NCAA Tournament Analysis: Can Vermont Overcome Duke’s Height and Athleticism?

In the South region of the NCAA March Madness tournament, the matchup between Duke and Vermont is shaping up to be college basketball‘s version of David vs. Goliath.

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7:10 PM ET – 3/22	Spread	Moneyline	Total
Vermont @	+12.5 (-110)	+590	O 133.5 (-110)
Duke	-12.5 (-110)	-900	U 133.5 (-110)

 

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With the line opening at 11.5 in favor of Duke, it has since shifted to a 12.5-point spread, underscoring the Blue Devils’ perceived advantage over the Catamounts. The over/under for the game is set at 133.5, indicating expectations for a relatively high-scoring affair.

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Vermont’s Resilience and Experience

Vermont, champions of the America East, arrives at the NCAA tournament with a history of success and resilience. Having made it to five of the last seven tournaments, the Catamounts are no strangers to the big stage and the pressure that comes with it. This experience is invaluable, yet they face a significant challenge against a Duke team known for its athleticism and skill.

Duke’s Athletic Advantage

Duke’s athleticism and height are expected to be the deciding factors in this matchup. Kyle Filipowski, in particular, is anticipated to have a standout performance, capitalizing on Vermont’s lack of size—their biggest player stands at 6’8". This physical mismatch is something Duke is poised to exploit, using their superior athleticism to control the game and dictate the pace.

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Game Expectations

Despite Duke’s advantage and the expectation for them to win this game comfortably, there is a sense of caution regarding their prospects in the tournament’s later stages. The Blue Devils are favored to handle business against Vermont, but questions remain about their ability to advance deep into the tournament.

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Conclusion

As Duke prepares to face Vermont, all eyes will be on how the Blue Devils’ athleticism and height advantage play out on the court. Vermont’s experience and tenacity make them a team that cannot be underestimated, but they face a tough challenge against a Duke team eager to make a statement. This game promises to be an intriguing clash of styles and will be a true test of Vermont’s ability to overcome physical mismatches against one of college basketball’s perennial powerhouses.

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