The set-up: With a chance to erase a shaky start to the 2019 NCAA Tournament with a big win, I look for Duke to finally put it all together and ride its super stars to a solid victory over MSU in Elite Eight. Neither team has an advantage at coach obviously (and no need to talk about their past or any of their records, even the most casual CBB fan is fully aware of Mike Krzyzewksi and Tom Izzo's accomplishments). It's been a couple of "close calls" for the Blue Devils, but the combination of RJ Barrett, Tre Jones and Zion Williamson combined for 63 points in their last win and I think they'll prove a matchup problem for the Spartans. Slowing down LSU is one thing, but I think MSU is going to have a much more difficult time from this highly motivated Duke side that's now playing with a chip on its shoulder.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but MSU is just 8-12 ATS in its last 20 as an underdog, while Duke is 3-1 ATS this season after falling to cover the spread in two or more straight games. For all the reasons listed above, play on Duke.

9* play