My rationale is that I’ve seen Tom Izzo have mediocre teams going into the tournament before and he always seems to get his guys ready for the Tournament. Bob McKillop is a veteran coach who has faced Duke multiple times during the regular season, so there is familiarity, just as there is w/ Michigan State who it seems like Duke has played as much any OOC opponent the past 15 years. You’re probably correct about Villanova, but I think Texas Tech is a tough out. They’re older and they play physical. I don’t always buy into the metrics .
I agree, but some teams have progressed, while others have regressed. The Vols have gotten better and better. Virginia Tech was 2-7 in the ACC and have won 13 of 15. Duke has lost 2 of 4 and looked bad doing it. Duke was top 20 in defensive efficiency prior to the last 5 games. They now rank above 200 or something crazy. If Duke is going to make a run they need to make a re-commitment to defense and stop wasting possessions.
Hopefully. I just want to see Duke play good defense and get out in transition. Keels also needs to get his stuff together too. I have it on pretty good authority that since he got hurt against FSU, he’s been a little less committed to playing his hardest than he was prior to. He and Roach have to play well.
