Championship Predictions
The thing is if Matt Howard isn't playing Butler will get annihilated on the glass and Duke will get way too many second chance points almost securing them a win. If he does infact play and not get into foul trouble Butler is going to want to make the tempo slow bringing it to a halfcourt game and basically do what they do best, grind out the game and win.
Howard has a very mild concussion. I can't see him sitting this game out, especially with him being the competitor that he is. He'll never play in a college championship game again. He's playing.
This will be a very tough game for Butler. Duke has a serious size advantage in the front court. They haven't seen a player with Zoubek's size, nor the size and athleticism of the Plumlee's.
Butler has a good chance though. They'll do as they always do. Defend, slow down the tempo and execute. I don't think people realize just how great of a half court defensive team that Butler is.
I'm going with Butler. 65-64.
Jukes is the only senior, but there's a good chance Hayward goes pro. IF Hayward returns, they'll definitely make another run next season... But making it this far again? That's hard to see. Howard will be a senior next season. I'm pretty sure this will be his first and only championship. He's playing.
Duke 55
Butler 57
I'm praying to 8 lb., 6 oz. baby Jesus that Butler doesn't play zone, because I like to root for the underdog. Why do teams play zone against Duke anyway? The two biggest weaknesses in a zone are outside shooting and rebounding, two of Duke's biggest strengths. Wouldn't it make more sense to man up?
im a duke fan at heart jay williams is from my town.. and ive been a huge duke fan(love the memphis tigers too) and 99% of the time id route for duke but as a bigger college basketball fan i find myself having to route for butler just bc its a great story, they've played great, and who knows the next time bulter will get another chance. but seein matt howard prob wont play (even thou hes kinda been a non factor all tourny) but i think dukes offensive rebounding is just gonna dominate the game.
they are all treating Duke like they're '90 UNLV or '72 UCLA or summin....I give them props, they are better than I thought.....but they are all saying "oh Duke is just too good"....I don't agree with that at all....
I am saying a prayer right now that Duke tries to check Hayward with Kyle Singler....Please make a rare bad coaching decision Coach K.....
Dawgs 67
Duke 65
buzzer beater by Hayward
Matt Howard isn't very good to me. He's a bad athlete and can only score right at the rim, and even at the rim he has to always shield the ball with the rim. He's not a good rebounder and he's foul prone.
Shelvin Mack is shooting the ball well.
This is a defensive game right now. Not much scoring.
Lets see 'em
Duke-68
Butler-62