WASHINGTON — It’s going to be a dog day afternoon. Thirty-eight-year-old spoiler alert: Just hope it works out better than it did for John Cazale.
Duke (+3 1/2) over Louisville: Christian Laettner is not walking through that door. Bobby Hurley is not walking through that door. And Grant Hill is not walking through that door. But Ryan Kelly is. The Blue Devils are 21-1 this season with the senior forward in the lineup, which includes an early-season win over the Cardinals. I have contended all season Russ Smith would shoot Louisville out of a game at some point. I also believe Cardinals coach Rick Pitino’s press is far less effective against a teams of the Blue Devils’ caliber. But most of all, when a game is going to be as close as this, you always take the points. Always. No matter what. It’s like splitting aces.
Michigan (+2 1/2) over Florida: With Trey Burke doing his best Kemba Walker impression, the Wolverines look like a lock for the Final Four. Going up against the Gators, who only advanced because Florida Gulf Coast’s backcourt was so careless it turned each possession into charity, will not be so fortunate against Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. When facing similar talent this season, Florida has been unimpressive, and is 0-6 in games decided by single-digits. So, unless you’re thinking the Gators in a blowout (in which case you must love the Washington Generals’ chances against the Harlem Globetrotters), go with Michigan.
Record: 22-18-1
2011-12 Record: 48-26-1
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