NCAA Tournament 2011: Previewing Duke Blue Devils vs. Arizona Wildcats

Duke and Arizona is probably the best Sweet 16 game on paper. Tons of factors come into play in this game with an elite eight berth on the line.

With story lines like Mike Krzyzewski versus Sean Miller, Kyle Singler versus Derrick Williams, and Duke's back court against Arizona's, there is no shortage of headlines.

The majority of people will pick Duke to win this game for several reasons. The experience is definitely on Duke's side, but the talent of Derrick Williams could supersede that.

With tip off just hours away, here are the 5 keys to the game.

5. Kyle Singler

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CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 20: Kyle Singler #12 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots over Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Michigan Wolverines during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 20, 2011 in Charlotte,

Kyle Singler is probably the most tournament experienced player in the whole country. If Duke wants to win, Singler has to play well.

The senior averages roughly 17 points and 7 rebounds per outing. The Blue Devils will really need Singler to shoot good as well as defend verse Arizona.

Singler will be matched up against Arizona stud Derrick Williams. A lot of pro scouts will be watching this match up closely.

Scouts rip on Singler for his lack of mobility, and playing against a quicker forward like Williams will be a true test.

Derrick Williams can take over a game at any point, making it that much more important that Singler locks him down.

Also, on offense, Singler needs to bring Williams away from the bucket. Duke has taller big men, so Singler needs to stay by the three point line and let them go for offensive rebounds while Williams isn't around the hoop.

Singler versus Williams is definitely the biggest match up of this game. 

4. Sean Miller Vs. Mike Krzyzewski

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TULSA, OK - MARCH 20: Head coach Sean Miller of the Arizona Wildcats stands on the sidelines during the third round game against the Texas Longhorns in the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 20, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo

Big games always come down to coaching. This one is no different.

Sean Miller, the newer coach at Arizona, will be squaring off against the almighty Mike Krzyzewski of Duke.

This game will be a big chess match, since both teams have planned attacks.

Miller has brought Arizona back to relevance swiftly in his tenure so far, and a win over Duke would help very much in recruiting.

Keep a close eye on these coaches throughout the game, with every possession being a strategical move.

3. Nolan Smith and Kyrie Irving Versus Kyle Fogg and Lamont Jones

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CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 20: Nolan Smith #2 of the Duke Blue Devils moves the ball while taking on the Michigan Wolverines during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 20, 2011 in Charlotte, North C

This appears to be a pretty big mismatch.

The experience and talent between Kyrie Irving and Nolan Smith is much greater than that of Lamont Jones and Kyle Fogg.

Both guards on Duke are surefire first round picks this year and a game like this is huge for their draft stock.

However, not everything is gloomy for 'Zona.

Irving and Smith have had a less than impressive last two games together, with Irving just getting back from injury.

If Kyle Fogg and Lamont Jones are able to exploit their lack of chemistry, Arizona could be at the advantage in this match up.

2. Duke's Experience

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CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 18: (L-R) Nolan Smith #2, Kyle Singler #12 and Mason Plumlee #5 of the Duke Blue Devils sit on the bench in the second half while taking on the Hampton Pirates during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at

This is the part of the game Duke needs to bank on.

The Blue Devils won the tournament last year and have returned many of their players. Key returners are Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith, Mason Plumlee, Miles Plumlee, and Andre Dawkins.

Duke knows exactly what it takes to win big games and they have to execute to pull this one out.

However, Duke never went against a player like Derrick Williams last year or this year. If they are able to somewhat contain Williams and use their experience late in the game, Duke should come out on top.

Look for the ball to be in the hands of Kyle Singler or Nolan Smith the last few minutes of the game.

1. Derrick Williams

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TULSA, OK - MARCH 20: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrates after defeating the Texas Longhorns 70-69 in the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 20, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald

This is a do-or-die game for Williams.

Derrick has top pick potential, and if he can take down the Blue Devils he might cement that spot.

Williams will match up against Kyle Sinlger for the majority of the game. Derrick will need to beat Singler in the post and off the dribble if he wants his best chance at scoring.

Williams is one of the few players in this tournament that can take over a game single handedly. Not saying he has to do that for Arizona to win, but it would certainly help.

Duke needs to keep Williams on lock down as best as possible, or a beast might be unleashed all over them.