This is supposed to be there year a number 1 or 2 (again) go down in the March dance. Last year I called Lehigh over Duke, just because of a hunch feeling with C.J. McCollum, a veteran PG with all the right moves would lead an unknown bunch over a Duke team that wasn’t playing overly well.
This year’s version, I just don’t see it.
The best 15/16 seeds I see this year are Iona & LIU, and LIU have to beat James Madison today, 50 dollars says they will. Iona goes up against Ohio State, who are one of my favourites to make it to the final 4, yes over Gonzaga, and LIU* has Indiana, so that ain’t happening.
Though 1’s and 2’s may be safe, the rest, it’s March baby and upsets are going to happen:
(11) Bucknell over (6) Butler
The Bison have the best player in this game, his name is Mike Muscala, and he’s rolling averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds in his last two games, in games that mattered. They also defend shots well, sink their free throws and remain discipline. The knock on them is their inability to create turnovers and sink 3’s at times, but Butler also struggles to create turnovers too, I think Bucknell becomes the new Butler, at least for this year.
(11) Saint Mary’s over (6) Memphis
Again, the best player on the court is Matthew Dellavedova, and he can do it all. The Gaels shoot the ball well, both from the field and from three, while their rebounding margin is strong. Memphis struggles from the line, and haven’t racked up a lot of quality wins this year. While the West Coast conference runner’s up are trying to gain some respect. This one may turn out to be a shoot-out. According to Vegas, Saint Mary’s is the favourite.
(14) Davidson over (3) Marquette
If you take a close took the team statistics, you’ll notice Marquette is a fairly average team, that struggles from beyond the arc and also struggles to create turnovers. Yes, they do have a handful of quality wins, but this is why I like Davidson: they are excellent from 3, and they sink their free throws. In my opinion those are arguably the most important stats in this tournament.
(13) South Dakota State over (4) Michigan
C’mon, their named the Jackrabbits, well if you still don’t like them, you’re going to love them after this… Excellent FG%, Great FT%, they are discipline, and, yes they can crush the three. They are going up against a team that lost against Penn State, so they can be beat by the little guy. Now Michigan does a lot of good things too including shooting well from everywhere and have many quality wins, but the most important key to a South Dakota State upset is Nate Wolters, the senior guard who puts up nasty numbers. He’ll have to do that and more if the Jackrabbits are gonna hop to victory.
(11) Belmont over (6) Arizona
Belmont does a lot of things well, they shoot the ball well from everywhere, and have the athleticism to generate turnovers. Arizona also shoots the ball particularly well but have been inconsistent in 2013. Belmont are 0-5 in tournament history, they are due for a victory.
(12) Ole Miss over (5) Wisconsin
May the real slim shady please stand-up, yeah that’s Marshall Henderson. I loved this teams run in the SEC tournament, and I love teams coming in on a roll. With Hendersons’ hot shooting combined with their athleticism to generate turnovers, I just want to see this team win. On the other hand you have stingy Wisconsin. The play good D, and don’t allow free points. They too can shoot the 3, and this one could surprisingly turn into a shoot out.
Others teams I like advancing:
Iowa State, love their ability to shoot from the parking lot. Minnesota, a strong team that UCLA will not be able to shoot around. Missouri, battle of the rebounds with Colorado St.
My Final Four:
Duke: Play-makers at all positions, if they get hot, as a unit, watch out as they may roll. They will beat Lousville.
Ohio State: Aaron Craft is my favourite and my most respected player in the game, Ohio State is rolling right now, they beat the Zags.
Florida: Love everything that coach Billy Donovan has these guys doing. Shoot well, defend well, no easy points.
Indiana: This team has it all, though they have dropped some questionable games, as a unit I think they’ll be tough to beat.
Final:
Ohio State and Indiana. Indiana wins, with a bucket from Cody Zeller in the paint.
