Duke Vs. Arizona is one of the most intriguing Sweet 16 matchups in the 2011 NCAA Tournament bracket. Both teams survived second-round challenges to reach this point, and both offer a dash of star power that could make this game a classic. The game will take place at 9:45 p.m. Thursday on CBS, according to the 2011 NCAA Tournament schedule, and Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery will be the announcers.
Sweet 16 Predictions, Preview: Duke Blue Devils Vs. Arizona Wildcats, 9:45 ET Thursday
Duke got here by surviving No. 8 Michigan in the third round, 73-71, and "surviving" is the best way to put it. The Blue Devils held off a late challenge by Michigan, and only did so when Darius Morris missed a floater in the lane with two seconds left that would have tied the score. The Blue Devils really struggled down the stretch, and are still adjusting to the return of Kyrie Irving to the lineup. After starring against Hampton, Irving made just one shot from the field. Luckily, Nolan Smith saved the day with 24 big points, showing why he is the ACC Player of the Year.
Arizona also barely made it to the Sweet 16, though there was more controversy in their case. The Wildcats trailed No. 4 seed Texas by two points with 14.5 seconds left when the referees called a five-second violation on the Longhorns. Video evidence shows Texas trying to call a timeout with four seconds left, but the referees missed it. Derrick Williams then made a huge play, diving down the lane and scoring a layup while drawing a foul to provide the winning margin. Williams also saved the day in the Wildcats’ first-round win over No. 12 seed Memphis, blocking a shot at the buzzer to preserve a two-point win.
Like Texas, Duke has plenty of bodies to throw at Williams. However, the Blue Devils don't have a Tristan Thompson, who held Williams in check in the Texas game. For Arizona to win, it will need Williams to dominate Duke on the inside. Duke, on the other hand, needs a better performance from Irving and continued excellence from Smith and Kyle Singler to continue its NCAA title defense.
Star Watch: Williams is the man to watch for Arizona, and while he’s had poor moments in the NCAA Tournament, he always seems to come up big when it matters. Speaking of coming up big when it matters, you can bet Smith will be involved if Duke is in a close game.
Prediction: Williams will rebound, but Duke is just too deep, especially on the perimeter. The Blue Devils win, 78-67.
More Reading: SB Nation’s Arizona blog Arizona Desert Swarm has everything about the Wildcats covered, while Duke Basketball Report is the top Duke resource on the Internet.
Need help catching up with all the action? Here’s a printable NCAA Tournament bracket and an updated Sweet 16 schedule.
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