This topic contains 1 reply, has 2 voices, and was last updated by AvatarAvatar orangeshadow83 12 years ago.

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  • #37808
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    TRC1991
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    Is it just me or has this tournament flown by at unparalleled speeds? I literally cannot believe that the final four games are around the corner. Speaking of which, I figured I would break down the games and give my projections.

     

    (2) Ohio State vs. (2) Kansas

    Overview: These two perennial powerhouses matched up earlier on in the season and Kansas won @ home while Buckeye big man Jared Sullinger had to sit and watch as his teammates failed to defend their #2 ranking. After the game, Bill Self admitted that "they just received an early christmas present" in reference to Sullinger not playing. That being said, this Jayhawk team has improved dramatically. Each player knows his role and coach Self has done an absolutely astonishing job building a team of spare parts into a potential national champion.

    On the other hand, this Buckeye team is scary good when they’re in rhythm. EVERYONE knows what Sullinger brings to the table, as well as Aaron Craft and his defense, but Buford and Thomas have tendencies to be facets (hot/cold). If all there gears are in place, I imagine this team to be far more competitive than the one Kansas saw back in December.

    My prediction is that this one remains close until the buzzer but Kansas, led by Robinson and Taylor, take their underdog squad to the national title game, winning 71-67. Robinson continues to make a name for himself as he pours in 24 points and hitting crucial buckets down the stretch. Taylor impresses with his late-game heroics and adds 19 while Jeff Withey gives the Buckeys trouble in the paint blocking 5 shots and adding 11 points and 7 boards of his own. Sullinger stuggles all game against the reach of Withey and manages just 13 points on 6 of 15 shooting. Buford carries the Buckeyes with 19 points on 4 of 6 from deep. Sullinger cries after the game-showing his passionate desire to win.

    (1) Kentucky vs. (4) Louisville

    Overview: When the two squads met in Lexington back on new year’s eve, neither team could buy a bucket. Kentucky shot just 29.8% from the field and the Cardinals just 32.3%. Both teams are absolutely terrifying on defense, the Wildcats with their length and Louisville with its ferocious speed and full court trapping. That being said, the Wildcats are clearly the more talented team and even when Jones, Lamb and Teague combine for 3-24 shooting, they still managed to top a Louisville team with relative ease, 69-62. However, Rick Pitino is to not be second guessed come tournament time and Dieng and Siva have greatly picked up their games to a whole new level. If Russ Smith and Chris Smith catch fire, expect a close match.

    However, Kentucky is clearly the most talented team remaining and this year’s squad is one of the best we’ve seen in a long time. They can outscore you, outhustle you, outdefend you, and outcoach you. I expect Kentucky to win 70-58 with the game score not indicating truly how far apart this game was played. I expect Siva to be turnover heavy, Chris Smith to be ineffective and Behannan to be deeply troubled by the Cats’ length. Davis goes for 16 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks and Darius Miller comes in off the bench with 17 to lead Kentucky to a rematch with the Jayhawks in the Big Easy.

     

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  • #652865
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    orangeshadow83
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    I really like this analysis its obvious you know a lot about these teams. I agree that the Kansas-Ohio St game is gonna be a nail biter but I think Ohio State will win and Buford will ahve a big game. I really like the defensive intensity of Craft and think he will shut down Taylor. Sullinger vs Robinson is going to be an interesting mathcup unless Sullinget is matched up with Withey either way I like Robinson in this matchup. The difference will be Buford so Im picking Ohio St in a close one.

    Louisville has been playing great basketball lately but Kentucky is just too talented and seem to be gelling at the right time. I dont think this will even be a close game jsut too much talent on kentucky

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