3 Daunting Questions for Duke Blue Devils vs. Houston in Sweet 16

3. Can Duke Slow Down Houston's Explosive Backcourt?

Against Texas A&M, Emanuel Sharp had 30 points while making seven three-pointers, Big 12 Player of the Year Jamal Shead had 21 points and 10 assists while L.J. Cryer added 20 points of his own.

Slowing those three down is a tall task, but it'll ultimately decide whether or not Duke can win this game. Cormac Ryan had 31 points when Duke lost to North Carolina and the Blue Devils must close out on Houston's shooters to avoid a similar result.

Duke does a great job avoiding fouls, though their wing defenders can be beat on drives, allowing kick-out passes to open three-point shooters. We saw that happen numerous times in the Texas A&M win, and the Blue Devils have their work cut out for them to mitigate the damage from this backcourt.

The Blue Devils have a size advantage, but the Cougars have the better backcourt. That's no knock on Jeremy Roach, Jared McCain or Tyrese Proctor - Houston is just that good.

Duke ranks 81st in opponent effective field goal percentage (48.7%) but are up to 51st (46.4%) over the last month. If they can maintain defensive intensity while still finding open shooters on the offensive end, they've got a real chance to pull off the upset.

On the other end, the Blue Devils can't keep up if they let the Cougars' backcourt generate easy buckets like they did in the second round.

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