I think Duke wins by 10+.

 

Butler beat an Ohio State team that didn't have Evan Turner. They beat a Syracuse team that didn't have their best big man in Onauku(sp?). They beat a Michigan State team that didn't have their best player in Kailin Lucas. They beat a Kansas State team that was clearly worn out at the end by their late game 2OT game against Xavier. Butler did good by defeating all these teams, but I'd like to see how these games would have turned out if these teams were all at 100% like Duke will be on Monday night.

 

 

Butler will be playing against the statistically best defense in the tourney. They had a really hard time scoring against Michigan State and their two best players are sophomores. I like the fact that Duke is starting 3 seniors and 2 juniors. Not to mention the Plumlee rotation that will spell Thomas and Zoubek. I just think Duke has too much and is playing too great right now to be defeated by Butler. I really don't think the crowd will be that much of a factor.

 

I guess we'll see what happens but I'll be surprised if Duke loses. I expect Duke to take control of this game early and beat Butler in similar fashion to how they beat WVU last night.

 

 

I do hope Shelvin Mack balls out. It's great to see a Kentuckian get the exposure and the shine that he does.

This Duke team reminds me a lot of the 1998 Kentucky team as far as talent level, and expectations going into the tournament. I also see similarities in the championship game in a traditional national power going against a mid major for the title. I honestly expect similar results in that while I think Butler will hang tough for a good part of the game, I think the Blue Devils will win by 8+.

Matthew Howard from Butler is questionable with a slight concussion.

 

Shelvin Mack is good to go.

If Duke wins, we get to hear

 

"Where does Coach K rank all time"

 

"Where does Duke rank as the team of the decade, of the last 20 years"

 

If Butler wins, we get to hear

 

"Where does this rank all time in upsets"

 

I'm sure everyone, myself included, always says that if these small schools were put in bEAST, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, their losses would pile up and they wouldn't have these lofty records.

 

I would love to see Butler take down another Big Conference powerhouse.

No one is going to roll Butler. Just ask Syracuse and Kansas State, and Michigan State.

 

I think Butler will win a close game. I like the home city advantage and 80% of the crowd noise will be in the Bulldog's favor. Plus they are a great defensive team. Duke won't get as many open looks as they did against WV.

 

Duke should get a ton of open looks. Butler will have to sag inside just because of the size and bulk difference leaving the outside line open for three hot 3 Point shooters. If they don't sag, Zoubek could end up being MVP. :scared::lol:

I think Duke wins by 10+.

 

Butler beat an Ohio State team that didn't have Evan Turner. They beat a Syracuse team that didn't have their best big man in Onauku(sp?). They beat a Michigan State team that didn't have their best player in Kailin Lucas. They beat a Kansas State team that was clearly worn out at the end by their late game 2OT game against Xavier. Butler did good by defeating all these teams, but I'd like to see how these games would have turned out if these teams were all at 100% like Duke will be on Monday night.

 

 

Butler will be playing against the statistically best defense in the tourney. They had a really hard time scoring against Michigan State and their two best players are sophomores. I like the fact that Duke is starting 3 seniors and 2 juniors. Not to mention the Plumlee rotation that will spell Thomas and Zoubek. I just think Duke has too much and is playing too great right now to be defeated by Butler. I really don't think the crowd will be that much of a factor.

 

I guess we'll see what happens but I'll be surprised if Duke loses. I expect Duke to take control of this game early and beat Butler in similar fashion to how they beat WVU last night.

 

 

I do hope Shelvin Mack balls out. It's great to see a Kentuckian get the exposure and the shine that he does.

 

:thumb: Agree on all points. But, will root for Butler to defy this thinking.

I think Duke wins and will score more then 60 points in doing so.I watch both games last night,and yes Butler does have a very good team,but Duke will be too much for them.And just like last night,I will be watching the game.Should be very entertaining,and good luck to both teams.

It's not the Big 3 that are going to be the biggest problem for Butler IMO. It's Duke's guys inside. Howard is only like 6'8", and he's foul prone. I think Zoubek & the Plumlee's are the difference for Duke, especially on the glass. For that reason, I don't think Butler can beat them, as they haven't really had to play a team as complete as Duke yet in this tourney.

 

Hayward and Mack will have to play out of their minds, and at least 2-3 other players are going to have to contribute alot.

Duke has the luck and the whistle but Butler may have destiny on their side along with homecourt.

Duke has the luck and the whistle but Butler may have destiny on their side along with homecourt.

 

:lol:

Go Butler!!!

Duke has the luck and the whistle but Butler may have destiny on their side along with homecourt.

 

:ohbrother:

My heart says Butler. My brain tells me they have no shot. Duke is too big, too deep, and too good of an offensive team for Butler IMO. I'll take the Blue Devils by 13, and extend an early congrats to PP92, RP, and the other Duke faithful on here.

My heart says Butler. My brain tells me they have no shot. Duke is too big, too deep, and too good of an offensive team for Butler IMO. I'll take the Blue Devils by 13, and extend an early congrats to PP92, RP, and the other Duke faithful on here.

 

Trying the ole jinx method huh?

My heart is with Butler and if they win I am springing for some Butler Gear!