Houston defense vs. Duke three-point shooting
A specific strength of Houston’s defense is limiting opponents from beyond the arc. The Cougars rank 15th in the nation in opponent three-point percentage (30.1 percent). Duke has taken over 1,000 threes this season and ranks 11th in the nation in three-point percentage (38.5 percent).
Duke can win without the three as it showed in its Elite 8 win over Alabama when it went 6-for-13, but the Blue Devils had made double-digit threes in the previous four games. Houston has only allowed an opponent to make double-digit threes three times this season, and it hasn’t happened since Feb. 1.
Florida vs. Auburn rebounding battle
The Gators hit the glass better than almost any team in the country. At 41.9 rebounds per game, they rank third overall. Auburn is no slouch itself with opponents ranking 121st at 33.4. In the Feb. 8 meeting, the teams tied at 40 rebounds apiece.
In that meeting, Auburn outscored Florida 22-15 in second-chance points. It didn’t lead to a win for the Tigers, but it’s something they want to replicate Saturday.
Much will depend on Tiger star Johni Broome’s health. He briefly left the Elite 8 win over Michigan State with a shoulder injury.
“He’s sore,” Pearl recently told Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman. “We didn’t practice (Monday), and we’ll practice (Tuesday), but Johni won’t practice. He’s sore, but I fully expect him to play on Saturday.”
Tahaad Pettiford vs. Walter Clayton, Jr.
Clayton has been a star for Florida, earning All-American honors. He carved up Auburn for 19 points, six rebounds and nine assists in February. Pettiford has emerged as Auburn’s second-biggest threat on offense in the tournament.
Through the Feb. 8 game against Florida, Pettiford averaged 21.2 minutes per game. He’s averaged more than 25 minutes since. Both players are stars on the offensive end, but it remains to be seen if they will draw each other for a defensive assignment. Clayton is better equipped to handle Pettiford defensively than the other way around. Count on both leaving their mark on this game.
Houston frontline vs. Cooper Flagg
Flagg has passed every test this season, but Houston is his toughest yet. Houston’s frontline is long, athletic and physical. Flagg will see multiple defenders and different looks throughout the game.
The good news for Duke? Flagg doesn’t have to be a scorer to influence the game. He’s a capable passer, averaging 5.3 assists per game in the tournament. Keep an eye on this with Duke’s lethal three-point shooters waiting on the perimeter.
