Sweet 16: Duke Blue Devils (1) vs. Arizona Wildcats (5) Thurs. March 24, 2011 9:45 p.m. EST

Last season the Duke Blue Devils (1) were able to defy the odds and make it all the way to the National Championship to win yet another NCAA title under Coach K. This season the Blue Devils were thought to be a good team, but not a great team as many people believed they didn’t have what it takes to compete with the best of the best in college basketball.

Once again, Coach K and company were able to defy the odds as they have made it all the way back to the 2011 NCAA Tournament and now have reached the Sweet 16. Even though the competition just gets better and better from here on out, especially in the West Region, the Duke Blue Devils (1) will put all their efforts into trying to find a way to beat the Arizona Wildcats (5) and their star player Derrick Williams.

There is no question that the Duke Blue Devils (1) are amongst the elite in college basketball once again with Nolan Smith leading the way for Coach K, but the Arizona Wildcats’ (5) Derrick Williams will pose a big matchup problem for the defending NCAA champions in the paint. This was one of the main reasons that the Texas Longhorns weren’t able to get the best of the Arizona Wildcats (5) in the last round, but the Duke Blue Devils (1) are another beast altogether.

This game will be arguably one of the closest and most entertaining in the Sweet 16, but even though the Wildcats do have the potential to pull off the upset, I think the Blue Devils will advance to the Elite 8.

As of right now, the Duke Blue Devils (1) are one of the most heavily favored teams in the Sweet 16 as they have the edge with a -8.5 point spread. This will be close game though as I believe taking Arizona might be the best bet.

Take the Wildcats at +8.5.

Bodog Sportsbook:
Spread: Arizona Wildcats +8.5 & Duke Blue Devils -8.5
Moneyline: Arizona Wildcats +340 & Duke Blue Devils -480
Over/Under: Arizona Wildcats 110 Duke Blue Devils 110 under (147)

Bookmaker Sportsbook:
Spread: Arizona Wildcats +8.5 & Duke Blue Devils -8.5
Moneyline: Arizona Wildcats +390 & Duke Blue Devils -470
Over/Under: Arizona Wildcats 110 Duke Blue Devils 110 under (147.5)

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