Region Preview: East

It’s March, meaning it’s that time of year where everyone needs to know what they are talking about when it comes to college basketball. Whether it is at the water cooler, the lunch table, the classroom, or the bar you can’t be that one idiot in your group of friends who gets no respect. That’s why the benevolent writers here at http://redcupsports.blogspot.com/ are providing you with region by region previews to make you seem like (insert favorite college basketball analyst here not named Digger Phelps). Obviously, no guarantees in this craziest of seasons, but the more information you have, the better off you'll be. Without further ado, I give you the East.

Player to Watch:

Mike Muscala of the Bucknell Bison- Pop quiz, how many players in the country average more than 18 points and 11 rebounds? Only one and his name is Mike Muscala. The 6-11 Senior from Roseville, Minnesota also averages 2.4 blocks per game and leads the country in double-doubles with 22. Unlike most mid-major big men, Muscala doesn’t float around the three point line and play a finesse game. Rather, he bangs on the boards, has an array of post moves, shoots nearly 80% from the charity stripe, and will flat out D you up. The two-time Patriot League Player of the Year is the main reason Bucknell has a fighting chance to upset Brad Steven’s Butler squad. However, if Muscala is eliminated in the first round, this bracket is still loaded with stars. Victor Oladipo and Cody Zeller are two lottery picks who have carried Indiana to a one seed. Kenny Kadji on Miami is an intriguing stretch-four and could be a huge difference maker against teams who can’t match up with his size and shooting ability. UNLV Freshman phenom Anthony Bennett is an absolute beast who may send California’s big men home crying to their mom’s in the first round. Lastly, Brandon Paul of Illinois is a stud lead guard who dropped 35 points on only 16 shots in Illinois’ win over Gonzaga back in December.

Tossup Matchup:

Indiana/LIU Brooklyn… just kidding. Butler vs. Bucknell is the matchup from the East that is giving me nightmares. A great matchup between two mid-major teams, two great coaches, (Dave Paulsen of Bucknell deserves more love than he’s been getting) and two star players (Rotnei Clarke vs. Mike Muscala), this game should come down to the wire. Add in the fact that they have very similar offensive philosophies, Butler ranks 253rd in the country possessions per game while Bucknell stands at 319th in the country, and this game should be a nail-biter. First team to 55 wins!

Most Interesting Tidbit:

Miami is the first team in the history of the ACC to win the ACC regular season title outright, and the ACC conference tournament and not earn a number 1 seed. This should provide extra motivation for the Miami Hurricanes, and infamous motivational speaker/Head Coach, Jim Larranaga.

Biggest Mismatch:

Syracuse vs. Montana. I’m not necessarily saying the Orangemen will blow out the Grizzlies, although they probably should. The mismatch here lies in the all-important battle of height. Montana’s two tallest players who receive regular minutes are 6-7 Senior Mathias Ward and 6-9 Junior Eric Hutchison. They COMBINE for 6 rebounds per game. On the other hand, 6 out of the 9 players in Jim Boehim’s rotation are at least 6-8. Still not convinced? Syracuse ranks 10^th in the nation in rebounding. Montana ranks 339^th, the second worst ranking in the tournament (sorry Harvard).

Committee Screw-Up:

Everything to do with UNLV vs. California. UNLV lost games to Air Force and Fresno State. Twice. They only had one great win the entire year in beating New Mexico, and after beating UTEP by two and Air Force by 5, UNLV doesn’t even pass the eye test for a top 5 seed. After reviewing the information it would appear that a 7-seed would be more reasonable for the Runnin’ Rebels. Conversely, California is under-seeded. Posting the 34^th best SOS in the county, and beating nearly all of the best teams in the PAC-12, the Golden Bears should have gotten an 11 seed. Yet, the Committee wasn’t done screwing up, as they gave California, who is seeded 12, home-court advantage against UNLV. This game will be played at San Jose about an hour south of Cal’s campus.

Best Hypothetical Moment:

After Shane Larkin hits a buzzer-beating three-pointer over Indiana to send Miami to the Final Four, Larkin and his teammates begin celebrating on the court. During the commotion, famous Miami alumni and super fan Warren Sapp barrels on to the court and proceeds to slowly devour Shane Larkin. The fan’s watch in half-amazement and half-horror as the now blood thirsty Sapp chases after Cody Zeller.

Most Likely Cinderella:

Davidson. Davidson. Davidson. I have already professed my love for the Wildcats on this blog before (http://redcupsports.blogspot.com/2013/03/jakes-declassified-march-madness.html) and I don’t want to repeat myself. All I will say is this bracket is set up beautifully for Bob McKillop’s boys. While Marquette is a tough team, they only shoot 30% from downtown. Combine that with Davidson’s three point field goal defense being a respectable 32.3% and a ridiculous 16.1% in their last three games, Marquette could be in trouble. Moreover, I consider a Cinderella to be a team seeded 8 or lower who makes it to the sweet 16 or further. Following that logic, Davidson’s second, now called third round, matchup is critical to this theory. If Davidson does beat Marquette, they would face Butler or Bucknell in the Round of 32. I believe Davidson has the talent and coaching to compete with both teams. Plus, they are used to playing mid-majors and won’t be taken by surprise by their shooting ability or defensive toughness.

Game Previews

#1 Indiana (27-6, Big Ten) vs. #16 LIU Brooklyn (20-13, North East Conference)/James Madison (20-14, CAA)

Indiana: I’m not really sure that I should be forced to preview this game. Indiana is a very well-rounded team led by a future top 5-pick Victor Oladipo and future lottery-pick Cody Zeller. Those two alone may very well stand a chance against LIU Brooklyn or James Madison in a 2 vs. 5 game. Throw in Yogi “Don’t Call Me Berra” Ferrell, Christian Wattford, Jordan Hulls, and Will Sheehey and this game shouldn’t be close. And don’t worry, I will actually break down Indiana once they play some real competition

LIU Brooklyn: First thing I’d like to say is that if Jay-Z is as “Brooklyn” as he says he is, he will be at their play-in game. Yeah, I threw down the gauntlet HOVA, get at me.  In all seriousness, LIU Brooklyn could have actually been a respectable team this year if they didn’t lose reigning North East Conference Player of the Year Julian Boyd to a torn ACL. Julian Boyd was averaging 18.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG, along with 1 block and 1.3 steals per game. Despite impressive wins over Fort Dickinson, Monmouth, St. Francis (NY and PA), Bryant (that’s not a person, it’s an actual team), and Wagner LIU, LIU only managed a 16 seed. This is probably because they lost to Wagner twice, Sacred Heart, St. Peters, and Lamar. And no Lamar Odom does not star on Lamar. Neither does Kendrick Lamar. The good news is that Brooklyn plays at a lightning fast pace, scores the 6^th most points in the country, and has an exciting point guard named Jason Brickman. Despite his unfortunate last name, Brickman can shoot (46% from three land) and their play-in game should be entertaining at the very least.

James Madison: the Dukes are in the first dance since 1994 and should be happy they made it this far. They are abysmal on offense, ranking 235^th or worse in points per game, assists per game, field goal percentage, and rebounding. And while one could argue that this is due to their slow offensive pace, it does not explain their inexplicably low field goal percentage, one of the few stats that has nothing to do with playing speed. On the brightside, the last 3 CAA champs have one at least one game in the NCAA tournament and VCU, now a member of the A-10, went as far as the final four.

Verdict: Unless you have recently been institutionalized, I do not see any logic behind picking against Indiana in the first round. Remember, number one seeds have never, I repeat NEVER lost in the first round. I can’t picture Brooklyn or James Madison re-writing history.

#8 NC State (24-10, ACC) vs. #9 Temple (23-9, A-10)

NC State: After Kentucky (shout out to Robert Morris), this may be the most underachieving team in the country. They started off the year ranked #6 in the AP poll and Coaches poll and finished the year outside the top 25 and landed an 8 seed. Ouch. They have beaten UCONN, Duke, and UNC, showing how great they can be when they put it all together. But they haven’t been able to play consistent ball and have lost to the likes of Wake Forest and Florida State. However, the star power the wolf pack possess has not wavered. Richard Howell made first team All-ACC, Lorenzo Brown made the second team, C.J. Leslie made the third team, and T.J. Warren made the all ACC freshman team. Throw in sharp shooter Scott Wood and two McDonald’s All American’s in “Never Nervous” Rodney Purvis and Tyler “How is he a McDonald’s All American” Lewis and you have an all-star squad. This team has lived up to its billing on offense (12^th in the nation in PPG), however defense is where this team disappoints. NC State ranks 252^nd in scoring defense and 189^th in defensive efficiency.

Temple: One of the few teams in the country that can match NC State’s inconsistency, Temple has beaten Syracuse, St. Louis, VCU and Villanova, yet lost to Canisius and St. Bonaventure. Led by Khaliff Wyatt, this team does have the talent and experience to beat a team such as NC State. Wyatt, second leading scorer Scootie (that’s his actual first name) Randall, and key contributors Jake O’Brien and Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson are all seniors. Additionally, these four players have made the Big Dance every season in their college career and will not back down from the big moments or big shots. They have the 43^rd best RPI, and 62^nd best strength of schedule in the country which is impressive for a team outside of the big 6 conferences. Frankly when you look at the resumes, I believe Temple should be the 8 seed instead of NC State. Fran Dunphy has done an excellent job replacing the legendary John Chaney and will most likely out coach Mark Gottfried in the first round. Lastly, Khaliff Wyatt is the kind of player who can carry a team when he gets hot. If he turns that microwave on, Temple could cruise to a victory.

Verdict: Although Temple has the experience to win this ball game, I believe NC State simply has too much talent to lose in the first round. Lorenzo Brown can lock up Khaliff Wyatt and prevent him from taking over the game. Temple seemingly has no match for C.J. Leslie, and if Leslie’s head is in the game, he could explode for a huge stat line. Most importantly, Temple doesn’t have the rebounders to keep Richard Howell off the glass. This is critical because NC State is 14-3 when Howell gets a double-double, but 10-7 when he does not.

#5 UNLV (25-9, Mountain West) vs. #12 California (20-11, Pac-12)

UNLV: As I previously stated, UNLV is an overrated team. However, they are 6^th in the nation in rebounding, and ninth in the country in assists. They are led by Diaper Dandy Anthony Bennett who could potentially be the first pick in the NBA draft. Bennett can rebound, defend, run the court, finish with authority, and shoots a nice .538/.701/.379 split. On the downside, UNLV is a shallow team. They only have one significant contributor off of their bench and they are too inconsistent for my liking. Maybe if they still had Jeffrey Tarkanian biting his towel on the sideline or Larry Johnson straight up schooling kids I would feel more confident. But alas, it shall not be.

California: The Golden Bears of California match up beautifully in terms of statistics with UNLV. The Runnin’ Rebels weakness is shooting three pointers where they have nobody above 38% from distance on the team. California, is 9^th in the country in opponent two point field goal percentage. This means that UNLV is going to really struggle to score from the only place on the court they are comfortable. This will most likely result in them jacking threes to no avail. In terms of players, Justin Cobbs and Allen Crabbe are nearly as dynamic a one-two punch in the backcourt as anyone else in the country. And guard play goes a long way in March.

Verdict: UNLV just got an unlucky draw with California. UNLV will most likely be forced to take an uncomfortable amount of three pointers, or shoot a low percentage from the field. Also, I fully expect Allen Crabbe who averages nearly 19 points and 6 rebounds per game to show just how valuable he is. By the time this game is done, Cal fans will have decided Crabbe doesn’t nearly quantify how good Allen Crabbe is, and they will start calling him Allen Lobster.

#4 Syracuse (26-9, Big East) vs. #13 Montana (25-6, Big Sky)

Syracuse: After doing admirably against the grueling Big East schedule, Syracuse gets a breather in Montana. Montana should have no match for C.J. Fair, Brandon Triche, Michael Carter-Williams, or anyone on Syracuse for that matter (you know, except Russ DeRemer). The sheer length Syracuse has in their 2-3 zone should cause Montana problems, who are not used to playing this caliber of athletes. ‘Cuse should force at least 13 turnovers in this game and dominate in fast break points. When you throw in that Montana is 121^st in the country in opponent steals per play, it is obvious it will be a long night for Montana.

Montana: Known mostly for keeping Damian Lillard out of the tournament last year (you bastards) Montana is coming in this year hoping to win one game. With no bad losses to speak of and three players who score around 14 points per game, this is a difficult match-up for Syracuse to game plan for. Montana is a very good shooting team ranking in the top 31 in free throw, three point, two point, and shooting percentage. Maybe if Montana gets hot from behind the arc they can make this game interesting, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

Verdict: This game is a huge mismatch on the boards and in terms of talent and athleticism. The Orangemen should be able to get ample second opportunities and easy fast-break points. Perhaps ‘Cuse can even play their scrubs in the late second half and Jim Boehim should be able to rest easy.

#6 Butler (26-8, A-10) vs. #11 Bucknell (28-5, Patriot League)

Butler: Brad Stevens and the gang are back and planning to make it 3 national title trips in 4 years. Led by Rotnei Clarke and Andrew Smith, this team can beat anyone in the country on any given night. If you don’t believe me, just as Gonzaga, Indiana, Marquette, Illinois, North Carolina, and LaSalle. Butler is a great defensive rebounding team, which will be huge in their battle against Mike Muscala. I expect Brad Stevens to have a great game plan prepared and show no emotion throughout the entire course of the game. Seriously, the dude is like a Canadian Mountie.

Bucknell: Ranking 28^th in the country in average scoring margin, 7^th in assist to turnover ratio, 12^th in opponents points per game, and 4^th in opponent’s effective field goal percentage this may be one of the most underrated teams in the country. Now you may just think it’s all Mike Muscala but it’s really not. Bucknell has three other players, Joe Willman, Cameron Ayers, and Bryson Johnson, on their team who has scored over 1,000 points in their career. They have all also averaged double digit scoring numbers in their career and been named to an All-Patriot League team. Add in their history of beating number 3 Kansas back in 2005 in one of the best upsets of all time and it’s a wonder why this team gets no publicity.

Verdict: I find it really hard to pick against Brad Stevens. His teams are never out hustled, never out-coached, and always execute. They play great in crunch time and have an undying will to win. That being said I believe Bucknell will be as hungry as Butler. I expect Mike Muscala to try to leap up draft boards by putting on a show while the rest of his team supports him properly. This is definitely going to be a close game, but I expect the Bucknell Bison to knock out the Butler Bulldogs much sooner than they expect.

#3 Marquette (23-8, Big East) vs. #14 Davidson (26-7, Southern Conference)

Marquette: A well rounded and tough team. Marquette has beaten Wisconsin, UCONN, Georgetown, Pittsburgh twice, Syracuse, and Notre Dame. They do have one horrible loss to University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, but I try not to think about that. This team is a very talented team with Vander Blue, Junior Cadougan (who is actually a senior despite his misleading name), Davante Gardner, and O.J Mayo’s brother Todd. Buzz Williams has this team play a physical bruising style of ball that most teams outside of the Big East can’t handle. They are truly worthy of a number 3 seed.

Davidson: The Davidson Wildcats are simply much better than a 14 seed. They are very talented with De’Mon Brooks, Nick Cochran, and Jake Cohen. They have won 17 games in a row and have gotten much better as the season has worn on. I previously mentioned how physical Marquette is and how that is difficult for most teams. However, Davidson showed their chops when they went toe to toe with Duke and didn’t back down. This team is not going to be afraid or shy away from the moment. It also doesn’t hurt that they are one of the best shooting teams in the country coming in at 13^th in shooting efficiency.

Verdict: Every year there is an upset that comes from seemingly nowhere and I think this could be it. Bob McKillop will understand that the way to beat Marquette is to allow them to shoot threes where they are 318^th in the country at 30%. Also Marquette’s best scorer, Vander Blue only hits about a quarter of his threes from distance. Add in De’Mon Brooks who can body up Davante Gardner and I think we have a great matchup. If this turns out to be a close game, Davidson is the number 1 team in the country in FT%, that’s the cherry on the sundae

#7 Illinois (22-12, Big Ten) vs. #10 Colorado (21-11, Pac-12)

Illinois: It is widely assumed that Illinois is overseeded at #7 because they have failed to pass the eye test and have some bad losses to Purdue, Northwestern, and Iowa. As Eamonn Brennan said in his East preview on ESPN.com, “When you actually dig into Brandon Paul & Co., and when you watch them play superior teams, you can't help but think they're more like a No. 10 seed themselves.” Now, Illinois does have great wins against Gonzaga, Butler, Indiana and Ohio State that can’t be discredited. Overall, this team will go as far as Brandon Paul carries them on his back, Greg Jennings style.

Colorado: This is probably the best team Tad Boyle has had during his tenure at Colorado. They are an above average offensive and defensive team, while being very good on the glass (29^th in the country in defensive rebounds per game). They have four and almost five players who average in double figures which has helped them stay consistent this year. Andre Roberson is a stud who will be difficult for Illinois to contain. Roberson averages 10.9 points and 11.3 rebounds per game and is looking to become a first round draft pick. Lastly, Colorado went 4-1 in neutral court games this year, which is pivotal in the Big Dance

Verdict: This was one of the most difficult games for me to pick in this region. I believe Colorado’s edge on the boards will put them at a huge advantage as will their adherence to fouling (Colorado is 6^th in the country in opponents free throw attempts per game). Illinois’ inconsistency was a bit too risky for me to side with, despite my love of all things Brandon Paul.

#2 Miami (27-6, ACC) vs. #15 Pacific (22-12, Big West)

Miami: An all-around great team, Shane Larkin, Durand Scott, Trey McKinney-Jones, Kenny Kadji, and Reggie Johnson make a filthy starting 5. I also love the intangibles Julian Gamble brings off of the bench. Like the Syracuse and Indiana match ups, Miami has too much size, skill, athleticism, and talent. Unless they forfeit I can’t see a way they lose this game.

Pacific: Hey, when was the last time an Ocean won a tournament game? Never? Ok cool. If you really want a breakdown just know that there leading scorer averages 11.4 points per game and he is the only one in double figures. They like to play a crazy deep bench as 10 guys average at least 11 minutes per game. They will attempt to wear Miami down but it will be futile.

Verdict: This game is over by half time unless Reggie Johnson either tries to play point guard or eats the ball. This will be the last game Pacific’s Head Coach Bob Thomason ever coaches and he deserves to be acknowledged. He has led his team to 14 winning season in a quarter of a century of coaching. Pacific has made the tournament 5 times under his watch and won back-to-back first round games in 04-05. He truly is a tremendous coach.

Round of 32

#1 Indiana vs. #8 NC State

Indiana’s first real test of the tournament comes in the round of 32 against the equally talented NC State Wolfpack. Unlike the Wolfpack, the Hoosiers have lived up to expectations this year and garnered a one seed. Playing in the Big Ten, there is a stereotype that all teams grind you out, rebound and value defense over offense. Well, Indiana is second in the country in PPG, first in the country in points per shot attempt, seventh in field goal percentage, and third in three point field goal percentage. Yeah, there goes that theory. NC State can score the rock too. Mark Gottfried’s squad is 12^th in the nation in PPG, fifth in field goal percentage, and 12^th in the three point field goal percentage. This has the makings of a fun, high scoring basketball game with multiple future NBA players. As much as I love the Lorenzo Brown vs. Victor Oladipo and Richard Howell vs. Cody Zeller matchups, Indiana has more depth, better coaching, and is more consistent. NC State hasn’t beaten a team this year of Indiana’s status (Duke sans Ryan Kelly doesn’t count) and I don’t expect it to start now.

Verdict: Although this should be more competitive than your usual 1 vs. 8 matchup, I still fully expect Indiana to advance to the Sweet 16. If this does happen, it is quite the disappointing year for NC State who were the favorites to win the ACC and a trendy final four pick before the year started.

#4 Syracuse vs. #12 California

As much as I love the potential of Allen Lobster to take over the game, Cal is not built to beat a team that plays a 2-3 zone as well as Syracuse does. Cal is #311 in the country in 3-point shooting, 180^th in shooting efficiency, and 110^th in Division 1 in turnovers per game. Not only will the Golden Bears be forced to beat Syracuse from deep, they will turn the ball over profusely leading to easy buckets for the Orangemen. Throw in the fact that Cal is #265 in D-1 in opponents offensive rebounds per game while Jim Boehim’s team is 10^th in the nation in offensive rebounding and you have a recipe for disaster.

Verdict: The backcourt of Allen Lobster and Justin “Corn on the” Cobbs is truly sensational and one of the best in the country. However, they are mostly proficient in breaking down opponents man-to-man schemes off of the dribble instead of dissecting the zone. If both of them have great nights, this game could get interesting, but that is far from likely. Expect Syracuse to win fairly handedly.

#11 Bucknell vs. #14 Davison

The most unexpected matchup in the Round of 32 is easily Bucknell against Davidson. After both pulling upsets over relative goliaths, each team should be riding a major tidal wave of momentum. The storybook journey will end abruptly and cruelly for one team, but which team will suffer this horrid fate is the question. I love Davidson as they are a truly dominant shooting force, and are one of the best scoring teams in the country. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Bucknell is a dominant defensive force. The Bison rank in the top 7 in opponent effective FG%, opponent two point and shooting­ percentage, and shooting efficiency. This team will bottle up De’Mon Brooks and stay on top of all the outside shooters Davidson has, especially Nick Cochran. To further their differences, Davidson plays at a relatively fast pace while Bucknell makes a group of sloths look like the Jamaican track team. In my opinion, this game will be about the adjustments that each coach makes, which team sets the pace of the game, and which team wants it more in crunch time.  

Verdict: While I can’t even explain how much I look forward to watching Bob McKillop and Dave Paulson coach it out; this game comes down to who wins the battle of Mike Muscala versus Jake Cohen and De’Mon Brooks. I ultimately believe that Muscala is simply too good and too versatile to be contained by Davidson. I also believe that if Davidson allocates too many defensive resources (like doubling or tripling in the post) Muscala’s side-kicks will eviscerate Davidson. While I did waver back and forth on this game, and I still reserve the right to change my mind, I will pick the Bucknell Bison.

#2 Miami vs. #10 Colorado

After sneaking past Illinois in their first tourney game, I have Colorado running into the hurricane that is Miami (you see what I did there?). This game is fairly simple to break down. Colorado’s strength is crashing the boards and Anthony Roberson. Miami, can match up beautifully with Kenny Kadji or Julian Gamble locking down Roberson while the immovable object that is Reggie Johnson neutralizes the Buffaloes rebounding advantage. Also, Colorado usually wears teams down with their depth and multiple scoring options, but that will be to no avail on this occasion. Shane Larkin, Durand Scott, Trey McKinney-Jones, and the aforementioned Johnson, Gamble, and Kadji will be able to match up no problem with Colorado’s multiple scoring options.

Verdict: Nothing would make me happier than seeing that smug look on Shane Larkin’s face turn to anger. But, there is simply no chance that Colorado upsets Miami.

Sweet 16

#1 Indiana vs. #4 Syracuse

In a clash of two of the most storied programs in the sport, expect Indiana to hold the edge. Although Syracuse’s 2-3 zone is suffocating to most opponents, Indiana is used to the length and brute strength Syracuse possesses after playing the likes of Wisconsin, Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State. Furthermore, Indiana has 4 players (Oladipo, Wattford, Hulls, and Abell) who shoot above 44% from downtown. This will make the Syracuse’s zone obsolete. Let’s hypothetically say that these guys are throwing up bricks when these two teams play. Indiana still has Cody Zeller who potentially is the player in the country best suited to play the high-post against a 2-3 zone. With his ability to hit a foul line jumper, drive to the hoop and initiate contact, or find somebody like Victor Oladipo on a baseline cut, he could single handedly ruin Syracuse’s title hopes

Verdict: It is safe to say that I like Indiana in this matchup. I do think that James Southerland and C.J. Fair could be troublesome for the Hoosiers, but not enough to give me the confidence to take the Orangemen. If you throw in Will Sheehey, 1 or 2 of Indiana’s 5 shooters should give ‘Cuse problems, while Cody Zeller simultaneously takes the game over. Deciding to prioritize stopping Zeller or the 3-ball will make Jim Boehim’s life a lot tougher.

#2 Miami vs. #11 Bucknell

Alright, the Mike Muscala love affair has gone on long enough. As much as I like Bucknell, I can’t see any way they can stop Shane Larkin’s penetration. They simply don’t have a good enough on ball defender. When Larkin touches the paint, one of three things is going to happen. Either he is going to score on some acrobatic layup, get fouled, or find a shooter. It’s going to be a long day for the Bison. Considering that Miami also doesn’t turn the ball over (#17 in the country) Bucknell is going to have a hard time finding easy shots. Bucknell will do their best to slow the pace of the game and have as few possessions as possible to neutralize the talent gap between the teams. Although this is the right strategy I fully trust that Jim Larranaga will be able to find measures, like a full-court press, to make sure the game is played at Miami’s tempo.

Verdict: Maybe, just maybe, Mike Muscala goes Ryan Kelly on the Hurricanes and pulls a victory out of his ass. That being said the chances of that are slim to none. Miami should get whatever they want out of their high screen-and-roll and Bucknell will be helpless. Miami rolls to the Elite 8

Elite 8

#1 Indiana vs. #2 Miami

You remember how I was telling you how great Indiana was at offense and how that whole defensive stereotype of Big Ten teams was B.S? Yeah, well Indiana also holds teams to a 38.8 FG%, 30.4 3PT%, only allowed 62.2 PPG, and was 17^th in the country in opponent shooting efficiency. Miami does appear to be outmatched statistically, but they have the edge in toughness and coaching. Miami are the same kids who beat Duke and UNC up like they stole something. These are the same kids who have welcomed the newfound and unexpected national attention all season. And Jim Larranaga is the same dude who led George Mason to the final four. Ugh, such a tough game to call.

Verdict: In the end, I really don’t trust Cody Zeller and Tom Crean in the big moments. I know that Victor Oladipo will show up, but I expect Durand Scott to give him a hard time. Also, if Indiana tries to be clever and matches up their best perimeter defender, Oladipo, on Shane Larkin, Scott will kill them. I simply don’t believe Indiana has enough solid defenders to guard everyone on Miami. More importantly I trust Miami more in crunch time. Every game Indiana has lost this year has come by single-digits showing an ineptitude when it matters most. I’ll take Miami in a game I fully expect to come down to the last shot.

**All Stats courtesy of www.teamrankings.com and www.sheridanhoops.com