just 38.6 percent shooting from the floor. MSU obviously tightened up its defense with the absence of leading scorer Lucas (14.8 ppg), who is out for the remainder of the tournament after rupturing his Achilles tendon in the second round win over Maryland. Lucious stepped up after Lucas went down with 13 points and the game-winning trey against Maryland, and the sophomore guard proved that performance was no fluke with his effort on Friday. Raymar Morgan was limited to just seven points on Friday and the Spartans will need more from their second-leading scorer (11.5 ppg) and rebounder (6.1 rpg) today. Summers (10.9 ppg) and Draymond Green (9.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg and 3.1 apg) are two other players that will need to make significant contributions as well.

The Spartans are missing their best ball-handler once again and that is not going to be easy to overcome against Tennessee. Expect the Vols' pressure to create plenty of turnovers and make the difference today.

Predicted Outcome: Tennessee 70, Michigan State 62

 

[Lumi]

Overall Team Offense

The Michigan St Spartans are ranked 22 for offensive field goal percentage shooting 47.2% while attempting 56.4 shots per game. The Spartans shooting percentages include 68.6% for free throw percentage and 34.4% for three point percentage so far this season.

The Tennessee Volunteers are ranked 63 for offensive field goal percentage shooting 45.5% while attempting 59.1 shots per game. The Volunteers shooting percentages include 67.1% for free throw percentage and 31.7% for three point percentage so far this season.


Home and Away

The Michigan St Spartans are 15-2 at home this season, and 14-5 against 13-3 opponents.
At home the Spartans are averaging 74.2 scoring, and holding teams to 61.9 points scored on defense.

The Tennessee Volunteers are 5-5 while on the road this season, 13-6 against conference opponents, and 15-2 against non-conference opponents.

On the road, the Volunteers are averaging 63.9 scoring, and holding teams to 67.6 points scored on defense.

 

[Lumi]

Trends - No. 6 Tennessee vs No. 5 Michigan St

Trends - No. 6 Tennessee vs No. 5 Michigan St

Trends - No. 6 Tennessee vs No. 5 Michigan St

ATS Trends

Tennessee

Volunteers are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.
Volunteers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Volunteers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Volunteers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Big Ten.
Volunteers are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games as a favorite.
Volunteers are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Volunteers are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games.
Volunteers are 3-7-2 ATS in their last 12 NCAA Tournament games as a favorite.
Volunteers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Sunday games.
Volunteers are 1-5-2 ATS in their last 8 NCAA Tournament games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5.
Volunteers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS win.


Michigan St

Spartans are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Southeastern.
Spartans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 NCAA Tournament games as an underdog of 0.5-6.5.
Spartans are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 NCAA Tournament games.
Spartans are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 neutral site games as an underdog.
Spartans are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog of 0.5-6.5.
Spartans are 21-8 ATS in their last 29 Sunday games.
Spartans are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Spartans are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games.
Spartans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
Spartans are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.


OU Trends

Tennessee

Under is 3-0-1 in Volunteers last 4 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5.
Under is 10-1 in Volunteers last 11 Sunday games.
Under is 5-1-1 in Volunteers last 7 neutral site games as a favorite.
Under is 7-2-1 in Volunteers last 10 games as a favorite.
Under is 6-2-1 in Volunteers last 9 neutral site games.
Over is 5-2 in Volunteers last 7 games following a ATS win.
Under is 5-2 in Volunteers last 7 NCAA Tournament games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5.
Under is 22-9-1 in Volunteers last 32 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 33-14-1 in Volunteers last 48 overall.
Under is 22-10-1 in Volunteers last 33 games following a S.U. win.


Michigan St

Over is 4-1 in Spartans last 5 NCAA Tournament games as an underdog.
Over is 4-1 in Spartans last 5 neutral site games as an underdog.
Under is 26-9 in Spartans last 35 games as an underdog of 0.5-6.5.
Under is 30-11-1 in Spartans last 42 games as an underdog.
Under is 8-3 in Spartans last 11 games following a ATS win.
Over is 5-2 in Spartans last 7 vs. Southeastern.
Over is 5-2 in Spartans last 7 neutral site games.


Head to Head

No trends available.

 

[Lumi]

Baylor (28-7) vs. Duke (32-5)

Baylor (28-7) vs. Duke (32-5)

Baylor (28-7) vs. Duke (32-5)



Sunday, March 28th, 5:05 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Reliant Stadium (70,676) -- Houston, Texas. Television: CBS. NCAA Tournament Record: Baylor 6-7, Duke 91-30. Series Record: First-ever meeting.

GAME NOTES: With a trip to the Final Four on the line, the Duke Blue Devils and the Baylor Bears will collide this evening in the South Regional Final at Reliant Stadium.

Baylor is the only Big 12 team left standing in this year's tournament after Kansas State's loss to Butler in the Elite Eight yesterday. The Bears, who have collected a school record 28 victories this season, posted their most dominating performance in this event on Friday with a 72-49 victory over Saint Mary's, ending the Gaels' remarkable run. Baylor began the tournament with a 68-59 decision over Sam Houston State, and followed that victory with a 76-68 win over Old Dominion. This is the first Elite Eight appearance for Baylor in the modern era, but before the NCAA Tournament expanded to 32 teams back in 1979, the Bears participated in the Final Four twice (1948 and 1950). However, that is clearly a long time ago, and the fans for Baylor would love nothing more than for their team to end the 60-year drought.

The Blue Devils are definitely one of the most experienced teams left in terms of NCAA Tournament play. Duke, which is 91-30 all-time in this event, is playing as a number one seed for the ninth time in the last 13 seasons. When playing as a top seed the Blue Devils have been extremely tough to beat, posting a 40-9 mark in that position. Duke, which has not claimed the national title since 2001, will be participating in its first Elite Eight since 2004. Duke earned a spot in this matchup by getting past Purdue, 70-57, on Friday. The Boilermakers were clearly the toughest challenge to date for Duke, which opened the tournament with a 73-44 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and followed that win with a 68-53 decision over California.

This will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools on the hardwood, and the winner will make the trip to the Final Four in Indianapolis to take on West Virginia.

The Bears did something that no team seemed capable of doing this season, and that was making Saint Mary's Omar Samhan look uncomfortable on the floor. Baylor used a tenacious defensive approach in its win over the Gaels, and held Saint Mary's sensational center to just 15 points and nine rebounds (Samhan totaled 61 points combined in the first two tournament games). Overall, the Bears held the Gaels to just 49 points on a 35.2 percent shooting effort, which included a 6-of-22 clip from long range. Not to be overlooked however, was the performance of the Bears offensively, as the team shot 45.9 percent in the contest. LaceDarius Dunn scored 23 points in the win, while Tweety Carter tallied 14 points. Quincy Acy helped out with 10 points, while Ekpe Udoh finished with eight points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Dunn has been a lethal threat for Baylor throughout the season, as the guard is shooting a remarkable 42.4 percent from behind the arc (114-of-269), and comes into this contest leading the team with 19.5 ppg. Carter is the floor general for Baylor, and not only is he pacing the squad with 184 assists, but he is also averaging 15.1 ppg. Taking care of business down low has been Udoh, who is posting 13.8 ppg, to go along with team highs in rebounds (9.7 rpg) and blocks (128).

The Blue Devils have some big time players on their roster, but what has propelled Duke throughout the season, and especially in this tournament has been its performance defensively. The Blue Devils have yet to allow an opponent to post over 60 points in this event, and that includes Purdue, as the Blue Devils limited the Boilermakers to just 57 points in a Sweet 16 victory on Friday. Duke held Purdue to just 37.0 percent shooting from the field, and that included a 4-of-15 clip from behind the arc. While the defensive play clearly baffled Purdue, the Blue Devils also received impressive efforts from the team's big three in Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith and Jon Scheyer. Singler led the way in the victory with 24 points, and also grabbed eight rebounds, while Scheyer and Smith added 18 and 15 points, respectively. Brian Zoubek only finished with four points, but the center cleaned the glass all game long, finishing with 14 rebounds. Scheyer, Smith and Singler have led the Blue Devils throughout the campaign, but the most important player for Duke is likely Scheyer, who is not only leading the team with 18.1 ppg, but is also pacing the squad with 4.8 apg. Singler is contributing 17.9 ppg and 7.0 rpg, while Smith is pouring in 17.1 ppg.

This is going to be an outstanding matchup from start to finish. Duke has been one of the most consistent teams in the tournament, but this will be the toughest matchup to date for the Blue Devils. Duke has the experience, but the Bears are a very physical and athletic team. With the backcourt tandem of Dunn and Carter, look for Baylor to shock the Blue Devils and earn a spot in an already surprising Final Four.

Predicted Outcome: Baylor 70, Duke 67

 

[Lumi]

Overall Team Offense

The Duke Blue Devils are ranked 121 for offensive field goal percentage shooting 44.2% while attempting 59.6 shots per game. The Blue Devils shooting percentages include 76.0% for free throw percentage and 37.9% for three point percentage so far this season.

The Baylor Bears are ranked 10 for offensive field goal percentage shooting 48.3% while attempting 56.3 shots per game. The Bears shooting percentages include 73.2% for free throw percentage and 38.5% for three point percentage so far this season.


Home and Away

The Duke Blue Devils are 17-0 at home this season, and 16-3 against 16-2 opponents.
At home the Blue Devils are averaging 85.9 scoring, and holding teams to 59.5 points scored on defense.

The Baylor Bears are 6-4 while on the road this season, 12-6 against conference opponents, and 16-1 against non-conference opponents.
On the road, the Bears are averaging 73.2 scoring, and holding teams to 71.5 points scored on defense.

 

[Lumi]

Trends - No. 3 Baylor vs No. 1 Duke

Trends - No. 3 Baylor vs No. 1 Duke

Trends - No. 3 Baylor vs No. 1 Duke

ATS Trends


Baylor

Bears are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games.
Bears are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. win.
Bears are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Sunday games.
Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Bears are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 neutral site games as an underdog.
Bears are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Bears are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 neutral site games.
Bears are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Bears are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games as an underdog.
Bears are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.


Duke

Blue Devils are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 Sunday games.
Blue Devils are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big 12.
Blue Devils are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.
Blue Devils are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 neutral site games as a favorite.
Blue Devils are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 neutral site games.
Blue Devils are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 NCAA Tournament games as a favorite.
Blue Devils are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 NCAA Tournament games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5.


OU Trends

Baylor

Over is 4-0 in Bears last 4 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.
Over is 4-0 in Bears last 4 games as an underdog of 0.5-6.5.
Over is 6-0 in Bears last 6 games as an underdog.
Over is 8-1 in Bears last 9 games following a ATS win.
Over is 14-3 in Bears last 17 games following a S.U. win.
Over is 4-1 in Bears last 5 games after allowing less than 50 points in their previous game.
Over is 14-4 in Bears last 18 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 6-2 in Bears last 8 non-conference games.
Over is 5-2 in Bears last 7 overall.


Duke

Under is 4-0 in Blue Devils last 4 overall.
Under is 4-0 in Blue Devils last 4 non-conference games.
Under is 4-0 in Blue Devils last 4 Sunday games.
Under is 4-0 in Blue Devils last 4 games following a S.U. win.
Under is 4-0 in Blue Devils last 4 NCAA Tournament games as a favorite.
Over is 4-0 in Blue Devils last 4 vs. Big 12.
Under is 4-0 in Blue Devils last 4 games as a favorite.
Under is 4-0 in Blue Devils last 4 NCAA Tournament games.
Under is 4-1 in Blue Devils last 5 NCAA Tournament games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5.
Under is 13-4 in Blue Devils last 17 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5.
Under is 19-7 in Blue Devils last 26 neutral site games as a favorite.
Under is 19-7 in Blue Devils last 26 neutral site games.
Under is 5-2 in Blue Devils last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 5-2 in Blue Devils last 7 games following a ATS win.


Head to Head

No trends available.