Big Card
:mj14:
Gonzaga (-2.5) over Texas Tech
Turiaf has to show up today to the tune of more than 13 points! I think Texas tech is the better team but they rely almost solely on Ross and he has been called upon a ton Thursday and in the big 12 tourney. Tech is lead by their guards Ross and Jackson are the Red Raiders' leading scorers at 17.4 and 15.4 points per game. This actually helps Gonzaga a little that rely most on forward play. Should be a close game but I like the balance of Zaga in the stretch.
Washington (-6.5) over Pac
Washington has balanced attack while Pac looks to one player Yango to answer. Pac played well but contributions from players that will not have an impact today (Webb and Doubley). Too many players for Pac to guard and after banging with pitt tired bodies will have a tough time with the huskies. Winning the opening game by 11 should be a nice wake up call for the huskies.
WVU (+9) over Wake
WVU is hitting from long range (West Virginia has won eight of its last 10 games), scary play because tired legs hurt jump shooting teams and the neers have tired legs. Wake has the firepower to open this up if they try to run WVU out of the gym. If they set up in offense and allow WVU to play zone and gather energy on defense they will be in for dog fight. Wake is the better team, but WVU will have the edge in the match-up department (Pittsnogle & Gansey).
Kentucky (-3) over Cincy
All season I have said the bearcats do not have the mental ability to play the the championship. Although the bearcats have the size advantage they have limited outside game. Williams played well last game but the bearcats lack a dependable 3 point shooter and an true point guard. UK will pressure the ball and force turnovers. Should be close because the length of cincy makes them solid defenders. UK can run them around and make the big boys sit down which will open up the game for the blue. Just don't think Cincy has the shooting ability to stay with UK.
BC (-2.5) over Wisky-Mil
I could be wrong but I do not see the panthers having that type of three pointer night today. As much as I do not like playing BC they have the edge in the paint and with the medium jump shoots. BC does not have a solid three point shooter but they have players that can stroke from deep but they do not want to get into a three point shootout with this team. BC has a big edge in the paint with Dudley and Smith, Wisconsin-Milwaukee may have an advantage on the perimeter with guard Ed McCants and small forward Joah Tucker. McCants and Tucker each scored 21 points Thursday as the Panthers posted the first tourney win. Still grinding the ball on offense and working the paint should be enough for the Eagles. After all the Wisky coach was the mascot for BC - -not kidding??
Oklahoma (-4.5) over Utah
Oklahoma has out rebounded seven straight opponents. Now it will try to attack the glass against one of the nation's best rebounders. Depth and Speed should be enough to force Utah out of their game plan. Utah will work it to Bogut all game, the Sonners have to throw more than one body at him. To counter the 7-foot, 240-pound Bogut, Oklahoma expects to use a combination of 6-8, 245-pound Kevin Bookout and 6-9, 240-pound Taj Gray. BUT big men for okla can not loose track of the others players because Bogut can find the cutters. Best way to play him is attack him on offense and force him to foul, or run and gun and get him sub'ed out. Okla has the size and speed to get by this team.
Cheers
Irish
:mj14:
Gonzaga (-2.5) over Texas Tech
Turiaf has to show up today to the tune of more than 13 points! I think Texas tech is the better team but they rely almost solely on Ross and he has been called upon a ton Thursday and in the big 12 tourney. Tech is lead by their guards Ross and Jackson are the Red Raiders' leading scorers at 17.4 and 15.4 points per game. This actually helps Gonzaga a little that rely most on forward play. Should be a close game but I like the balance of Zaga in the stretch.
Washington (-6.5) over Pac
Washington has balanced attack while Pac looks to one player Yango to answer. Pac played well but contributions from players that will not have an impact today (Webb and Doubley). Too many players for Pac to guard and after banging with pitt tired bodies will have a tough time with the huskies. Winning the opening game by 11 should be a nice wake up call for the huskies.
WVU (+9) over Wake
WVU is hitting from long range (West Virginia has won eight of its last 10 games), scary play because tired legs hurt jump shooting teams and the neers have tired legs. Wake has the firepower to open this up if they try to run WVU out of the gym. If they set up in offense and allow WVU to play zone and gather energy on defense they will be in for dog fight. Wake is the better team, but WVU will have the edge in the match-up department (Pittsnogle & Gansey).
Kentucky (-3) over Cincy
All season I have said the bearcats do not have the mental ability to play the the championship. Although the bearcats have the size advantage they have limited outside game. Williams played well last game but the bearcats lack a dependable 3 point shooter and an true point guard. UK will pressure the ball and force turnovers. Should be close because the length of cincy makes them solid defenders. UK can run them around and make the big boys sit down which will open up the game for the blue. Just don't think Cincy has the shooting ability to stay with UK.
BC (-2.5) over Wisky-Mil
I could be wrong but I do not see the panthers having that type of three pointer night today. As much as I do not like playing BC they have the edge in the paint and with the medium jump shoots. BC does not have a solid three point shooter but they have players that can stroke from deep but they do not want to get into a three point shootout with this team. BC has a big edge in the paint with Dudley and Smith, Wisconsin-Milwaukee may have an advantage on the perimeter with guard Ed McCants and small forward Joah Tucker. McCants and Tucker each scored 21 points Thursday as the Panthers posted the first tourney win. Still grinding the ball on offense and working the paint should be enough for the Eagles. After all the Wisky coach was the mascot for BC - -not kidding??
Oklahoma (-4.5) over Utah
Oklahoma has out rebounded seven straight opponents. Now it will try to attack the glass against one of the nation's best rebounders. Depth and Speed should be enough to force Utah out of their game plan. Utah will work it to Bogut all game, the Sonners have to throw more than one body at him. To counter the 7-foot, 240-pound Bogut, Oklahoma expects to use a combination of 6-8, 245-pound Kevin Bookout and 6-9, 240-pound Taj Gray. BUT big men for okla can not loose track of the others players because Bogut can find the cutters. Best way to play him is attack him on offense and force him to foul, or run and gun and get him sub'ed out. Okla has the size and speed to get by this team.
Cheers
Irish
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