MBB FF: Duke v. Sparty (Apr 4, 6:09 pm, TBS) Pre-Game and In-Game Thread

[pfrduke]

Let's get it done and go 2-0 against MSU this year.

[hurleyfor3]

Espn's bracket says we're the first game.

[Dukehky]

We goin baby!!!!!

[Indoor66]

Espn's bracket says we're the first game.

ESPN has it's usual accuracy standard. We play the 2nd game at about 6:20 PM on TBS.

[FerryFor50]

Duke beat MSU earlier this season. Okafor had his first of many monster games.

But these are two different teams. Duke's picked it up on defense. Mich St has played much, much better of late. Do not overlook them.

I think Duke's in good shape to win, but they will need to keep Dawson off the boards and focus on stopping Travis Trice.

[91devil]

ESPN has it's usual accuracy standard. We play the 2nd game at about 6:20 PM on TBS.

I think we will probably be the first game, whatever time that is. Second game will be in Prime Time, and, frankly, the KY / WI game is likely a higher draw than ours.

[freshmanjs]

ESPN has it's usual accuracy standard. We play the 2nd game at about 6:20 PM on TBS.

nope, ESPN is right. we play the 1st game.

[Indoor66]

Duke beat MSU earlier this season. Okafor had his first of many monster games.

But these are two different teams. Duke's picked it up on defense. Mich St has played much, much better of late. Do not overlook them.

I think Duke's in good shape to win, but they will need to keep Dawson off the boards and focus on stopping Travis Trice.

I like our chances. Our guards are superior to their guards and our bigs are better. Quinn will be Trice's worst nightmare.

[hurleyfor3]

Espn was wrong. Our second-game streak continues. And it's on TBS.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebask...nouncing-teams

[gocanes0506]

The big matchups are Cook vs Trice and Winslow vs Valentine.

Let the big Oak go to work in this one.

[FerryFor50]

The big matchups are Cook vs Trice and Winslow vs Valentine.

Let the big Oak go to work in this one.

I think Winslow takes Dawson. Matt Jones will get Valentine.

[MChambers]

Duke's defense is now up to #17 in Pomeroy. Quite a move in four games.

Game is an issue in my household, since my son went to MSU for a year and my niece, who is living with us now, graduated from MSU.

[pfrduke]

In the tournament, we've collectively held our opponents to 214 points on 247 possessions - .866 points per possession, against some good offenses (particularly the last two rounds - 109 on 123 possessions, for .886 points per possession). What a turnaround on the defensive end from earlier this season.

I've said this before and I'll say it again - we win or lose on our defense. We are undefeated this year when the opponent doesn't hit 70. If we continue to dedicate to the defensive end, good things will happen.

[pfrduke]

Also...

Dear Charles Barkley,

Please pick Michigan State to win on Saturday. We have enjoyed your picks of Utah and Gonzaga the last 3 days.

With love,
Duke fans

[subzero02]

We open as 5 point favorites over the Spartans... sounds about right.

[Troublemaker]

Espn was wrong. Our second-game streak continues. And it's on TBS.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebask...nouncing-teams

Ironically, CBS Sports may have it wrong. I'm seeing Kentucky as the late game everywhere else.

[AncientPsychicT]

Espn was wrong. Our second-game streak continues. And it's on TBS.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebask...nouncing-teams

According to the official NCAA website, ESPN was right. Duke-MSU at 6:09, UK-Badgers at 8:49.

EDIT: Also, if you compare when the article you linked was written to when this one, this one, and this one were written, you'll find the CBSSports listing is somewhat obsolete.

[jmck214]

Nantz said Kentucky would be the late game at the end of the game. Every final 4 game I've seen of Duke we were the late game. I am glad this time we are on at 6. I hate waiting around those extra 2 and a half hours

[arnie]

According to the official NCAA website, ESPN was right. Duke-MSU at 6:09, UK-Badgers at 8:49.

Early line has us at 4.5. Thought it might be a little higher. Ky 5 pt fav.

[hurleyfor3]

CBS has our game as the early game on its own bracket page, but hasn't corrected the press release yet. I'd prefer to wait for an unequivocal word from cbs/tbs.