Gonzaga’s Kyle Wiltjer looks to pass as UCLA’s Kevon Looney defends during the 2015 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. (Getty)
A year removed from a stunning early tournament dismissal, Duke has had another successful season. Although the Blue Devils didn’t win the ACC Tournament Championship, they still received a selection committee bid as the No. 1 seed in the South region bracket. Under the direction of Mike Krzyzewski, who is the winningest coach in NCAA history, Duke is making its third Elite Eight appearance in the past five seasons. The Blue Devils knocked off No. 16 Robert Morris, No. 8 San Diego State and No. 5 Utah to set the stage for a 1-2 matchup against No. 2 Gonzaga.
After winning the West Coast Conference tournament, Gonzaga is in it’s 17th-straight NCAA Tournament appearance. The Bulldogs are first in the nation for field goal percentage, 52.4 percent, sixth in assists, 16.5, and 10th in scoring, 79.1. So far the Bulldogs have topped No. 15 North Dakota State, No. 7 Iowa and No. 11 UCLA. This will be the Zags first time in the Elite Eight since 1999 and the first appearance under the direction of head coach Mark Few.
Here’s what you need to know about the game:
The Basics
Who:
No. 1 Duke vs. No. 2 Gonzaga
What:
NCAA Tournament Elite Eight
When:
Sunday, March 29
Where:
NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas
Bracket Region:
South
Time:
5:05 p.m. Eastern
Channel:
CBS
Line:
Duke (-2.5)
Scouting Duke
Record: 32-4 overall, 15-3 ACC
Coach: Mike Krzyzewski, 34th season
Offensive Points Per Game: 80.6
Defensive Points Allowed Per Game: 65.3
Scoring Leaders: Jahlil Okafor, 17.8, Quinn Cook, 15.9
Rebounding Leader: Jahlil Okafor, 8.8
Assists Leader: Tyus Jones, 5.8
Scouting Gonzaga
Record: 35-2 overall, 7-1 West Coast
Coach: Mark Few, 16th season
Offensive Points Per Game: 79.1
Defensive Points Allowed Per Game: 60.9
Scoring Leader: Kyle Wiltjer, 16.7
Rebounding Leader: Domantas Sabonis, 6.9
Assists Leader: Kevin Pangos, 5.0
