Sweet 16 To Final Four By Riebeil Durley-Petty
West Region #1 Louisville vs. #12 Arizona 7:07
How they got here- Beat #16 Morehead State 74-54, #9 Siena 79-72
Keys to the game- Louisville overcame a slow start and 7 point halftime deficit to beat a good, underrated Siena team to reach the Sweet 16. Rick Pitino’s squad is a supremely well conditioned crew that relies on smothering opponents like gravy on a biscuit with their intense full court pressure. They force over 16 turnovers a game and typically drain their opponents with their end to end harassment and stifling half-court trap. The Cardinals are also draining 43 percent of their triples in the tourney, up from their season average of 36.
First team All-Big East selection and catalyst Terrance William is more filling than a stuff crust pizza because he jams every category imaginable. The senior is the team leader in assists (5) and steals (2.4), and is second in points (12.7 ppg) and rebounds (8.7) Williams is a spectacularly eclectic player who merges trampoline bounce with hardwood intellect and does whatever his team needs to win. With Da Ville drudging against Siena Williams had a monstrous 24 point, 15 board game, so he can elevate his output based on the circumstance. Earl Clark tops the team in scoring and rebounds posting 13.9 and 8.8 respectively. At 6’10 his length and athleticism causes problems on the press for smaller ball handlers when he traps, which he’ll aim to do against Arizona’s point guard Nic Wise. 6’9, 260 pound Freshman Samardo Samuels gives the Cardinal a post true presence (12.1 ppg), but he’ll need to boost his paltry board totals against Zona’s Jordan Hill. Junior Edgar Sosa (7.2 ppg) is a talented, but streaky conundrum who can hit phat numbers driving to the rack when he’s on. Jerry Smith (7.6 ppg, 40.5 percent three’s) Preston Knowles (6.1 ppg, 43 percent treys) and Andre McGee (38 percent three’s) are solid complementary guards that supply good ball pressure and outside shooting. They’ll have to stay in front of Wise and limit his trips to the lane.
How Arizona got here- Beat #5 Utah 84-71, #13 Cleveland St. 71-57
Keys to the game- Who would have ever thought Arizona, one of the country’s most regal programs would be considered a Cinderella, but that’s exactly what the Wildcats are. Faced with immense scrutiny over their credentials, interim coach Russ Pennell has guided Arizona beyond the haterism in their 25 consecutive tourney appearance and possibly made the most unlikely Sweet 16 trip in school history. The Wildcats have clawed up their first two foes, shooting a flaming 53 percent from the floor and playing uncharacteristically stingy defense holding opponents to just under 40 percent.
For Zona everything starts with Jordan Hill. Leader in points (18.4) and boards (11) and blocks (1.8) the big fella literally is the Wildcats interior game. The All-Pac-10 first team member has eaten opposing bigs like ham sandwiches all year with his combination of finesse, agility and quickness and he’ll have to use those assets against Da Ville as well because he has a significant advantage over Louisville’s post players. Point guard Nic Wise has been blazing defenders like a Newport cigarette, dropping 25 points and 5 dimes a game on 57 percent shooting, up from his season averages of 15.6 points, 4.6 assists and 46 percent from the floor. He’ll have to be strong with the ball against Louisville’s press, penetrate the gaps to delegate the rock to Zona’s shooters in addition to equaling his triple proficiency (42.4 percent). Fellow All-Pac-10 first teamer Chase Budinger (18 ppg, 6 rebounds, 40 percent three’s) aka the college Dirk Nowitski jumper will have to be on point and he’ll have to attack Williams strongly utilizing his athleticism when he has driving opportunities. Kyle Fogg (6.2 ppg 38 percent treys) and Zane Johnson (4.6 ppg, 41 percent three’s) with have to be prepared to capitalize on open treys because looks will present themselves. Jamelle Horne (6.2 ppg, 5.1 rebounds) will also have to be play solid defense, help on the glass and score when open.
Prediction- Unless Hill completely dominates inside and Budinger busts fallaway treys like Nowitzki Zona will probably be flying back to cactus country. Zona has three future NBA players in the lineup but they only have a six player rotation. That lack of depth and Louisville’s perennial duress will lead to the Wildcats attrition and ultimate demise. Cards fly high and glide to Sunday night.
South #2 Oklahoma vs. # 3 Syracuse 7:27
How they got here- Beat #15 Morgan State 82-54, #10 Michigan 73-63
Keys to the game- The Sooners stammered down the stretch dropping 4 of their last 6 and losing seemingly smashed up #1 seed before then, but Jeff Capel’s squad has recuperated nicely in the big dance. Everyone knows the alpha and omega for the Boomer Sooners is the impregnable Blake Griffin. Leading the nation in boards at 14.4 a game along with 22.5 points on 56 percent shooting Griffin’s indisputably been the country’s most dominant force with his obscene consolidation of size, strength, athleticism and gracefulness. Griffin absorbs every errant shot within his vicinity and squashes the competition like a California raisin. The leading candidate for Player of the Year honors will attract maximum attention from Syracuse vaunted 2-3 zone, which will open up shots for Tony Crocker (9.2 ppg, 3.2 rebounds, 53 made three’s) and Austin Johnson (8.8 ppg, 3.9 assists, 43 made trifectas) and Cade Davis (4.9 ppg, 35.4 percent threes). Crocker has been off lately, connecting on only 2 of his last 21 three pointers, so Oklahoma will need him to remedy his waning stroke.
Johnson also has unenviable assignment checking Johnny Flynn. It’s important for Johnson to keep the speedy, explosive guard out the paint as much as possible so he doesn’t issue the rock to Syracuse shooters. Big 12 freshman first teamer Willie Warren (14.7 ppg, 3.1 assists, 38 percent treys) has disgusting triple range. He’ll need to employ that touch to space out Syracuse zone to give Griffin more room to operate and use his athletic advantage over Eric Devendorf to get buckets off the bounce. Blake’s big brother Taylor (9.6 ppg, 6.0 rebounds) is an improved mid-range shooter and a fiery enforcer who provides the Sooners with toughness and an inside tag team partner for Blake.
How Syracuse got here- Beat #14 Stephen F. Austin 59-44, #6 Arizona State 78-67
Keys to the game- Ever since their epic 6 overtime classic with UConn everyone has taken notice of Syracuse. That admirable defining moment and murderous test of physical stamina showed just how tough and resilient Jim Boeheim’s squad really is and garnered nationwide big ups from everyone.
No one’s more emblematic of the Cuse’s toughness than All-Big East first team selection Johnny Flynn (17.3 ppg, 6.7 assists). The diminutive point guard with immeasurable heart has a pugnacious, exuberant, gully braswado that spreads throughout the team. He’s a magnet to the paint and a serves more dishes to his teammates than a waiter at Applebee’s, and if you napping he’ll bang on you in New York minute. Expect Flynn to try to get into the teeth of Oklahoma defense and slice up their guards like a slab of bacon. Eric Devendorf (15.9 ppg, 3 assists, 39 percent three’s) may have a penchant for recklessly poppin off noise and get overly demonstrative with his post shot celebrations at times but he rack up points quickly, break his defender down to get to the cup and is one of the Orange’s most adept treyeball bombers. A first team All-Big East member last year, Paul Harris (12.2 ppg, 8.1 rebounds) accepted a reduced role this season but he’s physical, undersized power forward who’s a great finisher on the break and lockdown defensive irritant. Andy Rautins (10.4 ppg, 3 assists, 99 made treys) is a prototypical cord-ripping fire-starter with one of the purest strokes in the country. Syracuse will run him off a multitude of screens and Flynn and Devendorf will dish him the pill for triples off penetration. The real key defensively for the Cuse is Arinze Onuaku (10.4 ppg, 7.3 boards, 66.5 field goal, 29.5 percent free throws) and Rick Jackson (8.3 ppg, 5.1 rebounds). At 6’9, 275 lbs Onuaku is a mountainous player with the strength to combat Griffin, but can’t rival Blake Griffin’s agility. Onuaku and Jackson have the girth to keep Griffin from getting deep post position but are also prone to amassing random careless. It’s paramount they stay on the floor or
Griffin will fry Cuse interior like Popeye’s chicken.
Prediction- This is the toughest game to call because both teams are so evenly matched and excel in different areas. Cuse with their perimeter game and Oklahoma pounding the ball inside. Ultimately, I think the Cuse grittiness and resolute desire to win will carry them through in a very tight game.
How they got here- Beat #16 Morehead State 74-54, #9 Siena 79-72
Keys to the game- Louisville overcame a slow start and 7 point halftime deficit to beat a good, underrated Siena team to reach the Sweet 16. Rick Pitino’s squad is a supremely well conditioned crew that relies on smothering opponents like gravy on a biscuit with their intense full court pressure. They force over 16 turnovers a game and typically drain their opponents with their end to end harassment and stifling half-court trap. The Cardinals are also draining 43 percent of their triples in the tourney, up from their season average of 36.
First team All-Big East selection and catalyst Terrance William is more filling than a stuff crust pizza because he jams every category imaginable. The senior is the team leader in assists (5) and steals (2.4), and is second in points (12.7 ppg) and rebounds (8.7) Williams is a spectacularly eclectic player who merges trampoline bounce with hardwood intellect and does whatever his team needs to win. With Da Ville drudging against Siena Williams had a monstrous 24 point, 15 board game, so he can elevate his output based on the circumstance. Earl Clark tops the team in scoring and rebounds posting 13.9 and 8.8 respectively. At 6’10 his length and athleticism causes problems on the press for smaller ball handlers when he traps, which he’ll aim to do against Arizona’s point guard Nic Wise. 6’9, 260 pound Freshman Samardo Samuels gives the Cardinal a post true presence (12.1 ppg), but he’ll need to boost his paltry board totals against Zona’s Jordan Hill. Junior Edgar Sosa (7.2 ppg) is a talented, but streaky conundrum who can hit phat numbers driving to the rack when he’s on. Jerry Smith (7.6 ppg, 40.5 percent three’s) Preston Knowles (6.1 ppg, 43 percent treys) and Andre McGee (38 percent three’s) are solid complementary guards that supply good ball pressure and outside shooting. They’ll have to stay in front of Wise and limit his trips to the lane.
How Arizona got here- Beat #5 Utah 84-71, #13 Cleveland St. 71-57
Keys to the game- Who would have ever thought Arizona, one of the country’s most regal programs would be considered a Cinderella, but that’s exactly what the Wildcats are. Faced with immense scrutiny over their credentials, interim coach Russ Pennell has guided Arizona beyond the haterism in their 25 consecutive tourney appearance and possibly made the most unlikely Sweet 16 trip in school history. The Wildcats have clawed up their first two foes, shooting a flaming 53 percent from the floor and playing uncharacteristically stingy defense holding opponents to just under 40 percent.
For Zona everything starts with Jordan Hill. Leader in points (18.4) and boards (11) and blocks (1.8) the big fella literally is the Wildcats interior game. The All-Pac-10 first team member has eaten opposing bigs like ham sandwiches all year with his combination of finesse, agility and quickness and he’ll have to use those assets against Da Ville as well because he has a significant advantage over Louisville’s post players. Point guard Nic Wise has been blazing defenders like a Newport cigarette, dropping 25 points and 5 dimes a game on 57 percent shooting, up from his season averages of 15.6 points, 4.6 assists and 46 percent from the floor. He’ll have to be strong with the ball against Louisville’s press, penetrate the gaps to delegate the rock to Zona’s shooters in addition to equaling his triple proficiency (42.4 percent). Fellow All-Pac-10 first teamer Chase Budinger (18 ppg, 6 rebounds, 40 percent three’s) aka the college Dirk Nowitski jumper will have to be on point and he’ll have to attack Williams strongly utilizing his athleticism when he has driving opportunities. Kyle Fogg (6.2 ppg 38 percent treys) and Zane Johnson (4.6 ppg, 41 percent three’s) with have to be prepared to capitalize on open treys because looks will present themselves. Jamelle Horne (6.2 ppg, 5.1 rebounds) will also have to be play solid defense, help on the glass and score when open.
Prediction- Unless Hill completely dominates inside and Budinger busts fallaway treys like Nowitzki Zona will probably be flying back to cactus country. Zona has three future NBA players in the lineup but they only have a six player rotation. That lack of depth and Louisville’s perennial duress will lead to the Wildcats attrition and ultimate demise. Cards fly high and glide to Sunday night.
South #2 Oklahoma vs. # 3 Syracuse 7:27
How they got here- Beat #15 Morgan State 82-54, #10 Michigan 73-63
Keys to the game- The Sooners stammered down the stretch dropping 4 of their last 6 and losing seemingly smashed up #1 seed before then, but Jeff Capel’s squad has recuperated nicely in the big dance. Everyone knows the alpha and omega for the Boomer Sooners is the impregnable Blake Griffin. Leading the nation in boards at 14.4 a game along with 22.5 points on 56 percent shooting Griffin’s indisputably been the country’s most dominant force with his obscene consolidation of size, strength, athleticism and gracefulness. Griffin absorbs every errant shot within his vicinity and squashes the competition like a California raisin. The leading candidate for Player of the Year honors will attract maximum attention from Syracuse vaunted 2-3 zone, which will open up shots for Tony Crocker (9.2 ppg, 3.2 rebounds, 53 made three’s) and Austin Johnson (8.8 ppg, 3.9 assists, 43 made trifectas) and Cade Davis (4.9 ppg, 35.4 percent threes). Crocker has been off lately, connecting on only 2 of his last 21 three pointers, so Oklahoma will need him to remedy his waning stroke.
Johnson also has unenviable assignment checking Johnny Flynn. It’s important for Johnson to keep the speedy, explosive guard out the paint as much as possible so he doesn’t issue the rock to Syracuse shooters. Big 12 freshman first teamer Willie Warren (14.7 ppg, 3.1 assists, 38 percent treys) has disgusting triple range. He’ll need to employ that touch to space out Syracuse zone to give Griffin more room to operate and use his athletic advantage over Eric Devendorf to get buckets off the bounce. Blake’s big brother Taylor (9.6 ppg, 6.0 rebounds) is an improved mid-range shooter and a fiery enforcer who provides the Sooners with toughness and an inside tag team partner for Blake.
How Syracuse got here- Beat #14 Stephen F. Austin 59-44, #6 Arizona State 78-67
Keys to the game- Ever since their epic 6 overtime classic with UConn everyone has taken notice of Syracuse. That admirable defining moment and murderous test of physical stamina showed just how tough and resilient Jim Boeheim’s squad really is and garnered nationwide big ups from everyone.
No one’s more emblematic of the Cuse’s toughness than All-Big East first team selection Johnny Flynn (17.3 ppg, 6.7 assists). The diminutive point guard with immeasurable heart has a pugnacious, exuberant, gully braswado that spreads throughout the team. He’s a magnet to the paint and a serves more dishes to his teammates than a waiter at Applebee’s, and if you napping he’ll bang on you in New York minute. Expect Flynn to try to get into the teeth of Oklahoma defense and slice up their guards like a slab of bacon. Eric Devendorf (15.9 ppg, 3 assists, 39 percent three’s) may have a penchant for recklessly poppin off noise and get overly demonstrative with his post shot celebrations at times but he rack up points quickly, break his defender down to get to the cup and is one of the Orange’s most adept treyeball bombers. A first team All-Big East member last year, Paul Harris (12.2 ppg, 8.1 rebounds) accepted a reduced role this season but he’s physical, undersized power forward who’s a great finisher on the break and lockdown defensive irritant. Andy Rautins (10.4 ppg, 3 assists, 99 made treys) is a prototypical cord-ripping fire-starter with one of the purest strokes in the country. Syracuse will run him off a multitude of screens and Flynn and Devendorf will dish him the pill for triples off penetration. The real key defensively for the Cuse is Arinze Onuaku (10.4 ppg, 7.3 boards, 66.5 field goal, 29.5 percent free throws) and Rick Jackson (8.3 ppg, 5.1 rebounds). At 6’9, 275 lbs Onuaku is a mountainous player with the strength to combat Griffin, but can’t rival Blake Griffin’s agility. Onuaku and Jackson have the girth to keep Griffin from getting deep post position but are also prone to amassing random careless. It’s paramount they stay on the floor or
Griffin will fry Cuse interior like Popeye’s chicken.
Prediction- This is the toughest game to call because both teams are so evenly matched and excel in different areas. Cuse with their perimeter game and Oklahoma pounding the ball inside. Ultimately, I think the Cuse grittiness and resolute desire to win will carry them through in a very tight game.
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