**3 units**
Duke -3.5
Arizona Most Rebounds (-135)
Arenas Under 16.5 Pts
Duke -.5 Most Free Throws Made
Should be an excellent game, I see no reason to load-up on either side. Arizona has the best squad, players 1 to 8. But in a game of this magnitude, I'm going to go with Duke who has the two best players on the court.
Hate to use a word such as destiny, as divine intervention or any outside forces don't determine these games, but I really think this is Battier's season, year, and tonight his game. The consumate college basketball player, does everything well, his sheer will and determination I see as the deciding factor. With Battier and Williams, Coack K has two players who are emotional leaders who leave it all out on the court, and show the same passion and desire he has. Something that was lacking in this 1999 team. At that time Battier was not the team leader, and guys like Brand, Maggette, Avery, Langdon, etc., who where either quiet, unemotional leaders, or prima donnas just waiting for the NBA draft.
Obviously a tremendous intangible for Arizona, as they continue towards the title for not only themselves, but for Olsen and the memory of his wife. As much as a crusade that is, they still have to get the job done on the court, as Duke certainly won't hand them the game.
Can't discount the respect factor Duke, especially Battier gets from the officials. Whomever Battier is guarding is not going to get calls on the strips Battier goes for, nor the benefit of any blocking fouls. And if Jefferson or Woods is going to guard him, both are going to become susceptible to foul trouble, especially when Battier gives the pump or head fakes then likes to draw contact. Same goes for Jefferson if he is guarding Williams. As terrific a defender he is, Williams is the most dynamic offensive player he has guarded this season. Much quicker than Frank Williams, and is in a different offensive galaxy then Jason Richardson, the two premier players Jefferson put the clamps thus far in the tournament.
Great sign for Duke last game, as Boozer looked tremendous. Made quick, strong lowpost moves, and if they had gone to him with any regularity, would have easily scored over 20 points. Woods is obviously a challenge defensively, but if Boozer makes the same type of moves he did last game (taking it strongly right to the defender chest), that will limit Woods' shot-blocking ability.
Though he is reported as close to 100%, I would worry about Arenas' shoulder. Much different scenario shooting around unguarded during practice, then the actual game environment. He gets banged on a rebound, or Duke starts running him off screens, just a little nudge and could reaggravate the injury.
Enough blabbering...I think the game will sway back and forth the first 35 minutes or so. I see Duke taking control the final 5, sustaining a 5-9pt lead and hopefully hitting their free throws to clinch the game and the cover. I think Zona wins the rebounding war regardless of who wins, taking a chance the Arenas isn't 100% and might reaggravate the injury, and Duke makes more free throws then their oppenent a vast majority of the time, not to mention are the beneficiaries of calls more often than not.
Good luck and enjoy! And just because it's the biggest game of the college basketball season doesn't mean it warrants the biggest wager.
[This message has been edited by Hoops (edited 04-02-2001).]
Duke -3.5
Arizona Most Rebounds (-135)
Arenas Under 16.5 Pts
Duke -.5 Most Free Throws Made
Should be an excellent game, I see no reason to load-up on either side. Arizona has the best squad, players 1 to 8. But in a game of this magnitude, I'm going to go with Duke who has the two best players on the court.
Hate to use a word such as destiny, as divine intervention or any outside forces don't determine these games, but I really think this is Battier's season, year, and tonight his game. The consumate college basketball player, does everything well, his sheer will and determination I see as the deciding factor. With Battier and Williams, Coack K has two players who are emotional leaders who leave it all out on the court, and show the same passion and desire he has. Something that was lacking in this 1999 team. At that time Battier was not the team leader, and guys like Brand, Maggette, Avery, Langdon, etc., who where either quiet, unemotional leaders, or prima donnas just waiting for the NBA draft.
Obviously a tremendous intangible for Arizona, as they continue towards the title for not only themselves, but for Olsen and the memory of his wife. As much as a crusade that is, they still have to get the job done on the court, as Duke certainly won't hand them the game.
Can't discount the respect factor Duke, especially Battier gets from the officials. Whomever Battier is guarding is not going to get calls on the strips Battier goes for, nor the benefit of any blocking fouls. And if Jefferson or Woods is going to guard him, both are going to become susceptible to foul trouble, especially when Battier gives the pump or head fakes then likes to draw contact. Same goes for Jefferson if he is guarding Williams. As terrific a defender he is, Williams is the most dynamic offensive player he has guarded this season. Much quicker than Frank Williams, and is in a different offensive galaxy then Jason Richardson, the two premier players Jefferson put the clamps thus far in the tournament.
Great sign for Duke last game, as Boozer looked tremendous. Made quick, strong lowpost moves, and if they had gone to him with any regularity, would have easily scored over 20 points. Woods is obviously a challenge defensively, but if Boozer makes the same type of moves he did last game (taking it strongly right to the defender chest), that will limit Woods' shot-blocking ability.
Though he is reported as close to 100%, I would worry about Arenas' shoulder. Much different scenario shooting around unguarded during practice, then the actual game environment. He gets banged on a rebound, or Duke starts running him off screens, just a little nudge and could reaggravate the injury.
Enough blabbering...I think the game will sway back and forth the first 35 minutes or so. I see Duke taking control the final 5, sustaining a 5-9pt lead and hopefully hitting their free throws to clinch the game and the cover. I think Zona wins the rebounding war regardless of who wins, taking a chance the Arenas isn't 100% and might reaggravate the injury, and Duke makes more free throws then their oppenent a vast majority of the time, not to mention are the beneficiaries of calls more often than not.
Good luck and enjoy! And just because it's the biggest game of the college basketball season doesn't mean it warrants the biggest wager.
[This message has been edited by Hoops (edited 04-02-2001).]
