Anytime there’s a two-time defending champion, they will have a target on their backs. Even though Duke enters the NCAA tournament coming off a bit of a down-year for the Blue Devils, Duke should still garner the attention they deserve.
Ohio State is no slouch. But here’s the difference: Duke has championship pedigree and there’s something to be said for that experience. Even though many of those players have since left, the culture in Durham during this time of year is unlike any other in the country. In the past two years, while Duke won two championships, OSU won just one NCAA tournament game.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Duke’s attack featuring freshman Justin Guterding, sophomore Jack Bruckner and junior Case Matheis don’t even come close to the Blue Devils’ attack lines from recent seasons. But don’t be fooled. Guterding has a cannon of a shot, Bruckner — a converted high school midfielder — can create plays for teammates and Matheis has learned from since-graduated veterans.
Last year, Duke needed its midfield to develop while its attack held down the fort. This year, it’s the opposite. World-class Myles Jones and Deemer Class have been phenomenal. Their offensive firepower from up top matches any team in the country.
It’s up to the three attack to round the offense out. And they probably will. Ohio State is a defensive team, but the Blue Devils have come together recently. After getting pounded 19-7 at Syracuse, Duke has scored in double digits in seven consecutive games. Guterding has emerged as a solid feeder, in addition to his shooting, and the offense has opened up from there.
Don’t sleep on the Buckeyes’. Jesse King ranks 31st in the country with 3.76 points per game. Only Carter Brown is the other OSU players to rank in the top 100. He averages 2.82. The Brown-King combination is Ohio State’s most dangerous. Goalie Tom Carey is 33rd in Division I save percentage with 52.4 percent.
But against a team like Duke, it may not be enough. The Blue Devils will host the Buckeyes and unless Brown and King put on a show, it will likely be a long trip back to Columbus for OSU.
