Sizing up the Spartans

PG -- Will Avery vs. Mateen Cleaves

Advantage: Even

This is the glamour matchup, with two of the country's best point guards. Avery was the better player back in December, and Cleaves needs to shut down Avery like St. John's Erick Barkley did in late January if the Spartans are going to rattle Duke. Avery is a much better shooter.

SF -- Chris Carrawell vs. Jason Klein

Advantage: Duke

Klein hit 38 percent of his threes during Big Ten play and made a team-leading 43 for the season. Unlike Carrawell, though, he lacks much versatility and despite his height doesn't rebound too well. He could be on the bench late in a close game, whereas Carrawell is too important for Duke.

C -- Elton Brand vs. Antonio Smith

Advantage: Duke

PF -- Shane Battier vs. Andre Hutson

Advantage: Even

Hutson fills many roles, shooting 60 percent from the field and 80 percent on the line. He also rebounds well (10 against Duke in December) and is tied for the team lead in blocks. Battier was quiet offensively against Temple; he needs to draw Hutson away from the basket by hitting threes.

Duke Bench vs. MSU Bench

Advantage: MSU

This is one of the few games where Duke could surrender this advantage. Peterson and Granger combined for 33 points against Kentucky, and MSU is 6-1 when Peterson gets 20. The Blue Devils need Burgess' help on the boards and Maggette to stay in control under the spotlight.

In the final analysis, Duke is still consistently better than the Spartans up and down the lineup. Michigan State's game starts with Cleaves, which makes Avery's ability to harass him for 94 feet crucial. On the other end, if Avery's 23-foot jump shot is going down, Cleaves will have to worry about defense more than he'd probably like. Up front, Brand was out of shape and worn down when the teams first met Dec. 2. He turned the ball over six times and watched as Duke was outrebounded 41-25. The National Player of the Year seeks redemption this time. Against Temple, Brand started poorly with a quick miss and two turnovers. A quick start would establish the Blue Devils on the inside and open up the key early. In addition to Brand, it wouldn't hurt to have Burgess give 10-15 strong minutes to counterbalance the Spartans' toughness and athleticism. But, in the end, this game is probably won or lost for Duke by its guards. Avery will certainly have his hands full, but Langdon can make the difference on the wing. He's the least likely to be affected by all of the hoopla surrounding a Final Four, and many times just a few Langdon threes have set the Blue Devils on their way to a 20-point win. Duke won't win by that much but should be able to survive. Duke 81, MSU 70