Has there ever been less of a "neutral" court in an NCAA title game?

[Gerk]

Not only is Butler just a few miles from their campus, but Duke is probably the most hated team out there and almost all neutral fans there will be cheering for Butler

How much of a factor will that be, if at all?

I think it does factor in myself, though I don't know how much after the game gets into full swing

[packers51089]

I was thinking the same thing...Im not sure vegas thinks it will be a factor @-7

[Dr. Jack]

I think it's a factor & I'm all over Butler

[Wabash Wonders]

Originally Posted by Dr. Jack

I think it's a factor & I'm all over Butler

agree. The only way its not a factor is if Duke can take control right from the outset and never let Butler in the game. I just can't see that happening.

[packers51089]

think about the UNC vs. Mich state game last year in detroit where the home crowd wasnt really a factor

[Dr. Jack]

Fair point but NC was much better than this Duke team & Butler better than last year Mich St. No disrespect to Duke, they are a very good team but so is Butler. Jmo

[chucker]

Jmo. Duke is Duke. No contest, no matter where this is played. Duke wins this.

[Romanowski]

kenpom has duke about 4.5 point better, apparently home court isnt factored in

[justdonating]

Butler keeps it tight in first half, but Duke pulls away late. Home court won't matter in this one. Lots of Butler backers, but everyone likes an underdog to make a good showing! My money says Duke wins by 15.

[GFootsXtreme]

There are 2 sides to the coin --

Duke, playing at a hostile stadium: There is no way that this envirnonment DOESN'T affect a team. However if you ask 100 people, which NCAA team would be least affected by a hostile environment just based upon the coach and system....Duke would be the one LEAST affected.

Butler, playing in a friendly stadium: Is a HUGE advantage and benefit to them, especially since the pressure is huge and although they've done well in the tourney before, a championship game is huge.

IMO, the crowd is the ONLY factor keeping Butler in the game, and honestly there is no way that I bet on a game hoping the crowd makes the difference. From my viewpoint it is almost impossible to see Duke losing with their discipline and size, and betting on a spread in the 7/8 territory -- exactly the # that with FTs would be the result in a close game, is not worthwhile