Arizona Wildcats vs. Duke Blue Devils Sweet 16 Odds and Stats

The Arizona Wildcats and the Duke Blue Devils will meet this Thursday March 24th,2011 at Honda Center.

Duke and Arizona last met in the 2001 National Championship game with the Blue Devils claiming the title of best betting team in the land with a 10-point victory.

The ‘Cats haven’t advanced past the Elite 8 since but this year’s version, led by Pac-10 Player of the Year Derrick Williams, looks like it has may have a few extra lives. Thanks to a quick (and incorrect) five-second call against Texas, Arizona escaped Tulsa with an improbable victory.

With the Blue Devils 5-0 SU and ATS against the Pac-10 since 2001 (streak started in that title game) and the Wildcats 0-5 SU and ATS off a SU win versus the ACC, it would appear a win tonight would even seem more improbable.

However, our database reminds us that defending champs are a not-so-sweet 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS in this round since 2002. It also points out that the ‘Cats are a rock-solid long term proposition as a dog (74-43-1 ATS since 1995), including 11-3 ATS off a SU dog win and 9-4 ATS in this tourney.

Oddsmakers at betED sportsbook currently have the Blue Devils listed as 8½-point favorites versus the Wildcats, and the game's total is sitting at 147.

In addition, Zona has yet to lose a game outside the conference this season against an opponent with at least one loss, standing 11-0 SU. Terrific numbers, indeed, but the clincher is Arizona’s 8-3 ATS mark in this event versus No. 1 seeds, including 5-1 SU and a perfect 6-0 ATS when the ‘Cats are not off a double-digit ATS win.

With the pressure squarely on the Dukies, look for Coach K to build on his 900 career victories… next season. We’re raising Arizona into ‘Elite’ status.