It’s that time of year again, where conference tournaments end, Dayton is crowned the starting point, and cinderellas finally find the right size shoe. March Madness is back and yet still as exciting as it always is.
Today, we will break down the 1st round’s most intriguing matchups.
EAST REGION
#7 Butler vs. #10 South Alabama
Butler was simply robbed of a higher seed, and they ended up being seeded number 7 and having the task of playing dangerous mid-major South Alabama in Birmingham, none the less.
Controversies aside, it should make for a great game between two of the nation’s premier backcourts you’ve never heard of. It also puts two of the nation’s two up and coming coaches in a mid-major showdown, as Ronnie Arrow puts his Jaguars against 31-year old, (although he looks 15 years old) Brad Stevens, and his 10th ranked Butler Bulldogs.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
South Alabama G Demetric Bennett: the team’s leading scorer has a smooth stroke and is the best of the Jaguars’ three guards
Butler G Mike Green : the Horizon League POY led the team in scoring, rebounding and assists.
PREDICTION:
Butler 63, South Alabama 58
EAST REGION
#8 Indiana vs. #9 Arkansas
Indiana is the basic choice for a team you have to follow. They were pretty much a 4 seed until the Sampson controversy, and they slipped to #8 and earned themselves a matchup with the red hot Razorbacks. The Hoosiers are super talented with Eric Gordon and DJ White, two of the best players in the Big 10, but it will be up to their decision to play hard for Dan Dakich or fall over and watch the Hogs stomp all over them.
The Hogs are led by Gary Ervin and red hot forward Sonny Weems, who led them to victories over Vandy and Tennessee in the SEC Tourney. Indiana was overtaken by a last second shot and it will be interesting to see their performance.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Indiana G Eric Gordon: when he’s on, the Big 10 Freshman of the Year is nearly impossible to guard, and add that with DJ White inside and the Hoosiers are surely a sleeper in the tourney.
Arkansas G Patrick Beverley: an excellent rebounder, Beverley will have the fortune of guarding Eric Gordon and if he can slow him down and contribute offensively, the Hogs will win.
PREDICTION:
Arkansas 66, Indiana 60
MIDWEST REGION
#6 USC vs. #11 Kansas State
Although this game is simply a publicity stunt that puts super freshmen Michael Beasley of KSU and OJ Mayo of USC face to face for the first time this season, it turns out the matchup itself is pretty even and should be something to keep you glued to the television set.
Both Batmans have their Robins, Mayo’s being Davon Jefferson, Beasley’s Bill Walker. Both teams have contrasting styles, with KSU preferring to run and score and will, while USC likes to slow it down and beat you defensively.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kansas State F Michael Beasley: possibly the best player in the country, the super frosh is fourth in the nation in scoring and first in rebounding
USC G OJ Mayo: the versatile Mayo is simply a scorer, combining a silky smooth jumper with excellent slashing abilities.
PREDICTION:
USC 74, Kansas State 70
MIDWEST REGION
#7 Gonzaga vs. #10 Davidson
Davidson is quickly becoming the Gonzaga of years past, absolutely dominating in conference, where they’ve won 43 straight games. Gonzaga still finished 1st in the regular season, but St. Mary’s provided a challenge and San Diego took home conference tourney gold.
The Zags play extremely deep and have a lot of talent inside with Austin Daye and Josh Heytvelt, while the Wildcats are more guard oriented and rely on the 3-ball to win ball games. Two of the best mid-major coaches will square off as Bob McKillop of Davidson takes on Mark Few’s Zags.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Davidson G Stephen Curry: the nation’s best pure shooter shoots 49% from long range and ranks third in the country in scoring.
Gonzaga G Jeremy Pargo: the ultra-quick floor general will determine how far the Zags go, as his playmaking abilities will be huge in deciding the Zags fate.
PREDICTION:
Davidson 68, Gonzaga 61
SOUTH REGION
#6 Marquette vs. #11 Kentucky
Simply because this is a rematch of a regional final from 2004, where Dwyane Wade’s Golden Eagles stunned the Wildcats, this game is a must see. For Wildcat fans, it will determine whether hiring Billy Gillespie truly will get them far in the tourney, like they believed Tubby failed to do.
The backcourts are key for both teams as Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley lead Kentucky, and Dominic James and Jerel McNeal lead Marquette. The Cats are red hot as of late, and Marquette has faltered a bit, making the team in Blue the early favorite.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Kentucky F Perry Stevenson: the super lanky forward took the place of Patrick Patterson, and he must perform well to provide what they lost when Patterson went down.
Marquette G Dominic James: if good Dominic James plays well, and shoots well, the Golden Eagles win, but if turnover prone bad James who forces bad shots shows up, the Golden Eagles are dead ducks.
PREDICTION:
Kentucky 71, Marquette 68
WEST REGION
#7 West Virginia vs. #10 Arizona
Both teams were middle of the pack in two very deep conferences, the Big East and Pac 10 and both are very even in terms of talent. Both teams matchup well with the other and it should bode well for a good game.
You should keep an eye out for the Wildcats to see if they stay composed without Lute Olson and if Bob Huggins outcoaches Kevin O’Neill. You have to lean towards West Virginia because of their repertoire of shooters.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Arizona G Jerryd Bayless: Bayless carried the team with Chase Budinger struggling, and he will have to play just as well if the Wildcats are to win this game. Bayless must make and take quality shots to keep the Cats close.
West Virginia F Joe Alexander: the 6′9″ versatile big man averaged over 30 a game in the Big East tournament and is the Mountaineers best player by far. If he is a no show, the chances of victory are slim.
PREDICTION:
West Virginia 85, Arizona 78
OTHER GAMES TO WATCH:
South: #6 Purdue vs. #11 Baylor
Midwest: #8 UNLV vs. #9 Kent State
