Elite Eight Preview – Atlanta Region
(1) Duke vs. (7) Xavier
The Atlanta regional final looks a little different than most people anticipated as No. 7 Xavier has stormed the tournament. Now the Musketeers must take down No. 1 Duke to complete the trifecta – defeating the top three seeds en route to the Final Four.
Xavier’s marvelous run started with a comeback win against No. 10 Louisville. The Musketeers then pulled off their first upset by beating No. 2 Mississippi State behind 31 points from senior Lionel Chalmers. Chalmers and fellow senior Romain Sato then upset No. 3 Texas. Sato scored 27 points against Texas.
So for No. 1 Duke, the game plan is clear. The Blue Devils must not allow Sato and Chalmers to beat them. To hold both under 20 points would be quite a feat and would give Duke an excellent opportunity to win. Despite the ability of both to put up points in a hurry, the team that can slow down the opponents’ best players will win.
Duke reached the Elite Eight by handily disposing of No. 16 Alabama State and No. 8 Seton Hall. In the Sweet 16, Duke ran into a tough No. 5 Illinois squad, but the Blue Devils won with great defense and the senior leadership of Chris Duhon. Despite playing with an injured rib, Duhon has guided the Blue Devils to another regional final and one step away from the Final Four.
Duke’s greatest advantage is in the paint. Sophomore Shelden Williams is a beast in the lane and Xavier’s only answer is senior Anthony Myles. Myles will be responsible for policing the paint, and Duke must attack with Williams and sophomore Shavlik Randolph. If Williams and Randolph can get Myles in foul trouble, Duke will have more options on offense. On the other hand, if Myles’ senior experience can get the better of Duke, the Blue Devils will become one-sided and depend on guards J.J. Redick and Daniel Ewing to win a shooting match. And a shooting match against the NCAA’s hottest team is not a wise game plan.
Prediction: Duke 82, Xavier 70
