NCAAB · 8 months ago

NCAA Final Four Preview: 5 Keys to Duke Beating Houston

John Canady

Host · Writer

5) Limit Turnovers
Obviously, when a team is a top defensive unit, it often finds success by forcing teams to make mistakes. More often than not, those mistakes end in turnovers. The obvious solution to that is taking care of the ball. Although it’s easier said than done, if Duke can protect the ball and limit turnovers, it’ll prevent Houston from momentum runs that they often use from defensive plays.

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1) Don’t let Houston Be the More Physical Team
Houston has found success this season by being one of the most physical teams in the nation, more specifically on defense. The Cougars make every bucket tough to come by, but more often than not, it’s due to their defensive sets and aggressive and physical play on that side of the court. If Duke can match their physicality from the jump or even set the tone with more physicality, their chances of winning increase drastically.

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2) Get Cooper Flagg Going Early
There’s no denying that Duke’s offense starts with Cooper Flagg. The freshman sensation leads the team in nearly every statistical category, averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Houston’s top priority will be to take away Flagg’s offense, but if the Blue Devils can find a way to get their star going early, even the best defensive schemes can’t stop the top offensive players.
3) Force Houston’s Offense to Win the Game
Houston’s defense has gotten them to this point in the season. The Cougars cut their teeth on the defensive end of the court. And while that doesn’t mean their offense isn’t more than capable of winning a game, it may be difficult for them to do it against another top defensive team like Duke. If the Blue Devils can put together a defensive display of their own and force Houston’s offense to win the game, it could be a nightmare for Kelvin Sampson’s squad.
4) Blue Devil’s Supporting Cast Has to Show Up
As mentioned above, Houston will make it a priority to limit Cooper Flagg on offense. Although that’s a tall task, it’ll be much easier for the Cougars if the Blue Devils can’t get anything else from their supporting cast. Fortunately, Duke hasn’t run into that problem much this season, but in their few losses this season, that’s been part of the issues. To avoid that, Duke has to get offensive production from top to bottom.
5) Limit Turnovers
Obviously, when a team is a top defensive unit, it often finds success by forcing teams to make mistakes. More often than not, those mistakes end in turnovers. The obvious solution to that is taking care of the ball. Although it’s easier said than done, if Duke can protect the ball and limit turnovers, it’ll prevent Houston from momentum runs that they often use from defensive plays.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1) Don’t let Houston Be the More Physical Team
Houston has found success this season by being one of the most physical teams in the nation, more specifically on defense. The Cougars make every bucket tough to come by, but more often than not, it’s due to their defensive sets and aggressive and physical play on that side of the court. If Duke can match their physicality from the jump or even set the tone with more physicality, their chances of winning increase drastically.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

NCAA Final Four Preview: 5 Keys to Duke Beating Houston

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