Cincy, this is one of those lines that I feel the oddsmakers have put too much of an emphasis on a few things. First, the first 35 minutes of game one between these two teams this season. The second is the experience of the top two performers for each team. Lets face it....most people think that Barnes and Marshall's experience gives UNC a key advantage. Marshall, although only a Sophomore, runs the UNC scheme like a Junior or Senior. These are two of the factors that have UNC favored in the toughest environment in college ball, Cameron Indoor Stadium.
My feeling has always been and will continue to be that Coach K allows his young players to play freely in big time games. More times than not, Coaches put restrictions on their young players in key games, causing them to play tight and timid. I think Coach K knows the key to this game involves Rivers ability to make plays moving towards the basket. His ability to split defenses with his quickness gives Duke the ability to get to the Free Throw line a lot and the ability to get some open threes off of penetration.
Don't rely on my picks as I've been horrible the last week, but I like the Blue Devils in a close one.......74-71.
