And then there were sixteen...
Well friends, it was quite a couple of rounds of this year's tournament - arguably one of the more exciting first four days of tournament action we've seen in quite some time. Before we dive into the analysis-paralysis of the remaining 16 teams let's just say this - it's hard to argue with Kansas and Carolina at this point as both teams have utterly dominated their competition. If they keep that up both teams will be tough to beat. But enough of that logic, let's recap some of the action from last weekend.
- Seriously, I know UCLA got a scare from the Aggies (more on this below), but are you kidding me with the road these guys have to the final four? Not complaining, I've got them going all the way, but man they've gotten some good luck this year.
- Write it down - Davidson over Wisconsin.
- Best game of the tournament so far - W. Kentucky over Drake - what a fantastic ending
- Is it me or is Duke a shadow of the intimidating program they used to be. I know it's all cyclical, but it's weird seeing them so mediocre.
- If UCLA has the easiest route than Tenn must have the toughest route...by a mile. They get cake walk with American University and then pull a very tough Butler team in the second round. Their reward? They get Louisville and if they get past them, a probably matchup with UNC. For a team that probably should have been the highest rated 2 seed (if such a thing exists) they sure did get screwed in the seeding.
- I love how Texas has played thus far, however the last 5-7 minutes of both games has been a travesty - and Dexter Pittman is a train wreck...an absolute train wreck.
- So about those Aggies... Seriously, great game for those Aggies, up until the point that they lost. I have to believe that the last play of the game was not exactly how they drew it up during the timeout. With that said, those Bruins, yet again, got some help from the refs at the end of the game. Yes, the aggie driving in to the hole was a bit out of control, BUT he was most definitely fouled. No question about it. I'm still not sure it would have mattered (at no point in that game did it occur to me that the Bruins would lose), but it was a foul. I've got them winning and I hope they do for my bracket's sake, but at some point they won't get those calls.
Texas vs. Stanford:
I gotta tell you friends, this game scares the hell out of me for 2 primary reasons. First, they've got 2 guys that are 7 feet tall...Texas has none. Second, no one (and I mean NO ONE) is going with Stanford in this game. Not one. I swear to you I can't find one "expert" who has Stanford beating Texas and that worries me. But back to the 7 footers.
Let's be honest, it's not like these Lopez twins are the second coming of Robinson and Duncan, but they can definitely play. Barnes and company will have their work cut out for them defensively in order to contain those two tall ladies (they do seem a little gay). And as always, it all comes down to how they shoot the ball. Expect Stanford to put a little more attention on Abrams to try and contain him (averaging about 60% from 3-point land) so Augustin and James will really have to step up. Augustin is playing well, but he MUST shoot better than he has the last 2 games.
No doubt Texas is capable of beating the tree, but it's definitely going to be tougher than Miami or Austin
Peay. And their reward if they do? A match up against either Memphis or Michigan State - one has only 1 loss all year and the other spanked Texas back in December. Nice.
No predictions here folks, I'm a little scared about this one.
Memphis vs. Michigan State:
This should be a hum-
dinger of a game.
MSU is the tough, physical, disciplined team and Memphis is the track team. Yea, this one is going to be good. I think this is where Memphis' run comes to an end -
MSU is too physical and far more battle tested. Oh yea, and I'll take
Izzo over
Calipari any day of the week.
Tennessee vs. Louisville:
And last, but not least we come to this wonderful little gem. By far, I believe, the top game of the weekend. You think the Volunteers are enjoying this time off after that battle with Butler? Louisville is the sexy pick here to make the final four, but I just have a feeling that Bruce Pearl and team are on a mission and will handle the Cardinals. I'll do you one better - should the Vols pull this one off I'll even go so far as to say they'll get past Carolina.
It certainly will be another great weekend (hopefully) of ball. I'll be back for another update on Sunday - hopefully celebrating another final four for the Longhorns.
Enjoy the games.
