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Every weekday, a panel of our college hoops experts discusses the biggest issues, trends and themes in and around college basketball.
1. If Duke takes away Ryan Boatright, UConn's leading scorer, who's most likely to step up?
Andy Katz: If Duke does that, then UConn loses. The Huskies can't win without Boatright playing well and scoring. Daniel Hamilton also must have a productive game. But the Duke wings are no joke. The Blue Devils are deep.
Dana O'Neil: That's a pretty bad scenario for the Huskies, needless to say, but if that's what happens, then it has to be Hamilton. He has the ability to create his own shots and will need to if the Blue Devils can eliminate Boatright. That, however, I think is tougher than it sounds. I suspect Boatright will be a factor.
Jeff Goodman: Hamilton is the guy. Tremendous talent who has really matured in his overall game. I remember seeing him a couple of years ago and he was primarily a shot-taker (and not necessarily a shot-maker). Now he does everything, makes good decisions -- and has almost been too passive. If Duke finds a way to contain Boatright, Hamilton will have to be aggressive in looking for his own for UConn to have a chance to win.
2. What's UConn's best strategy for defending Jahlil Okafor?
Katz: UConn coach Kevin Ollie said the Huskies must prevent the ball from getting deep in the post. They can't allow Okafor to establish post position. That also means the Huskies must pressure the perimeter so that the entry passes are harder to convert.
O'Neil: I think you have to double Okafor and let someone else beat you. Unfortunately, someone else at Duke can, especially since Okafor tends to make good decisions passing out of the low post. But that's the best bet to stop Okafor from dominating. Amida Brimah could end up in foul trouble if he tries to go it alone.
Goodman: When Brimah is in the game, I think it's to play Okafor straight up -- and see if Brimah can block, alter or disrupt Okafor's shots. When he's not in the game, I'd double Okafor and see if guys like Tyus Jones, Justise Winslow and Quinn Cook are making shots from the perimeter. Cook has been shooting the lights out, and I'd be more apt to double with Jones' man -- if possible.
3. What's the final score, and why?
Katz: I'm covering the game, but this would be an upset if UConn can pull it off. Duke appears to be a much better scoring team at this juncture, which could mean a double-digit win. But we've learned many times under Ollie the past two years to never count this team out when it appears the Huskies are done. Duke is not unbeatable. The Huskies have the personnel to pull off the win. But they must play their best game of the season to do so.
O'Neil: Duke 83, UConn 72. The Blue Devils, to me, are head and shoulders above most teams in college basketball this season, so that's not meant to be an insult pick. They are solid at every position, smart and selfless ... a tough combo to beat.
Goodman: Duke 77, UConn 69. The Blue Devils are better at virtually every position -- and that includes point guard. The only way UConn wins is if Boatright and Hamilton combine for about 50 -- and they get into the lane and are able to get Okafor into foul trouble. Even if the Huskies contain Okafor, the Blue Devils have enough other weapons to win this with ease.
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