No. 7-seed Duke continues its NCAA match quest Sunday afternoon in Columbus, Ohio in opposition to No. 2-seed Ohio State. The Chronicle’s beat writers provide their predictions about whether or not the Blue Devils can spring the upset and guide their spot within the Candy 16:
Elle Chavis: Duke 64-63
This sport will most likely come all the way down to absolutely the final seconds as each groups battle it out for a coveted spot within the Candy 16. I actually wouldn’t even be shocked if it went into extra time. However, when the clock hits triple zeros, anticipate the Blue Devils to be on high. Battling again from being down at halftime in opposition to the Spiders proved to me that this Duke staff has what it takes to combat in opposition to big-time opponents. Assembly up with a well-recognized foe in Celeste Taylor, the Blue Devils have the right alternative to show themselves much more. Sure, Ohio State has a high-powered offense, however Duke has the dominant protection to maintain it in examine and the pace to maintain up. If the Blue Devils can sluggish the Buckeyes down and run their defensive scheme to perfection, I absolutely anticipate them to stroll out on high of this matchup.Â
Franck Djidjeu: Ohio State 68-56
The Blue Devils enter a heavyweight battle between two extremely potent defenses. In contrast to Duke, which excels at making photographs as powerful as attainable for opponents and ranks second within the ACC in opponent discipline purpose proportion, Ohio State thrives off forcing turnovers. The Buckeyes rank seventh in compelled turnovers and fourth in turnover margin within the nation, which means they’re simply as able to defending the ball on the opposite finish. Of their final two losses following a 15-game successful streak, they solely had a mixed minus-two turnover differential. Subsequently, if Duke is ready to at the very least keep relative to the Buckeyes within the turnover battle, it would have a powerful likelihood to win. Nevertheless, I feel this can be a bit too tall of a activity for such a younger Blue Satan staff which is able to fall simply quick however with lots to look ahead to.
Caleb Dudley: Ohio State 62-52
After sitting within the stands Friday and watching Ohio State dismantle Maine, I got here away frightened in regards to the Blue Devils’ probabilities within the second spherical. All the Buckeyes lineup was extremely disruptive and athletic, and the press protection was nothing wanting spectacular. Though Duke is little doubt ready for the stress, I feel its normal lack of expertise can be its downfall. The gang on the Schottenstein Heart can be rocking, and I feel a superb veteran-laden lineup that options former Blue Satan Taylor can be simply an excessive amount of for head coach Kara Lawson’s younger squad.Â
Ryan Hamner: Duke 63-59
I haven’t picked in opposition to Duke all yr, and after its comfy win in opposition to Richmond, I will not begin now. The Blue Devils are primed for one more win, and there’s no higher proof than their comeback win Friday. The victory in opposition to the Spiders confirmed maturity and a capability to win on the nationwide stage. Like I stated earlier, the win was only a tune-up, and Lawson’s squad is now prepared for its largest check of the yr. With the continued momentum the Blue Devils have, I consider of their skill to get the victory once more in opposition to Ohio State and one who was their very own, Taylor.
Martin Heintzelman: Ohio State 68-63
This one goes to be powerful, however not as powerful as one would possibly anticipate. Duke matches up comparatively effectively in opposition to the Buckeyes, and has the pace to interrupt the notorious Ohio State press with out an excessive amount of problem. It can come all the way down to turnovers. The Buckeyes power about 21 per sport, and Duke already offers the ball up almost 17 occasions in a typical matchup. If the Blue Devils can beat then press and maintain onto the ball, this can be a winnable sport. If the press works as supposed and Ohio State can rack up straightforward transition factors, search for this to be the top of Duke’s season.Â
Riya Khatod: Ohio State 74-66
Duke’s spherical of 32 problem in opposition to Ohio State is sure to be a considerably more difficult matchup than its first spherical victory in opposition to Richmond. The Buckeyes enter the sport with a formidable scoring prowess, boasting a season per-game common of 16.2 factors greater than their opponents. Whereas their offensive output barely wavers in opposition to high-caliber groups, they continue to be a formidable presence, particularly on their residence court docket the place they common 83.1 factors per sport. Duke will use the defensive depth that has been essential to its success up to now to maintain itself on this sport. In the end, nevertheless, with Ohio State’s offensive power and the benefit of taking part in in entrance of a house crowd, the Buckeyes are poised to proceed marching to the Candy 16.
Colton Schwabe: Ohio State 70-67
Duke’s efficiency within the spherical of 64 confirmed to all these watching that the Blue Devils have the potential to make a run within the match. The staff doesn’t quit early and has scrappy protection with offensive streaks to gas its play, however Ohio State was given its No. 2 seed for a motive. Taking down Iowa and nationwide phenomenon Caitlin Clark in January, nevertheless, the Buckeyes have proven this season that they’re immensely succesful. I feel that the Blue Devils will hold it shut with their match combat earlier than finally falling quick.
Garrett Spooner: Ohio State 67-59
After getting off to a sluggish begin in opposition to Richmond, the Blue Devils confirmed a formidable willpower to combat again and overcome the Spiders of their 72-61 win. As I predicted, Reigan Richardson wanted to have an enormous sport, and he or she did, scoring 25 factors and including seven boards. On this one, although, Ohio State simply has an excessive amount of firepower. Jacy Sheldon and Cotie McMahon common 18 and 14 factors per contest, respectively, and that fails to say former standout Duke guard Taylor. Anticipate Duke to depend on its protection to maintain this one shut, however ultimately, the Buckeyes will come out on high.Â
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