Cincy/Iowa could be interesting for a potential Fran Freakout if Iowa struggles they did against Michigan in the BTT. Irvine/KSU and Oregon/UW look like good upset bids. ASU/Buffalo has the “Bobby Hurley coached both places” storyline and all three 1/16 matchups should be total annihilations that border on cruel and unusual (i.e. hard to look away).
(Side note: I love that Wisconsin got screwed by facing a red-hot Oregon team that is probably seeded appropriately based on resume but is playing more like a single digit seed over the past 30 days.)
I have some travel today, but am really interested in watching how Utah State matches up against Washington’s 2-3 zone. Craig Smith is a really good coach and I expect them to have an effective game plan.
Two players to watch in that game if you haven’t seen them: Matisse Thybulle of Washington and Neemias Queta on Utah State. Both have NBA potential, Thybulle especially. He is an incredibly long, disruptive force at the top of Washington’s zone. He likes to use his length to deflect the typical high post entry passes you see against a zone. Queta is a shot-blocking machine as a freshman for Utah St.
I have watched a lot of Patriot League hoops, so I am personally intrigued to see whether Colgate can keep it close against Tennessee. I don’t think it is a great matchup for Colgate because Tennessee is so physically imposing, but Colgate is extremely well-coached and shoots the ball really well from 3.
Colgate’s best player is Rapolas Ivanauskas, who I believe Michigan recruited for a time, but he landed at N’Western. He transferred to Colgate and won player of the year in the conference this season.
Yeah, I’m curious about UW/USU as well. The Aggies were fantastic in the MWC and probably are relishing the opportunity to beat a Pac-12 team. My only question with them is how well will they fare against the zone? They’re not a great 3-point shooting team.
I agree on those upset bids. Feels like a decent chance for a 12 vs 13 second round. If Wisconsin wins, have to like their chances against K-State without Wade though.
I don’t enjoy refs who feel as though they HAVE to call a charge or a block on any contact near the basket. Let the young men play some ball and stop blowing that whistle and calling attention to yourself.
I’m watching Texas Tech v N.KY. TT defender just took a charge in the backcourt at the wing. Never seen that before. They’ll take them anywhere. Something to watch out for.
In the four factors, defensively, they turn the ball over a lot (good, 11th) and foul a lot (bad, 285th). Obviously, they won’t turn us over. We need to hit our free-throws.
I’m hopeful BIG can start 8-0. OSU vs Iowa State probably first loss, unless Wisconsin goes down against Oregon.
Really happy for Iowa advancing. Great comeback it seems, although I didn’t see one second of action
