The Xavier vs. Duke Game Will Be Physical, May Be Decided at the FT Line

I don't know what you think about it, but this Saturday's  Xavier-Duke game is a big time game that's been waiting to happen and it will probably be won at the free throw line.

Xavier averages something like 35 free throws per game. That's the most in the country right now. Xavier wins close games because they make those shots from the charity line. I don't know how charitable Mike Krzyzewski is feeling these days, but with his team only shooting 31 percent beyond the arc, he may have no choice. Combine that with Xavier's physical presence inside and Duke could have a big decision to make. Foul or not to foul.

Many like to place the hopes of the Duke team on 6-8 So. forward, Kyle Singler. He's avg. about 16 pts. per game, but this monumental, early season game could rest on the shoulders of junior guard Gerald Henderson. He's a slasher and could wreak some havoc inside for the Musketeers if the game gets into transition mode.

Xavier has good news in the return of their freshman point guard Terrell Holloway. He has been hampered by injuries this season resulting in The Musketeers playing without a true point guard in many games.

That should cut down on Xavier's turnover problem...nearly 17 per outing.

Match-ups aside, this is a stupendous game that should have happened long ago with Xavier crashing the big dance seemingly yearly.

Analyst and former Duke player Jay Bilas said he didn't know why a neutral-court Xavier-Duke match-up hasn't happened before. It's the kind of game "the best players want," he said

New Jersey is almost a home game for Duke, but despite that, if Xavier holds onto the ball, I say Xavier by 5.

What do you have to say about it?

-N8-