There are going to be some great Sweet 16 games played this weekend, including a huge showdown in the South Region. The Duke Blue Devils are set to take on the Houston Cougars, and these are two blue-blood college basketball programs.
Duke has been a bit underrated all season long, but they are coming into this game with a record of 26-8. The Blue Devils have been dominant so far in the NCAA Tournament and they come into this game with momentum.
Houston has been a top team in the country all season long and they are bringing a record of 32-4 into this matchup. The Cougars had to survive a tough matchup with the Texas A&M to get to the Sweet 16 round.
The betting spread for this game is tight, but the Houston Cougars are coming into this game as a slight 4.5-point betting favorite.
Duke Must Make Shots
If the Duke Blue Devils are going to advance to the next round then they will need to shoot the ball well from deep in this game. Duke is shooting 37 percent from the three-point line this season, but they have also struggled in some games.
Kyle Filipowski is one of the best players in the country this season as he is averaging 16.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season. Filipowski will have to set the tone for Duke, but he is going to need some help as well.
The Blue Devils are also a team that can take control of the game on defense, and they could put up a low number against this Houston team.
Cougars Can Defend
Houston has some of the best defensive numbers in the country this season, and that will make them a tough out in this tournament. The Cougars are not only a great defensive team, but this team can also score when they need to.
Jamal Shead is averaging 13.2 points and 6.4 assists per game this season, and he can take over a game when needed. L.J. Cryer is an important player on this roster as well as he will need to make shots from the perimeter.
Houston will look to play a physical brand of basketball in this game, and that tends to wear down their opponents. The Cougars could be worn down from their most recent game, but they’ve had time to regroup.
Houston Marches to Elite Eight
Duke is playing their best basketball of the season ahead of this game, and they should have a ton of confidence. The Blue Devils just haven’t always made enough shots this season, and that could create some issues.
Houston will have the best player on the floor in Jamal Shead, and this team can get stops whenever they need to get this done. The Cougars had to survive a tough battle in the Second Round, and they will be ready for this game.
Bet the Houston Cougars -4.5 as they get past the mighty Duke Blue Devils to get to the Elite Eight.
