2015 National Championship Game Staff Picks
The staff at theScore put on their prognosticator hats and made predictions for Monday's national championship game, highlighting reasons for their selections. The pickers are Gino Bottero, Mike Dickson, George Halim, Kimberly John and Isaac Owusu.
1 Duke Blue Devils vs. 1 Wisconsin Badgers
Bottero: Ordinarily, this would be a prime letdown spot for a team like Wisconsin. Ending Kentucky's undefeated run and avenging last year's Final Four loss to the Wildcats was a huge feather in the Badgers' collective hat. But this is a program that hasn't won a national title since 1941 - they didn't make the trip to Indianapolis looking for a single victory. While it may not get the fanfare, Wisconsin's offense actually grades out as a more efficient unit than Duke's, and the Badgers have more to offer at the defensive end. Wisconsin 80, Duke 74
Dickson: What's harder than beating an undefeated Kentucky squad? Regrouping two days later to try to beat a Duke team that might be even better. The Badgers will be full of emotion following their shocking win over the Wildcats, but Mike Krzyzewski will have the Blue Devils well prepared for Frank Kaminsky and company. Duke earned a 10-point win over Wisconsin earlier this season and a repeat performance should be in the cards for the title game. Duke 81, Wisconsin 71
Halim: The Blue Devils have shown that they can play big when it matters most. Consistency is key for Duke and its helped them so far. But a rematch with Wisconsin will be anything but, as both teams are different beasts this time around. That being said, several Duke players, such as Justise Winslow, Tyus Jones and Matt Jones, have broken out at the right time. Mix in Jahlil Okafor and the Badgers will face a different test than what they saw against Kentucky. Duke 77, Wisconsin 67
John: Wisconsin will end a dream tournament with a national title. It hasn't been easy, but the Badgers have proven that they will always find a way to earn a victory. Sam Dekker will knock down crucial threes to get his team out of trouble, and Kaminsky will show why he's the AP's player of the year. The Badgers simply want it more than their opponents night in and night out, and that translates in their play. Wisconsin 72, Duke 68
Owusu: In slaying college basketball's dragon, Wisconsin showed that it is the team to beat. The experience, length and outside shooting ability of the Badgers will not only match up well against Duke, but expect the combination of Kaminsky, Dekker and Nigel Hayes to impose their will Monday. Wisconsin 78, Duke 71