March Madness: 10 best potential games of the 2019 NCAA Tournament

March Madness: 10 best potential games in the NCAA Tournament

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 15: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on against the Duke Blue Devils during their game in the semifinals of the 2019 Men's ACC Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 15, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 16: Duke Blue Devils forward RJ Barrett (5) with the ball guarded by Florida State Seminoles guard Devin Vassell (24) during the 1st half of the ACC Tournament championship game with the Duke Blue Devils versus the Florida State Seminoles on March 16, 2019, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Duke-Michigan State, East Region, Elite Eight

The East Region actually stacks up pretty favorably for Duke, and the Blue Devils stand an excellent chance of getting all the way to the Elite Eight. Once they get there, however, they could be in for a mammoth challenge from Big Ten champion Michigan State.

Duke is almost impossible to beat when Zion Williamson is on the floor, but they do have a few weaknesses, such as poor perimeter shooting and the ability to get beaten on the glass. A good defensive team that can knock down shots from the outside could give Duke fits, and Michigan State is that kind of team.

The Spartans run a very disciplined offense, with Cassius Winston using his excellent passing skills to set up teammates for open looks. Michigan State can also contend with Williamson on the inside thanks to their depth up front with Nick Ward, Xavier Tillman and Kenny Goins.

Another plus for Michigan State is the presence of Tom Izzo, who often does his finest work in March. Duke’s talent would give them the edge in this game, but don’t be shocked if their matchup with the Spartans is a lot closer than people expect.

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