What To Look For

The draw: Duke, an overwhelming favorite to win its third national title of the 1990s, could play the only team to which it has lost, Cincinnati, in the East final. But Duke guard Trajan Langdon doesn’t think the Blue Devils resemble the team that lost to Cincinnati, 77-75, in the final seconds Nov. 28. “I don’t think it’s even close how much better we are from then to now,” said Langdon, who was sidelined the last two games of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament because of a strained foot and is listed as day to day. Cincinnati, one of the most physical teams in the country, will probably have to get past Miami for the rematch to happen. A potential Duke-Tennessee game in the Sweet 16 would be intriguing, with Tennessee’s backcourt tandem of Tony Harris and Brandon Wharton against William Avery and Langdon, as well as Volunteer freshman Vincent Yarbrough--a JaRon Rush type--pitting his athleticism against the Blue Devil forwards.

*

Best first-round game: The College of Charleston is used to being an NCAA tournament underdog. Not this time. The Cougars are favorites--by the slimmest margin--in the No. 8-No. 9 game against Tulsa. Instead of gunning for the upset, they’ll be trying to avoid becoming the victim. Both teams play good defense, but Charleston will be looking to run off Tulsa’s frequent turnovers. This has the earmarks of a hard-fought game.

*

Sleeper: Tennessee. The Volunteers were ranked in the top 10 at the start of the season before losing to Arizona by one, Miami of Ohio by six, and St. Joseph’s by two, and getting blown out by Auburn before people realized Auburn was good. Tennessee recovered down the stretch, finishing the season by sweeping Kentucky before losing to Mississippi State in the Southeastern Conference quarterfinals. The Volunteers should display the talent--Harris, Brandon and Yarbrough--that gave them their preseason buzz.

*

Upset in the making: Southwest Missouri State established its credentials by beating Missouri on the road early this season, and Wisconsin sputtered down the stretch, leading Coach Dick Bennett to bemoan the Badgers’ loss of humility. Southwest Missouri Coach Steve Alford will throw his heart into beating a Big Ten team--and might get a little support from Bloomington, Ind.

*

Impact coach: Mike Krzyzewski. He helped Duke become the first team to repeat as NCAA champions since UCLA’s day, in part with a psychological twist, claiming that defending the 1991 title was impossible because it was not precisely the same team. That “new” team won again in 1992. This season, his tactic is that Duke doesn’t face pressure, so much as it has a great, exciting opportunity to embrace. Watch how the Duke starters keep playing long after the blowout is assured. Krzyzewski isn’t going to hold this well-humming machine back a bit.

*

Impact player: Duke’s Avery at point guard. Elton Brand could be the national player of the year, and his nimble-footed power moves are something to behold. But Avery has grown into his role, running the show, and will be asked to open up the inside game with his spectacular long-range shooting--all the more if Langdon’s foot is bothersome.

*

The pick: Don’t get fancy. It’s Duke. Even if Langdon’s foot injury lingers, freshman Corey Maggette comes off the bench. Maggette is so talented, he could get a lot of votes for next season’s national player of the year right now.