5 Bold Predictions for Duke vs. Wisconsin in 2015 National Championship Game

After winning in two very different ways on Saturday, the Duke Blue Devils and Wisconsin Badgers are set to face off in college basketball's final game of the year on Monday. For the first time since 2008, the National Championship game will be a matchup of two No. 1 seeds.

1. Neither Team Opens Up a Lead Larger Than Six

As it should be, this National Championship is a matchup of two incredibly even and balanced teams. The game will stay close throughout, with constant lead changes all the way up until the final buzzer. Both teams showed their offensive firepower in their wins on Saturday, but are too tight defensively to allow their opponents to go on any big runs.

1. Neither Team Opens Up a Lead Larger Than Six

As it should be, this National Championship is a matchup of two incredibly even and balanced teams. The game will stay close throughout, with constant lead changes all the way up until the final buzzer. Both teams showed their offensive firepower in their wins on Saturday, but are too tight defensively to allow their opponents to go on any big runs.

2. Frank Kaminsky Outscores Jahlil Okafor

There’s no doubt in my mind that Okafor will end up as the better pro, but right now, Kaminsky is simply a better player. The Wisconsin big man propelled his team to the National Championship by scoring 20 points on 7 of 11 shooting against the best interior defense in the country. It’ll be more of the same unstoppable “Frank the Tank” against Duke.

2. Frank Kaminsky Outscores Jahlil Okafor

There’s no doubt in my mind that Okafor will end up as the better pro, but right now, Kaminsky is simply a better player. The Wisconsin big man propelled his team to the National Championship by scoring 20 points on 7 of 11 shooting against the best interior defense in the country. It’ll be more of the same unstoppable “Frank the Tank” against Duke.

3. Neither Team Makes Five Three-Pointers

Wisconsin and Duke are two of the most efficient offensive teams in the country, but they don't rely on the three-point shot to be successful on that end of the floor. It seems like the Badgers haven't missed a shot since February, but I expect Bo Ryan's team to cool down at least a little against the Blue Devils. Duke hit only two threes against Michigan State and still put up 81 points on the Spartans.

3. Neither Team Makes Five Three-Pointers

Wisconsin and Duke are two of the most efficient offensive teams in the country, but they don't rely on the three-point shot to be successful on that end of the floor. It seems like the Badgers haven't missed a shot since February, but I expect Bo Ryan's team to cool down at least a little against the Blue Devils. Duke hit only two threes against Michigan State and still put up 81 points on the Spartans.

4. Justise Winslow Records a Double-Double

Winslow played a great all-around game and was unguardable in Duke’s 20-point win over Michigan State. The freshman and future lottery pick scored 19 points and pulled down nine rebounds in just 29 minutes of action. The combination of elite size and athleticism will result in yet another big game from No. 12.

4. Justise Winslow Records a Double-Double

Winslow played a great all-around game and was unguardable in Duke’s 20-point win over Michigan State. The freshman and future lottery pick scored 19 points and pulled down nine rebounds in just 29 minutes of action. The combination of elite size and athleticism will result in yet another big game from No. 12.

5. Wisconsin Wins National Championship in Overtime Thiller

In what I expect to be an all-time classic, the Wisconsin Badgers will cut down the nets as the 2015 national champions. 40 minutes of hard-fought action won't be enough to decide a winner, and these two heavyweights will need an extra five minutes to decide this season's best team. Wisconsin just seems to be on a mission, and their experience will push them over the top. Wisconsin takes down Duke by the score of 79-77.

5. Wisconsin Wins National Championship in Overtime Thiller

In what I expect to be an all-time classic, the Wisconsin Badgers will cut down the nets as the 2015 national champions. 40 minutes of hard-fought action won't be enough to decide a winner, and these two heavyweights will need an extra five minutes to decide this season's best team. Wisconsin just seems to be on a mission, and their experience will push them over the top. Wisconsin takes down Duke by the score of 79-77.