The round of 32 showdown between UCF and Duke presents one of the most intriguing low-post battles you will find with 7-foot-6 Tacko Fall facing Zion Williamson.
The Knights have covered eight of their past 10 games and have not played a game in which the total score has exceeded 143 since Feb. 7.
To say Duke’s totals have been overinflated this season would be an overstatement as only New Hampshire has had a higher percentage of its games go under the total. The under in Blue Devils games this season is 24-9-2 and 14-4 in their last 18 contests.
Though Duke plays up-tempo, ranking 26th in the country in possessions per game, this is the worst 3-point shooting team in terms of percentage in the whole NCAA Tournament. Both of these teams are also two of the best in defensive efficiency with Duke ranking seventh in that category and UCF 17th.
Both teams are also in the top 25 percent of the country in fewest fouls per game committed and each are in the top 32 in percentage of their opponents’ shots that they block.
With the way both of these teams are playing on defense coupled with suboptimal 3-point shooting and loads of size, it sets up nicely for a slower game that stays under the total.
The play: Duke vs. UCF, Under 143.