5 Bold Predictions for No. 1 Duke vs. No. 8 San Diego State

By Connor Muldowney

5 Bold Predictions: Duke vs. San Diego State

Duke — It's no surprise that these two teams, Duke and San Diego State, are in the round of 32 after impressive second round wins for both of them. This matchup is one that everyone wanted to see in round three and it will surely have large numbers of people tuning in.

Let's take a look at five bold predictions for this stellar matchup.

5. Malik Pope Will Have Double-Double Off Bench

Malik Pope

5. Malik Pope Will Have Double-Double Off Bench

Malik Pope — Malik Pope is one of the NBA's top prospects, but the young star has yet to have a huge breakout game and still comes off the bench for the Aztecs. He will come off the bench once again, but will record a double-double against the Blue Devils, furthering his draft stock.

4. San Diego State Will Shut Down Jahlil Okafor in First Half

San Diego State

4. San Diego State Will Shut Down Jahlil Okafor in First Half

San Diego State — Jahlil Okafor will have trouble finding his post game in the first half as San Diego State will collapse on him, causing double and triple teams when he gets the ball. Look for him to go into halftime with just six points and three boards.

3. Justise Winslow Will Step Up His Game

Justise Winslow

3. Justise Winslow Will Step Up His Game

Justise Winslow — Justise Winslow is another guy who is looking to raise his draft stock and a solid first half with Okafor struggling will help that. Look for Winslow to be the guy Okafor kicks the ball out to on double teams and go into the half with 13 points.

2. Tyus Jones Will Finish With 10 Assists

Tyus Jones

2. Tyus Jones Will Finish With 10 Assists

Tyus Jones — Tyus Jones is a great facilitator, averaging 5.8 assists on the year, and he will do even better than that in this one, dishing out 10-plus assists in what will be one of his best career games as a Blue Devil.

1. Jahlil Okafor's Second-Half Surge Will Lead Duke

Jahlil Okafor

1. Jahlil Okafor's Second-Half Surge Will Lead Duke

Jahlil Okafor — Jahlil Okafor will follow up a slow first half with a dominating performance in the second half, scoring 16 points and getting 10 more rebounds. He will finish with 22 points and 13 rebounds as he will be the reason Duke avoids being the first No. 1 seed to be bounced from the tourney.

Teams in this article »

Duke Blue Devils

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San Diego State Aztecs

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