Duke Blue Devils (ATS) ..

As good as Illinois has been this season, it's been pretty poor lately. Off consecutive defeats now, the Fighting Illini are falling lower and lower in the seeding for March. Yes, they should still make it without much problem. However, Illinois simply isn't on the same level as some of the top teams in the country, including a team like Duke.

Talking about the Blue Devils, they've been dominant all season long. I'm proud to have won against them with Clemson in their only conference defeat of the year. Now, I'm laying the points with them on Saturday in this huge game to prepare themselves for the Big Dance. That's why they scheduled this game. No, this is not a home game for Duke. However, the Blue Devils have now moved into the #1 spot in KenPom's efficiency rankings.

Playing this game at MSG, Cooper Flagg should want to put on a show. He's already had a tremendous freshman season and this is just the start. I'm expecting the Blue Devils to come out and start this game fast. They'll carry the lead throughout the majority of this game and pull away, winning by double digits. Expect a Duke destruction on Saturday evening.

Score Prediction: 89-71 Duke.