Camila Sosa
In what will be the last March Madness in the legendary Coach K’s career, Duke University is the overwhelming favorite in their first-round match against CSU Fullerton University. However, the ACC leaders haven’t looked as solid as on another occasions, and the Titans’ spirit could be lethal in winning the Big West championship.
Picks and Predictions for CS Fullerton Titans vs Duke Blue Devils NCAA Basketball Championship Round 1 – March 18
- Where: Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Greenville, SC
- When: Friday, March 18, 7:10 PM ET
- Betting Line: Cal State Fullerton Titans (+17.5) vs. Duke Blue Devils (-17.5) Ti
CSU Fullerton Titans Preview (Seeding #15)
- Overall Record: 21-10
- Conference Record: 11-4
- Chances of Victory/Money Spread: +17.5
- Over/Under: Over 143.5
- Moneyline: +1200
Mark Williams’ performance is so important in this match for one main reason only: E.J. Anosike. The wing-pivot has been the MVP completely for Fullerton, with 16.5 points and 8.3 rebounds all year, and they will need him at his best to try to achieve the upset, because the matchup between the two is one of the worst that the team led by Dedrique Taylor could have.
Duke is a balanced team in every way, but if there is somenthing that they can do in one of their good nights, it’s scoring from either side of the duel. And Fullerton is one of the worst defensive teams especially when it comes to triples (allowing 37% effectiveness in them to their opponents). They will need all the help they can get from the paint.
Duke Blue Devils Preview (Seeding #2)
- Overall Record: 28-6
- Conference Record: 16-4
- Spread: -17.5
- Over/Under: Under 143.5
- Moneyline: -2500
Although Duke has the most complete and talented roster by a considerable margin in the entire NCAA, this has not been passed on to the field. It’s not because they don’t have a top-notch offense and defense (they have them both, being the ninth best in points scored and the second best in defensive rating), it’s just that they simply haven’t been able to respond to the pressure of their high level.
Still, we don’t expect this to be a problem for the Blue Devils in the first round, as they are clearly superior to their opponents. Paolo Banchero (17 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals) is clearly the star in this game, with enough assistance on the defensive side of center Mark Williams (10.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.8 blocks). If these two are in their usual performance, there is no way for Duke to lose this match.
JefeBet Prediction
Unless the pressure issue is somewhat intractable for Duke, it is highly unlikely to see them out of the second round of March Madness. Sadly for CSU Fullerton, they don’t have enough to challenge Coach K’s group. The Blue Devils will take the win comfortably: 88 to 72.
