NCAA
Duke Blue Devils vs. Purdue Boilermakers
The Blue Devils are the 4th ranked team in the nation. Duke failed to advance past the Sweet Sixteen for past five years and this year they are expected to move on to Elite 8. This year, Duke has been carried by three Blue Devils: Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler. Each averages 18.4, 17.1, 17.7 points per game. However, in previous rounds Duke met easy teams and allowed starters to rest. Still, Duke’s starters are in good shape and ready to win the next game.
The Boilermakers are 29-5 on the season and they played strong teams like Ohio State. E’Twaun Moore, a star player, averages 16.4 points per game and his teammates include good forwards such as Robbie Hummel who averages 15.7 ppg and 6.9 rebounds per game. JuJuan Johnson led the team in the first round of the tournament with 23 points and 15 rebounds. Many players in the depth chart can score double digit points.
Duke Blue Devils are expected to move on to the Elite 8 as long as their starters play like last two games.
Baylor Bears vs. St. Mary’s Gaels
The Baylor Bears are lead by their star guard LaceDarius Dunn who averages 19.5 ppg in this tournament. Ekpe Udoh, forward, averages 14.0 ppg and has potential to shine. Bears have the record of 27-7 including games against Kansas and Kansas State. Their bench players and rest of the starters are pretty weak. However, their experiences playing against Kansas, Kansas State, Texas A&M will help the Bears.
The Gaels had huge upset last week defeating Villanova. Omar Samhan who plays rough is the key player of the team. He scored 29 and 32 in this tournament and Mickey McCornell also scored 18.5 per game. Their guards can hit the threes so even if the Bears manage to block two Gaels under the hoop, they need some good perimeter defense.
Omar Samhan is the key player of the game. If he manages to play like his previous games, it would be a tough game for the Bears. St. Mary’s Gaels are expected to move on to the Elite 8.
Photo via WNY Media
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