Marquette, Duke Set to Battle in Kansas City

Dick Vitale is sure to be apoplectic tonight when his beloved Duke Blue Devils take on the Marquette Golden Eagles in the championship game of the CBE Classic. Tipoff is schedule for 9pm CDT on ESPN.

Vitale, who spent most of his time analyzing Bob Knight, Rick Pitino, and even the unloveable Sonny Vaccaro last night, won't deviate from the script this evening. Get ready for a command performance from Dukie V tonight.

Maybe Tom Crean's Marquette Golden Eagles can broaden Vitale's view of the college basketball landscape tonight.

Marquette rolls into the CBE finals with a record of 5-0. After frustrating outings against Hillsdale and Idaho State, Crean's squad has scored at least 87 points in each of their last three outings. Led by James, Matthews and McNeal the Golden Eagles' offense is producing open looks and transition baskets routinely, much of it keyed by a smothering, aggressive defense.

Duke is led by lottery-pick-waiting-to-happen Josh McRoberts, and the primary object of Dick Vitale's affection, point guard Greg Paulus. However, the emergence of junior DeMarcus Nelson is the most encouraging development in Durham this year. The oft-injured junior is off to a fast start this season, and led the Blue Devils with 23 points in last night's win over Air Force.

Here are a few game previews:
The Associated Press previews the action right here.

One of Tom Keegan's minions offers this preview in the Lawrence Journal-World.

DraftExpress offers a quick preview.