Final Four Breakdown: How Houston, Florida, and Auburn Can Upset Duke's Historic Run

The Duke Juggernaut

Duke enters the Final Four with the most efficient offense in KenPom history and the highest net rating of any team this millennium. The Blue Devils' dominance stems from:

• Cooper Flagg's emergence as the nation's best player
• NBA-caliber depth with three projected lottery picks
• Elite shooting (top 10 in both 2P% and 3P%)
• Defensive versatility with size at every position

Houston's Path to Victory

Defensive Intensity

• Ranked #1 in defensive efficiency
• Relentless ball pressure and physicality
• Elite perimeter shooting (40% from 3 as a team)

Key Stat: Cougars force turnovers on 24.7% of possessions (3rd nationally)

Offensive Rebounding Battle

• 36% offensive rebound rate leads Big 12
• Second-chance points critical against Duke's length

Florida's Winning Formula

Frontcourt Dominance

• Walton Clayton Jr.'s shot creation (22+ PPG in 7 of last 9)
• Deep big man rotation (Condon, Chinyelu, Haugh)
• Physical rebounding to challenge Duke's size

Momentum Shifts

• Ability to go on game-changing runs
• Transition offense to exploit defensive mismatches

Auburn's X-Factors

Johni Broome's Versatility

• 20.1 PPG, 11.3 RPG in tournament
• Elite passing from center position
• Ability to stretch floor (38% from 3)

Pettiford's Emergence

• Explosive freshman guard rising to occasion
• 20+ point performances in 5 of last 8 games
• Dynamic pick-and-roll playmaker

Championship Odds (via ESPN BET)

All games airing on CBS this weekend with national championship Monday night