Sports: Who has the edge

Who has the edge

By BRIAN LANDMAN

THREE-POINT SHOOTING: Although they haven't shot as well from beyond the arc of late, including a 7-for-27 performance against Maryland in Saturday's semifinal, the Blue Devils continue to add to their NCAA single-season record; they're 398-for-1,030. No team can put as many three-point threats on the floor as Duke can with Jason Williams, Shane Battier, Mike Dunleavy, Nate James and Chris Duhon. The Wildcats' Gilbert Arenas and Jason Gardner have combined to hit 145 of 361 threes. EDGE TO: Duke

FREE-THROW SHOOTING: The Wildcats have been solid throughout the season from the line (75 percent) and even better in the tournament (80 percent, 108 of 135). Center Loren Woods leads the way in the NCAAs at an eye-popping 96 percent (24 of 25). The Blue Devils have been almost as proficient in the tournament (78.9 percent, 86 of 109), but struggled at times during the season. Of particular note, Williams shoots 65.9 percent. EDGE TO: Arizona

REBOUNDING: With a 7-feet-1 center in Woods and a powerful, aggressive 6-7 forward in Michael Wright, Arizona has outrebounded its opposition by an average of 6.7. They stuck with Michigan State, which led the nation in rebounding margin at nearly 16 a game, 40-33 on Saturday. The Blue Devils become a better rebounding team with sophomore center Carlos Boozer back in form after returning from a broken bone in his right foot. But for the year, they've outrebounded teams by 1.2. EDGE TO: Arizona

DEFENSE: Arizona holds teams to 39.4-percent shooting and 65.8 points. It's been stingier in the NCAAs, 38.2 percent and 65.2 points. Much of its D revolves around Woods' shot-blocking skills, which allow teammates on the perimeter to be aggressive. They might not have that luxury against Duke, which spreads the floor well. Duke allows more points, 70.5, and a higher field-goal percentage, 41.7, but makes up for it by forcing an average of 19.5 turnovers. EDGE TO: Duke

BENCH: All five Arizona starters were preseason candidates for the Wooden Award and the drop-off is, understandably, pronounced. Other than Eugene Edgerson and Luke Walton, the Wildcat reserves don't play much and don't score much. Duke's not known for its depth, either, but Boozer and James come off the bench. Those two players are top-shelf and potential difference-makers, offensively and defensively. Boozer scored 19 against Maryland and James had nine to go with a solid job on Juan Dixon. EDGE TO: Duke

COACHING: Arizona's Lute Olson has the Wildcats playing their best ball. They have won 11 in a row and 18 of 20 since his return Jan. 15 after the death of his wife, Bobbi. He's 1-0 in the championship game. Arizona beat Kentucky 84-79 in overtime in 1997. Duke's Mike Krzyzewski has his team in the final for the seventh time. He's 2-4, with wins in 1991 and 1992. With an NCAA Tournament record of 55-14, he has the highest winning percentage (.797) among active coaches. EDGE TO: Duke

INTANGIBLES: The Wildcats, the preseason No. 1, struggled through suspensions, surprising losses and the death of Bobbi Olson. They have dedicated the season and a championship to her memory. Duke is playing its best ball right now and could have a sense of deja vu. When it last won a title, it began in Greensboro, N.C., then went to Philadelphia and culminated the NCAA in the Metrodome. That's been its path so far. EDGE TO: Arizona