By Josh Cook
The men's NCAA national championship game is tonight in Indianapolis between the real-life Hoosiers (Butler) and the hatred (Duke).
Here is a quick breakdown of the Bulldogs vs. the Blue Devils:
Backcourt: Nolan Smith, son of late University of Louisville star Derek, might be on his way to a Most Outstanding Player award. Jon Scheyer might score 25 points. Duke might have the edge in talent, but Butler might have the advantage in tenacity with Shelvin Mack and Ronald Nored. Edge: Duke.
Frontcourt: It looks like Bulldogs center Matt Howard is going to be able to go tonight, but even so Duke's trio of Kyle Singler, Brian Zoubek and Lance Thomas give the Blue Devils a decided advantage in spite of Gordon Hayward's breakout tournament. Edge: Duke.
Bench: The Plumlee twins (Mason & Miles) give Duke plenty of depth up front, something that could be key if Howard gets into foul trouble (as he has in this tournament) or if he is bothered by the head injury he suffered in the national semifinal. Edge: Duke.
Coach: Mike Krzyzewski and his three national titles with the Blue Devils (the team everyone outside of Durham, N.C. loves to hate) meet Brad Stevens, who is in his first Final Four and has been mistaken for one of his Bulldog players at Lucas Oil Stadium, and his group of players that bring to mind the mythical Hickory Huskers from the movie Hoosiers. Edge: Duke.
Pick: All signs point to the Blue Devils, I've said a couple of times in this space that Duke is due, but this time of year you go with your heart and not your head...Butler 65, Duke 63.
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