After 32-years of handicapping college basketball, I can honestly say Nova has a real shot at the upset when they face Duke in Boston on Thursday evening. Critical will be the defensive approach used by stellar HC Jay Wright of the Wildcats. Normally, he utilizes the 1-2-2 press to speed up the game, but he can't expect the well coached Blue Devils to fold. In fact, I see Wright using this famed press to slow the game forcing Duke to play in a half-court set which should have the encounter resembling a slow, physical Big East battle. Villanova can win the whole game, if they stay strong on the boards and insider Cunningham stays out of foul trouble. Nova has a nice blend of youth and experience to test the talented group from the ACC, but in the end the Cats defense is the call in a major win, VILLANOVA 77 DUKE 72
