Final Game

[DR STRANGELOVE]

Key performance records for SYRACUSE

SYRACUSE is 16-3 after 3 or more consecutive wins this season. (36-10 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 6-1 after a game where they made 55% of their shots or better this season. (10-2 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 14-2 after a non-conference game this season. (40-10 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 5-1 after allowing 80 points or more this season. (12-3 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 17-1 after scoring 80 points or more this season. (33-4 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 4-0 against Big 12 conference opponents this season. (5-1 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 5-0 in a NCAA tournament games this season. (6-1 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 5-0 in a post-season tournament game this season. (9-3 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 30-5 in all games this season. (78-27 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 7-1 in all tournament games this season. (16-5 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 15-1 in non-conference games this season. (42-8 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 0-0 in tournament championship games over the last 3 seasons. (0-1 since 1997.)
SYRACUSE is 17-3 versus good defensive teams - shooting pct defense of <=42% this season. (37-19 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 9-3 versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season. (18-11 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 6-3 versus good rebounding teams - outrebounding opponents by 4+ per game this season. (17-11 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 22-3 when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (56-23 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 7-2 when playing on a neutral court this season. (15-7 over the last 3 seasons.)
SYRACUSE is 5-2 when playing with one or less days rest this season. (19-7 over the last 3 seasons.)



Key performance records for KANSAS
KANSAS is 15-3 after 3 or more consecutive wins this season. (52-9 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS is 16-4 after a non-conference game this season. (45-8 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS is 16-6 after scoring 80 points or more this season. (54-14 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS is 3-0 against Big East conference opponents over the last 3 seasons. (3-0 since 1997.)
KANSAS is 5-0 in a NCAA tournament games this season. (11-2 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS is 5-0 in a post-season tournament game this season. (11-2 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS is 30-8 in all games this season. (89-19 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS is 7-3 in all tournament games this season. (18-7 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS is 15-5 in non-conference games this season. (43-10 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS is 0-1 in tournament championship games over the last 3 seasons. (2-1 since 1997.)
KANSAS is 16-4 versus good defensive teams - shooting pct defense of <=42% this season. (44-12 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS is 7-2 versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season. (28-10 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS is 23-8 when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (60-18 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS is 7-3 when playing on a neutral court this season. (21-8 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS is 7-2 when playing with one or less days rest this season. (20-7 over the last 3 seasons.)

 

[DR STRANGELOVE]

from other site....


think this game basically hinges on Syracuse's ability to slow down Kansas' break and force them into a halfcourt game. If they do, their 2-3 zone should be able to shut them down for a number of reasons. First, outside of Heinrich, Kansas is not a great outside shooting team. Second, I think you'll see them playing off of Aaron Miles and daring him to beat them from outside; if he doesn't step up, the Jayhawks will essentially be playing 4 on 5 on offense. Third, and this was one of the big reasons I played the Orange on Saturday, is that Big 12 teams have yet to show that they can effectively handle zones after playing almost exclusely against man-to-man defenses all year in conference play. Okie State couldn't adjust, Oklahoma reacted like they've never seen a zone in their life, and it took T.J. Ford completely out of his game. Kansas could very well suffer the same fate.

Add to that the fact that 1) Hakim Warrick and Carmelo Anthony are just active enough on the offensive boards that they'll keep Kansas honest and force Langford and/or Heinrich to stay in and help rebound vs. cheating out on the break; and 2) if the refs call this game tight, Syracuse has both a better and deeper bench.

The pick - Syracuse + 4 1/2

As for the total, I think this is one of those Syracuse/under, Kansas/over games. Arizona was the only team capable of running up and down with Kansas and beating them; if Syracuse tries to do it, they lose big. If the Orange are to be in this, it's because they make it a game in the high 60s/low 70s (like Duke did) by forcing Kansas to work hard for shots in the halfcourt and hold them to under 40% from the floor. Since I'm playing the 'Cuse, I'll bank on this scenario happening.

The Pick - Under 158 (a small play)

 

[pt1gard]

DS

DS

great post ...

My question, being a coach is this ...

will Cuse recover and get back fast enuff to slow Kansas down?

Zona and Marq and Duke couldnt (KS is getting more layups than a guy permitted to get to his feet in a wheelchair game) ... KS FH bets have been gold ... I always lean to under, esp. in finals, but im not so sure here what might happen, many variables, i.e. who will feel loose enuff to knock down shots ...

I see CA as the X-factor, can KS guard him? If hes doubled, he passes off like a pro--hes such a qaulity kid and loves the game and his teammates ... Mac & cohorts can knock down enuff perimeter shots that doubling is problematic; plus their bigs finish like John Goodman at a Luau ...

Is KS overall D and quickness good enuff to contain Cuse one on one? I dunno, BO is giving CA isos and his jab + trey are MJ like now ....

One phenomenon I have seen thru the years is a big game followed by biorhytym falloff, i.e. will carmelo dip--i wouldnt bet too much on that ...

this game is KS on paper in fact they are seniors, got the "more prestigious coach" and "figure" to win ... but with all the games these AAU kids play now, they are more savvy than juniors of yore ...


but like i said last FRI, one of two semis dogs would prob win SU b/c tourney has been like that ...

Cuse has made a believer out of me last 2 games in particular, I dont see weaknesses in their personel ... KS had trouble with utah st which was kinda weird, but beating Zona cemented their resolve ...

I could definitely see Cuse winning SU and Kansas having trouble; then again, I could see Cuse getting rattled in 'big game ambience" and falling behind and playing catchup all night--just like kansas has foisted on their last 3 opps ...

In a squeaker I'll take Kansas: 78-71

it is an exciting night to look forward to for sure,

gl, gregg

 

[taker02000]

Hey Dr.,

After all that talk about Kansas after the PS2 simulation, you're going with Syracuse?? Sounds like you're riding the fence even after all the "trends" pointing to Kansas...Please explain......

Taker

 

[Lightning]

Good Luck buddy...

I must say that both of these teams have been impressive and I am going to lay off and enjoy it while hoping for a great game.

I'll be pulling for ya

 

[DR STRANGELOVE]

Hey Dr.,

After all that talk about Kansas after the PS2 simulation, you're going with Syracuse?? Sounds like you're riding the fence even after all the "trends" pointing to Kansas...Please explain......

Taker

I actually will be on Kansas -4.5 for 1 unit and on the under for 3 units....

just waiting to see if there is any line change as I think the total may go up before game time...

GL and great work Taker!!!

 

[no all]

good luck
I got syr+5.5

 

[THE KOD]

I am on Syc also. I bought it up to 7 points. I dont think there is any way in hell Syc loses by 7. This is too big a game. Alot of tension and the game will be close to the end.

Good luck.


Scott King of Dogs

 

[taker02000]

Sorry Dr. I see now that you took your information from another site. I too agree that Kansas wins this game by double digits.

GL to you as well.....

Taker

 

[ChrryBlstr]

good luck, anth!!!

with ya on the orange....still waiting for the total to keep going down....will definitely hit the over, though!!!

 

[DR STRANGELOVE]

as stated in another thread, just going to watch this one....