Sweet 16 to the Final Four By Riebeil Durley-Petty
The opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament is done, and although there weren’t many shocking upsets or enchanting small Cinderella teams rising to the national forefront there was still an abundance of lunacy.
Wisconsin and Siena got crucial last second shots for wins in overtime, and double overtime games respectively. Jerel McNeal and Wesley Matthews spurred an undermanned Marquette crew in one of the most compelling displays of internal gulliness of recent tourney memory in an exhilarating 83-79 Missouri victory. And little used Demetri Goodson etched his place in tourney history with a length of the court buzzer-beating lay-up to push Gonzaga past a dangerous Western Kentucky team.
With the hardwood hors d'oeuvre having been enjoyed last week it’s now time for the main course to be served. Yes, chalk has permeated the brackets thus far with all three top seeds in each region advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time in tourney history, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. People may stunt as though they don’t want to see the heavyweights, but everyone wants to see the best play the best, and with the top-grain teams in left in the field the dopeness of the battles should only be amplified. Let’s breakdown the match-ups to see who’s the favorites to reach the Elite 8 and possibly reserve a table at the Final Four banquet.
East #1 Pittsburgh vs. #4 Xavier Thursday 7:27
How Pitt got here: Xavier- Beat #13 Portland St. 77-59, #12 Wisconsin 60-49.
Keys to the game- Winning three consecutive Atlantic 10 championships the Musketeers have had the conference on smash and been the preeminent team in the conference this decade. Xavier easily dispatched Portland St. and locked up Wisconsin for a frigid 29 percent from the floor which they used to break open a defensive struggle in a 60-39 triumph.
Underestimated Head Coach Sean Miller team is blazin the nets from treyland, draining 7 per game on over 42 percent. Xavier will need to expose Pitt, whose defense has been uncharacteristically porous in their first two contests with good perimeter shooting, and in particular senior guard B.J. Raymond (14.2 ppg, 42 percent three’s) and All-Atlantic 10 small forward Derrick Brown (13.7 ppg, 6 boards, 44 percent three’s). Brown will have to aggressively take it to Sam Young to try to offset his output and it will take a collaborative effort for centers Jason Love and Kenny Frease to contain DeJuan Blair’s inside brutality and not give up a large rebounding disparity. Xavier success has always been based on stout defense and the defense will definitely have to show up if they have a chance of bouncing the Beasts of the East.
How Pitt got here- Beat #16 East Tennessee St 72-62, #8 Oklahoma St. 84-76
Keys to the game- Pitt narrowly survived a petrifying 72-62 win over East Tennessee State that was far closer than the score indicates.
But the most important thing is they did survive. Everyone knows Pitt’s main Achilles heel. If Blair (15.8 ppg, 12.1 boards, 59.6 field percentage) gets in foul trouble the interior is vulnerable and the Panthers can easily get got. If Blair abstains from the bench the powerful gorilla will devour the glass like a bear does a bottle of honey. Sam Young has been frying the opposition like a bologna sandwich. Young has balled like an All-American putting up 23 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists, all up from his regular season averages of 18 points 6 boards and 1 assist per game. Levance Fields (10.6 ppg and 7.6 helpers) drops more dimes than a neighborhood informant with his exemplary auxiliary distribution skills and court vision. Pitt will need to avoid not getting so fixated with scoring they become impassive on the defensive end. If they do, Xavier’s tough senior laden crew will hang around and could sneak up and pull the upset.
Prediction- Pitt will just be too much for Xavier. The Musketeers are a rugged group but the Panthers are on a mission to get to Forbes Field and prove they’re a premier program by finally advancing beyond the Sweet 16. Xavier doesn’t have an answer for Blair’s power game, nor can they nullify Young’s torrid play and ultra athleticism.
East #2 Duke vs. #3 Villanova Thursday 9:57
How Duke got here- Beat #15 Binghamton 86-62, #7 Texas 74-69
Keys to the game- After smashing an overmatched Binghamton Duke blew a late lead but managed to hold on for a tight win over a good Texas team. The Sweet 16 used to be a birthright for college basketball’s preeminent program of the last 20 years. The Blue Devils made nine consecutive Sweet 16 appearances from 1998-2006, but this marks the first time Mike Krzyzewski’s team advanced this deep in three years.
In order to reach the Elite 8 Duke will have to have big games from their leading trio Kyle Singler Jon Scheyer (14.9 ppg, 3.7 rebounds, 39 percent three’s) and Gerald Henderson. Singler’s (16.5 ppg, 7.7 rebounds, 39 percent treys) versatility will have to be on full display, draining jumpers and grabbing boards in the paint. Scheyer, (14.9 ppg, 3.7 rebounds, 39 percent three’s) a natural shooting guard has adjusted well to running the point. Scheyer’s points are important but his defense will be even more valuable Thursday. Scheyer will have to limit Nova’s Scottie Reynolds penetration and pull-up jumpers and prevent him from dumping the rock to the Wildcats shooters to get in a rhythm. Leading scorer Henderson (16.8 ppg, 4.8 rebounds) has overcome his sporadic play and emerged out the woodworks as an elite player with his newfound assertiveness. Duke has shot 47 percent (16-34) from distance in their first two games. Henderson will need to utilize his ludicrous athleticism to attack the rack and space the floor in order for Duke to continue making it flood from long range. Since Nolan Smith’s (8.5 ppg, 36 percent triples) insertion in the line-up the former McDonald’s All-American has flourished and he figures to play a vital role well.
How Villanova got here- Beat #14 American 80-67, #6 UCLA 89-69
Keys to the game- Villanova used their home-court advantage, playing in their own backyard (which was absolutely ridiculous) to spark a late charge and surmount a 14 point second half deficit to avoid a premature ousting from an upset-minded American. There was no repeat cavalier performance in the second round as Nova thoroughly smacked UCLA.
For the Wildcats it all begins with their pg Scottie Reynolds (15.1 ppg and 3.5 assists). Although Reynolds has only averaged a substandard 9.5 points thus far, don’t get it tangled cause he’s a nylon arsonist capable of erupting for 40 any night. Reynolds will need to defrost the jumper and get some buckets for the Wildcats. Leading scorer and boardmen Daunte Cunningham (16.3 ppg and 7.3 bounds, 53 percent shooting) has transformed himself into a very good post player, and has elevated his game during the tourney busting 22.5 points and 8.5 boards. Cunningham’s inside play will be a vital role in Nova’s scheme. Corey Fisher (10.9 ppg) and Corey Stokes (9.7 ppg, 42.8 three’s) are good threeball shooters and Dwayne Anderson (8.8 ppg, 6.6 rebounds) isn’t spectacular but is Nova’s second-leading rebounder and provides senior leadership.
Prediction- This should be a very entertaining affair. Neither team has a true interior presence and both squads like up tempo games, but in this case Duke will probably be more selective with their transition game because the faster the tempo the more it favors Nova. If it gets to fast the game could spiral out of control because of Nova’s staunch defense. The Wildcats will are a physically and mentally tough, mature team and those attributes should be enough to get them a close, hard fought triumph over Duke.
West # Connecticut vs. #5 Purdue- Thursday 7:07
How Purdue got here- Beat #12 Univ of Northern Iowa 61-56, #4 Washington 76-74
Keys to the game- After disposing of a game UNI, Purdue was the last man standing following one of the fiercest, spine-tingling games in the tourney over Pac-10 champ Washington the Boilermakers have the dubious task of facing a dominant UConn team.
Championed by Robert Hummel (12.4 ppg, 7 boards, 39 percent treys) E’Twaun Moore (14 ppg, 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists) and JaJuan Johnson (13.4 ppg) all sophomores, Purdue has managed to avoid being handicapped by youth. This one comes down to two simple factors, can Hummel regain his form and will Johnson be able to neutralize UConn’s 7’3 behemoth Hasheem Thabeet.
At the start of the season Purdue was picked by many experts as potential Final Four team and Hummel was a pre-season All-American pick. Stricken by injuries all year, the 6’8 Hummel has struggled to establish a steady rhythm and elevate himself to superstar status. Johnson preserved the win over Washington with his two blocks as the Huskies tried to tie the game. Standing 6’10 and Purdue’s top shot blocker at 2.1 a game, Johnson must be prepared to bang with Thabeet and will definitely have to improve his anemic 5.6 rebounds a game if Purdue has any chance of pulling off the tournament’s biggest shocker. It’s imperative Johnson takes it to Thabeet’s chest to keep him occupied. Moore’s ability to create off the dribble and get to the cup could also draw fouls on Thabeet, who’s prone to collecting slapdash fouls.
How UConn got here- Beat #16 Tennessee Chattanooga 103-47, #9 Texas A&M
Keys to the game- UConn has been lambasting foes and has clearly been the tournament’s most dominant crew. They’re 41 point per game margin is one of the highest in NCAA history for an opening weekend. Coach Jim Calhoun’s team has sent a clear message that’s reverberated throughout the field. UConn is in the building and ready to get down for their crown.
Leading scorer and distributor A.J. Price (14.6 ppg, 4.8 assists, 41.7 trey percentage) had a somewhat skittish year, but the preseason All-American has lived up to the billing and more than supplemented the void of injured backcourt mate Jerome Dyson. For the tourney Price has dropped 23.5 points, 5.5 dimes and nailed 50 percent of his triples. Son has unequivocally been getting it in. Hasheem Thabeet (13.7 points, 10.7 boards, 4.4 blocks) is Dikembe Mutombo reincarnated on the college level and tosses more shots than a Caesar salad. Unsung Jeff Adrien (13.9 points, 10.2 boards) is the definition of consistency with his workman’s like nightly double-doubles, and freshman Kemba Walker is a speedy guard and magnet to the tin. However, the true key to the Huskies dominance has been the amelioration of small forward Stanley Roberts. The supremely athletic, yet spastic Roberts (8 ppg, 5.4 rebounds) has surprisingly got his game up in Dyson’s absence and become an essential contributor.
Prediction- Unless Hummel’s body is possessed by Larry Bird and he has an enormous, career defining night there’s no way Purdue can combat UConn’s talent, athleticism and desire to reach the Final Four. Hopefully it will be competitive, but it easily be a morose molly whopping.
West #2 Memphis vs. #3 Missouri- Thursday 9:37
How Memphis Got Here- Beat Cal State Northridge 81-70, #10 Maryland 89-70
Keys to the game- The Tigers squad endured a wake-up call, breaking free from Cal State in the latter minutes in the first round on the strength of Roburt Sallie’s school tourney record 35 point outburst. Memphis responded nicely in the next game capping Maryland and locking up Grevais Vasquez who’s recklessly popped off about the credence of Memphis conference.
After three early season losses Memphis has been unblemished since John Calipari slid freshman phenom and leading bucket supplier Tyreke Evans over to the point. Evans (16.6 ppg, 5.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists) has thrived in the role, fostering synergy and a smooth, flowing offense. At a chiseled 6’6, 220lb Evans size enables him to see over smaller guards and his passing acumen enables him to set up shooters Doneal Mack (8.9 ppg) and Roburt Sallie (5.7 ppg, 46.4 treys). Senior Antonio Anderson (10 ppg, 4.8 rebounds, 4.5 dimes) is a great passer, has a serene influence on the team with his leadership and is the squad’s hellacious defensive motor. He’ll be huge in helping Evans handle Missouri’s smothering full-court pressure. While he can still be maddening because he doesn’t always utilize his bountifully raw gifts, power forward Robert Dozier (12.7 ppg, 7.2 boards, 1.7 blocks) has had a solid year and even made 37.5 percent of his threeballs. Center Sean Taggert (10.6 ppg, 7.6) has manned the pivot nicely and despite his abysmal three point percentage (18 percent) is capable of knocking down triples.
How Missouri got here- Beat #14 Cornell 78-59, #6 Marquette 83-79
Keys to the game- After disposing of Cornell Mizzou was entrenched in a heated battle with a resilient Marquette squad and forced to show some resolve before finally clipping the Eagles. The Tigers will have to exhibit some heart and perseverance as well on Thursday night.
Head Coach Mike Anderson has done a phenomenal job refurbishing Mizzou. Anderson has incorporated his mentor former Arkansas head basketball coach Nolan Richardson’s 40 minutes of hell approach, with a slight name alteration to the “fastest 40 minutes in college basketball.” The chaotic, entertaining style has been every beneficial, causing opponents to regularly to cough up the pill like an asthmatic on average 22 times a game, which enables Mizzou to average 81.1 points an contest. The Tigers defensive catalyst and best player is DeMarre Carroll. Top in points and glasswork Carrol, (16.7 ppg 7.3 boards, 56 percent field goal, 1.6 steals) appropriately nicknamed “The Junkyard Dog” is a ball-hawking, diverse predator who fronts the Tigers vaunted press. At 6’8, Carrol’s length is a major deterrent and helps him deflect a lot of passes. His tenacity circulates throughout the rest of the team. Fellow senior Leo Lyons (14.6 ppg, 6 rebounds) is a mobile post player with a soft shooting touch and outstanding face up game. Point guard J.T. Tiller is adept at penetrating and kicking the ball out to flamethrowers Matt Lawrence (9 ppg, 40.7 three’s) and freshmen Kim English (6.7 ppg, 38.8 treys) who form is as flawlessly beautiful as Ray Allen.
Prediction- This may be the hardest one to call because the squads are so evenly matched. Memphis may have more NBA caliber players, but what Mizzou lacks in ability they more than make up for in diligence and hustle. Both teams go incredibly hard. It will undoubtedly be a frenetic track meet reminiscent of the old UNLV- Arkansas games of the early 1990s with non stop, exciting action. Ultimately whoever protects the ball the best should determine this game. Although Mizzou gets 22 takeaways a game they’re very judicious with the ball as well, averaging only 12 turnovers. However, if they don’t create turnovers they aren’t nearly as effective because they’re offense is predicated on the defense. While Memphis hasn’t faced a full-court assault like Mizzou’s the Tigers haven’t faced a defense the level Memphis will toss at them either. Memphis may have the nation’s best overall defense, blankets opponents with a swarming, unrelenting grill breaking attack. Memphis will handle the pressure well enough and Evans’ gross comprehensive skills will enable Coach Calipari’s crew to win the battle of the Tigers down the stretch in a heated thriller.
Wisconsin and Siena got crucial last second shots for wins in overtime, and double overtime games respectively. Jerel McNeal and Wesley Matthews spurred an undermanned Marquette crew in one of the most compelling displays of internal gulliness of recent tourney memory in an exhilarating 83-79 Missouri victory. And little used Demetri Goodson etched his place in tourney history with a length of the court buzzer-beating lay-up to push Gonzaga past a dangerous Western Kentucky team.
With the hardwood hors d'oeuvre having been enjoyed last week it’s now time for the main course to be served. Yes, chalk has permeated the brackets thus far with all three top seeds in each region advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time in tourney history, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. People may stunt as though they don’t want to see the heavyweights, but everyone wants to see the best play the best, and with the top-grain teams in left in the field the dopeness of the battles should only be amplified. Let’s breakdown the match-ups to see who’s the favorites to reach the Elite 8 and possibly reserve a table at the Final Four banquet.
East #1 Pittsburgh vs. #4 Xavier Thursday 7:27
How Pitt got here: Xavier- Beat #13 Portland St. 77-59, #12 Wisconsin 60-49.
Keys to the game- Winning three consecutive Atlantic 10 championships the Musketeers have had the conference on smash and been the preeminent team in the conference this decade. Xavier easily dispatched Portland St. and locked up Wisconsin for a frigid 29 percent from the floor which they used to break open a defensive struggle in a 60-39 triumph.
Underestimated Head Coach Sean Miller team is blazin the nets from treyland, draining 7 per game on over 42 percent. Xavier will need to expose Pitt, whose defense has been uncharacteristically porous in their first two contests with good perimeter shooting, and in particular senior guard B.J. Raymond (14.2 ppg, 42 percent three’s) and All-Atlantic 10 small forward Derrick Brown (13.7 ppg, 6 boards, 44 percent three’s). Brown will have to aggressively take it to Sam Young to try to offset his output and it will take a collaborative effort for centers Jason Love and Kenny Frease to contain DeJuan Blair’s inside brutality and not give up a large rebounding disparity. Xavier success has always been based on stout defense and the defense will definitely have to show up if they have a chance of bouncing the Beasts of the East.
How Pitt got here- Beat #16 East Tennessee St 72-62, #8 Oklahoma St. 84-76
Keys to the game- Pitt narrowly survived a petrifying 72-62 win over East Tennessee State that was far closer than the score indicates.
But the most important thing is they did survive. Everyone knows Pitt’s main Achilles heel. If Blair (15.8 ppg, 12.1 boards, 59.6 field percentage) gets in foul trouble the interior is vulnerable and the Panthers can easily get got. If Blair abstains from the bench the powerful gorilla will devour the glass like a bear does a bottle of honey. Sam Young has been frying the opposition like a bologna sandwich. Young has balled like an All-American putting up 23 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists, all up from his regular season averages of 18 points 6 boards and 1 assist per game. Levance Fields (10.6 ppg and 7.6 helpers) drops more dimes than a neighborhood informant with his exemplary auxiliary distribution skills and court vision. Pitt will need to avoid not getting so fixated with scoring they become impassive on the defensive end. If they do, Xavier’s tough senior laden crew will hang around and could sneak up and pull the upset.
Prediction- Pitt will just be too much for Xavier. The Musketeers are a rugged group but the Panthers are on a mission to get to Forbes Field and prove they’re a premier program by finally advancing beyond the Sweet 16. Xavier doesn’t have an answer for Blair’s power game, nor can they nullify Young’s torrid play and ultra athleticism.
East #2 Duke vs. #3 Villanova Thursday 9:57
How Duke got here- Beat #15 Binghamton 86-62, #7 Texas 74-69
Keys to the game- After smashing an overmatched Binghamton Duke blew a late lead but managed to hold on for a tight win over a good Texas team. The Sweet 16 used to be a birthright for college basketball’s preeminent program of the last 20 years. The Blue Devils made nine consecutive Sweet 16 appearances from 1998-2006, but this marks the first time Mike Krzyzewski’s team advanced this deep in three years.
In order to reach the Elite 8 Duke will have to have big games from their leading trio Kyle Singler Jon Scheyer (14.9 ppg, 3.7 rebounds, 39 percent three’s) and Gerald Henderson. Singler’s (16.5 ppg, 7.7 rebounds, 39 percent treys) versatility will have to be on full display, draining jumpers and grabbing boards in the paint. Scheyer, (14.9 ppg, 3.7 rebounds, 39 percent three’s) a natural shooting guard has adjusted well to running the point. Scheyer’s points are important but his defense will be even more valuable Thursday. Scheyer will have to limit Nova’s Scottie Reynolds penetration and pull-up jumpers and prevent him from dumping the rock to the Wildcats shooters to get in a rhythm. Leading scorer Henderson (16.8 ppg, 4.8 rebounds) has overcome his sporadic play and emerged out the woodworks as an elite player with his newfound assertiveness. Duke has shot 47 percent (16-34) from distance in their first two games. Henderson will need to utilize his ludicrous athleticism to attack the rack and space the floor in order for Duke to continue making it flood from long range. Since Nolan Smith’s (8.5 ppg, 36 percent triples) insertion in the line-up the former McDonald’s All-American has flourished and he figures to play a vital role well.
How Villanova got here- Beat #14 American 80-67, #6 UCLA 89-69
Keys to the game- Villanova used their home-court advantage, playing in their own backyard (which was absolutely ridiculous) to spark a late charge and surmount a 14 point second half deficit to avoid a premature ousting from an upset-minded American. There was no repeat cavalier performance in the second round as Nova thoroughly smacked UCLA.
For the Wildcats it all begins with their pg Scottie Reynolds (15.1 ppg and 3.5 assists). Although Reynolds has only averaged a substandard 9.5 points thus far, don’t get it tangled cause he’s a nylon arsonist capable of erupting for 40 any night. Reynolds will need to defrost the jumper and get some buckets for the Wildcats. Leading scorer and boardmen Daunte Cunningham (16.3 ppg and 7.3 bounds, 53 percent shooting) has transformed himself into a very good post player, and has elevated his game during the tourney busting 22.5 points and 8.5 boards. Cunningham’s inside play will be a vital role in Nova’s scheme. Corey Fisher (10.9 ppg) and Corey Stokes (9.7 ppg, 42.8 three’s) are good threeball shooters and Dwayne Anderson (8.8 ppg, 6.6 rebounds) isn’t spectacular but is Nova’s second-leading rebounder and provides senior leadership.
Prediction- This should be a very entertaining affair. Neither team has a true interior presence and both squads like up tempo games, but in this case Duke will probably be more selective with their transition game because the faster the tempo the more it favors Nova. If it gets to fast the game could spiral out of control because of Nova’s staunch defense. The Wildcats will are a physically and mentally tough, mature team and those attributes should be enough to get them a close, hard fought triumph over Duke.
West # Connecticut vs. #5 Purdue- Thursday 7:07
How Purdue got here- Beat #12 Univ of Northern Iowa 61-56, #4 Washington 76-74
Keys to the game- After disposing of a game UNI, Purdue was the last man standing following one of the fiercest, spine-tingling games in the tourney over Pac-10 champ Washington the Boilermakers have the dubious task of facing a dominant UConn team.
Championed by Robert Hummel (12.4 ppg, 7 boards, 39 percent treys) E’Twaun Moore (14 ppg, 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists) and JaJuan Johnson (13.4 ppg) all sophomores, Purdue has managed to avoid being handicapped by youth. This one comes down to two simple factors, can Hummel regain his form and will Johnson be able to neutralize UConn’s 7’3 behemoth Hasheem Thabeet.
At the start of the season Purdue was picked by many experts as potential Final Four team and Hummel was a pre-season All-American pick. Stricken by injuries all year, the 6’8 Hummel has struggled to establish a steady rhythm and elevate himself to superstar status. Johnson preserved the win over Washington with his two blocks as the Huskies tried to tie the game. Standing 6’10 and Purdue’s top shot blocker at 2.1 a game, Johnson must be prepared to bang with Thabeet and will definitely have to improve his anemic 5.6 rebounds a game if Purdue has any chance of pulling off the tournament’s biggest shocker. It’s imperative Johnson takes it to Thabeet’s chest to keep him occupied. Moore’s ability to create off the dribble and get to the cup could also draw fouls on Thabeet, who’s prone to collecting slapdash fouls.
How UConn got here- Beat #16 Tennessee Chattanooga 103-47, #9 Texas A&M
Keys to the game- UConn has been lambasting foes and has clearly been the tournament’s most dominant crew. They’re 41 point per game margin is one of the highest in NCAA history for an opening weekend. Coach Jim Calhoun’s team has sent a clear message that’s reverberated throughout the field. UConn is in the building and ready to get down for their crown.
Leading scorer and distributor A.J. Price (14.6 ppg, 4.8 assists, 41.7 trey percentage) had a somewhat skittish year, but the preseason All-American has lived up to the billing and more than supplemented the void of injured backcourt mate Jerome Dyson. For the tourney Price has dropped 23.5 points, 5.5 dimes and nailed 50 percent of his triples. Son has unequivocally been getting it in. Hasheem Thabeet (13.7 points, 10.7 boards, 4.4 blocks) is Dikembe Mutombo reincarnated on the college level and tosses more shots than a Caesar salad. Unsung Jeff Adrien (13.9 points, 10.2 boards) is the definition of consistency with his workman’s like nightly double-doubles, and freshman Kemba Walker is a speedy guard and magnet to the tin. However, the true key to the Huskies dominance has been the amelioration of small forward Stanley Roberts. The supremely athletic, yet spastic Roberts (8 ppg, 5.4 rebounds) has surprisingly got his game up in Dyson’s absence and become an essential contributor.
Prediction- Unless Hummel’s body is possessed by Larry Bird and he has an enormous, career defining night there’s no way Purdue can combat UConn’s talent, athleticism and desire to reach the Final Four. Hopefully it will be competitive, but it easily be a morose molly whopping.
West #2 Memphis vs. #3 Missouri- Thursday 9:37
How Memphis Got Here- Beat Cal State Northridge 81-70, #10 Maryland 89-70
Keys to the game- The Tigers squad endured a wake-up call, breaking free from Cal State in the latter minutes in the first round on the strength of Roburt Sallie’s school tourney record 35 point outburst. Memphis responded nicely in the next game capping Maryland and locking up Grevais Vasquez who’s recklessly popped off about the credence of Memphis conference.
After three early season losses Memphis has been unblemished since John Calipari slid freshman phenom and leading bucket supplier Tyreke Evans over to the point. Evans (16.6 ppg, 5.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists) has thrived in the role, fostering synergy and a smooth, flowing offense. At a chiseled 6’6, 220lb Evans size enables him to see over smaller guards and his passing acumen enables him to set up shooters Doneal Mack (8.9 ppg) and Roburt Sallie (5.7 ppg, 46.4 treys). Senior Antonio Anderson (10 ppg, 4.8 rebounds, 4.5 dimes) is a great passer, has a serene influence on the team with his leadership and is the squad’s hellacious defensive motor. He’ll be huge in helping Evans handle Missouri’s smothering full-court pressure. While he can still be maddening because he doesn’t always utilize his bountifully raw gifts, power forward Robert Dozier (12.7 ppg, 7.2 boards, 1.7 blocks) has had a solid year and even made 37.5 percent of his threeballs. Center Sean Taggert (10.6 ppg, 7.6) has manned the pivot nicely and despite his abysmal three point percentage (18 percent) is capable of knocking down triples.
How Missouri got here- Beat #14 Cornell 78-59, #6 Marquette 83-79
Keys to the game- After disposing of Cornell Mizzou was entrenched in a heated battle with a resilient Marquette squad and forced to show some resolve before finally clipping the Eagles. The Tigers will have to exhibit some heart and perseverance as well on Thursday night.
Head Coach Mike Anderson has done a phenomenal job refurbishing Mizzou. Anderson has incorporated his mentor former Arkansas head basketball coach Nolan Richardson’s 40 minutes of hell approach, with a slight name alteration to the “fastest 40 minutes in college basketball.” The chaotic, entertaining style has been every beneficial, causing opponents to regularly to cough up the pill like an asthmatic on average 22 times a game, which enables Mizzou to average 81.1 points an contest. The Tigers defensive catalyst and best player is DeMarre Carroll. Top in points and glasswork Carrol, (16.7 ppg 7.3 boards, 56 percent field goal, 1.6 steals) appropriately nicknamed “The Junkyard Dog” is a ball-hawking, diverse predator who fronts the Tigers vaunted press. At 6’8, Carrol’s length is a major deterrent and helps him deflect a lot of passes. His tenacity circulates throughout the rest of the team. Fellow senior Leo Lyons (14.6 ppg, 6 rebounds) is a mobile post player with a soft shooting touch and outstanding face up game. Point guard J.T. Tiller is adept at penetrating and kicking the ball out to flamethrowers Matt Lawrence (9 ppg, 40.7 three’s) and freshmen Kim English (6.7 ppg, 38.8 treys) who form is as flawlessly beautiful as Ray Allen.
Prediction- This may be the hardest one to call because the squads are so evenly matched. Memphis may have more NBA caliber players, but what Mizzou lacks in ability they more than make up for in diligence and hustle. Both teams go incredibly hard. It will undoubtedly be a frenetic track meet reminiscent of the old UNLV- Arkansas games of the early 1990s with non stop, exciting action. Ultimately whoever protects the ball the best should determine this game. Although Mizzou gets 22 takeaways a game they’re very judicious with the ball as well, averaging only 12 turnovers. However, if they don’t create turnovers they aren’t nearly as effective because they’re offense is predicated on the defense. While Memphis hasn’t faced a full-court assault like Mizzou’s the Tigers haven’t faced a defense the level Memphis will toss at them either. Memphis may have the nation’s best overall defense, blankets opponents with a swarming, unrelenting grill breaking attack. Memphis will handle the pressure well enough and Evans’ gross comprehensive skills will enable Coach Calipari’s crew to win the battle of the Tigers down the stretch in a heated thriller.
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