Duke vs. Connecticut

* Site: Alamodome, San Antonio

* What to watch for: Connecticut and its speedy guards will try to push the tempo while depending on gimpy All-American center Emeka Okafor in its half-court sets. Duke may push back in an effort to get open shots in transition for its three-point shooters. The Huskies are hopeful that Okafor is his usual dominant self on defense. The Blue Devils will look to get shooting guard J.J. Redick in a rhythm from beyond the arc to nullify Connecticut’s fastbreak.

* Key to the game: Connecticut’s success in rebounding on the offensive end and Duke’s ability to keep the Huskies from running. And how will Okafor (back) and Duke point guard Chris Duhon (ribs) play with injuries. It might come down to the supporting casts. Who can make a difference on the biggest stage in college basketball?

* Projected winner: Connecticut

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-- Paul Gutierrez