Both teams are coming into the Sweet 16 after two outstanding offensive performances. Houston put up 100 in OT vs. Texas A&M and Duke dropped 93 in a drubbing of JMU. This should be a very exciting matchup between two teams with legitimate National Championship aspirations.
Houston’s offense has come alive in the tournament, but they have been very reliant on their elie defense this season. The Cougars are in the top 10 nationally in the following defensive categories: Scoring defense (1st), turnover margin (1st), opposing FG% (2nd), scoring margin (2nd), and steals per game (7th). The backcourt duo of LJ Cryer and Jamal Shead are the leaders of their offense. Emanuel Sharp is also a very capable guard who is capable of shooting from deep.
The Blue Devils have relied heavily on their offense to get this far. They are in the top 50 scoring offense, three point percentage, and effective field goal percentage. All five of their starters are averaging double digit points. They are led on offense by freshman guard Jared McCain and 7 footer Kyle Filipowski. Duke is also a very solid defensive team. They’re as elite as Houston, but they are 31st in the nation in scoring defense.
