The field of 65 has been whittled down to 16. The first weekend of the 2008 NCAA Tournament had many twists and turns, and I think it was one of the best opening weekends ever. Now on to the highlights of the second round.
Top Player Performance (AGAIN): Stephen Curry (30 pts, 8-21, 5-15 3s)
Not the unconscious numbers he put up against #7 Gonzaga, but he was even more clutch in this round. Midway through the 2nd half, he converted a 4-point play that really set him off after a sluggish start. He made play after play after play to demoralize Georgetown. Usually after such a big comeback a player will be worn out, but Curry stayed hot and iced the game with his three from the top of the key to put the Wildcats up 65-60 with under 2 minutes to play. I looked hard for another player in the second round to avoid a duplicate from the first round, but Curry was so impressive it was impossible to go elsewhere.
Biggest Stunner: #10 Davidson's 17-point comeback to defeat #2 Georgetown 74-70
& Best Team Going Home: #2 Georgetown
It is absolutely stunning that this experienced Hoyas team would blow a 17-point lead to anyone. You can look no further than Georgetown committing over 20 turnovers. They are generally such a smart team that does not beat themselves. They do go into scoring droughts and that really hurt them today. Roy Hibbert was hampered by foul trouble too, but he hasn't been the factor I thought he would be for Georgetown this year.
Give credit to Davidson though. Stephen Curry has been absolutely fantastic by delivering his Wildcats to the Sweet 16. I can't remember a better single performer in the NCAA Tournament. Everyone one of his combined 70 points came under great pressure. Both wins for Davidson were comebacks, so it wasn't like Curry ran up his stats in blowouts. He came through great when the pressure was at its peak. Even some of the best melt in those situations. Think those ACC teams are regretting turning him away?
Highlight of the Second Round: Brook Lopez's driving layup in OT to defeat #6 Marquette 82-81
After Trent Johnson was ejected, did anyone think the Cardinal would survive this game? They really hung together with the Lopez twins dominating inside. Marquette was the quicker, scrappier team that almost overcame the huge disadvantage of facing Robin and Brook Lopez. Give great credit to Stanford though who really gutted out a victory that will go down as their survival win should they find a way into the Final Four. I think it is safe to say any of the teams remaining can win the South region.
Survival Game to the Truest Sense: Darren Collison's coast-to-coast game-winning layup to save #1 UCLA against #9 Texas A&M
While this layup saved UCLA from a premature elimination, there were many things to be concerned with if you are a Bruins fan. You've all heard a lot about the great comeback yesterday, but to be honest I really wasn't impressed. Their defense was fantastic as it always is, but it took them 15 minutes to comeback from 10 down. In those 15 minutes, UCLA only allowed Texas A&M 9 points! That means UCLA only scored 19, so it was like the turtle catching up on the sleeping rabbit. They got away with a poor scoring night against the Aggies, but UCLA will not overcome their now typical slow starts if they hope to defeat Memphis, UNC or anyother big teams to win the National Championship. I'm not saying they have to blitz their competitors because of their great defense, but they do have to score more. Think about it, they scored 51 while UNC scored 108 in their second round victories.
Underrated: Wisconsin & Washington State
The Badgers and Cougars have quietly gone about their business in the tournament. Wisconsin clobbered Kansas State yesterday. Unlike last year, the Badgers came into the tournament playing well and have really locked down their opponents with their terrific systematic play. If Davidson wants to continue their Cinderella run they will have to really earn it against Wisconsin.
Washington State held Notre Dame to just 41 points yesterday. That is half the season average for the Irish. It will be interesting to see if the Cougars can slow tempo, as they do so well, against the best team in the country in UNC. Any fluke that both these programs are stamped by Gary Bennett?
Overrated: Tennessee
They haven't been all that impressive in their two victories. #15 American gave them all they could handle, and today #7 Butler took them into overtime after having the ball with a chance to win in regulation. I know Butler is much better than your average #7 seed, but if your a National Title contender like Tennessee, you've got to find a way to play better than you have. They will face a red hot Louisville team in the next round who just pounded UNC by 30. That might be the best matchup of the Regional Semifinals.
To the Sweet 16!
Pat Morgan
Showing posts with label UCLA Bruins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UCLA Bruins. Show all posts
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Bracket Munching Time!
The greatest sporting event of the year is here! Selection Sunday has come, and I must say the committee did a tremendous job putting the field together. I thought the only teams that should not have made it were Arizona and Baylor. I would have put Virginia Tech and Dayton in instead.However, no one can really gripe this year because many bubble teams did not step up this year. There were no Syracuse snubs like last year. Other than that, my only other concern was the weakness of the West region. It is perhaps the easiest road for a #1 seed that I have ever seen.
After munching on the brackets for a day its time to breakdown each region and pick a National Champion:
East
Region Strength: 1
Sleeper: Indiana
Overrated: Washington State
1st Round Upset? (12+): #13 Winthrop
Best Possible Matchup: Regional Final-North Carolina/Tennessee
Player to Watch: Tyler Hansbrough
Winner: North Carolina
South
Region Strength: 3
Sleeper: USC
Overrated: Michigan State
1st Round Upset? (12+): #12 Temple
Best Possible Matchup: Regional Semifinal-Memphis/Pittsburgh
Player to Watch: D.J. Augustin
Winner: Texas
Midwest
Region Strength: 2
Sleeper: Clemson/Davidson
Overrated: Georgetown
1st Round Upset? (12+): None
Best Possible Matchup: Regional Semifinal-Kansas/Clemson
Player to Watch: Stephen Curry
Winner: Clemson
West
Region Strength: Distant 4
Sleeper: West Virginia
Overrated: Duke
1st Round Upset? (12+): #14 Georgia
Best Possible Matchup: Regional Final-UCLA/Duke
Player to Watch: Kevin Love
Winner: UCLA
Final Four
National Champion: UCLA
Most Outstanding Player: Kevin Love
Pat Morgan
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Gerbil's College Basketball Top 10
10.) Stanford - This is the best Cardinal team since the Mike Montgomery days. They have won three straight road games within the tough Pac-10 to improve to 16-3 on the season. Since the return of Brook Lopez, Stanford has been on fire. Lopez has averaged about 20 points a game. I would expect Stanford's stay within my top 10 to be brief because of their schedule in the Pac-10, but they have done a nice job bringing the Cardinal back into a national power.
9.) Texas - Even without Kevin Durant this Longhorns team is still loaded. D.J. Augustin and A.J Abrams give Texas one of the best backcourts in the country. They don't have much inside so they will have to win with their speed and outside shooting. The Longhorns can beat anyone in the country on the right night. They already have two wins within my top 10 vs. UCLA and Tennessee. Look for them to have a great chance to get to an Elite 8 with a chance at the Final Four.
8.) Michigan State - The Spartans could be higher on my list if it wasn't for a loss today at Penn State or their uncharacteristic easy pre-conference schedule. However, with Tom Izzo who is a tremendous tournament coach and a great senior leader in Drew Neitzel this team has a chance to do some special things in the tournament. Raymar Morgan has had a great season as well for the Spartans. With all that being said, it will be hard to predict exactly what Michigan State will do in the tournament playing in a relatively weak Big Ten.
7.) Tennessee - Other than the loss at Kentucky, the Vols have rolled through the underrated SEC. Like Texas, Tennessee has one of the best backcourts in the nation with Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith. Bruce Pearl has proven to be a very good tournament coach, so I like this team's chances to do well come March. However, if they have an off shooting night, a team with a good inside game will hurt the Vols. They will be battle tested though because the SEC is quietly an excellent conference with the likes of Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Kentucky, and Florida.
6.) Duke - If it wasn't for a Levance Fields circus three, the Blue Devils could very well be undefeated going into their showdown with UNC in Chapel Hill. Senior DeMarcus Nelson has had a hell of a bounce back season in being Duke's best player over the last month. Gerald Henderson has been impressive, and freshman Kyle Singler has given the Blue Devils an all-purpose threat. Duke actually has some depth for once as well. The problem with them is their lack of an inside game. The Blue Devils are clearly on their way back and will most likely be a two seed, but I don't see a very deep tournament run because of their inside game.
5.) Georgetown - Next to UCLA, the Hoyas could be the best defensive team in the nation. They also have the best center in the nation. Roy Hibbert could lead this team, along with a slew of tournament tested players, to another Final Four or possibly beyond. The Hoyas are always working hard and never quit on a game. Their win in West Virginia was indicative of that. My concern is the Hoyas is their ability to keep up in a scoring fest with the North Carolina types of the world. They have a tendency to have extended dry spells from the field.
4.) Kansas - Well, the Jayhawks finally suffered their first loss this week. It was to a very good Kansas State team however, and the Big 12 is perhaps the best top heavy conference in the country. Mario Chalmers is one of my favorite players in the country, and along with Brandon Rush, Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kaun, Darrell Arthur, and company the Jayhawks are absolutely loaded. The Jayhawks have put up a ton of points this season, but will they be able to score like that in the later rounds of the tournament? That's always been their problem. The Rock Em', Sock Em', Jayhawks will be battle tested and should get a much better draw as a #1 seed this year. Hopefully they won't have to play a #2 like UCLA on the road like they did last year.
3.) UCLA - The Bruins are hand down the best defensive team in the country. They play a style that makes their opponets curl up and cry. They simply tore apart a high octane offense in Arizona tonight. The Bruins also have the best tournament experience of anyone. They were in the last two Final Fours, and with the Florida powerhouse out of the way, this finally might be the year for the Bruins. They are on my short list to win the whole thing. My concern for them is similiar to the Hoyas. If an opponet has a big game from downtown they might be able to beat UCLA as the Bruins won't blugen you to death with points.
2.) North Carolina - Tyler Hansbrough is well on his way to winning the John Wooden and John Naismith awards with his great season. He is averaging a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. The Hoyas also can run and gun with the best of them with Ty Lawson at the point. Wayne Ellington and Danny Green are excellent players as well. The Heels have the best all-around offense in the nation. However, they aren't as deep as previous years, and their defense leaves a lot to be desired. It would really be interesting to see what kind of game develops should they play UCLA in the tournament. I am torn right now between those two teams with who will win the National Championship
1.) Memphis - The Tigers are the only unbeaten team left in Division I despite a close call vs. UTEP yesterday. As I said in a previous post, Memphis has a great chance to go into the NCAA Tournament undefeated. Their toughest game left is a date with Tennessee in three weeks. Led by Chris Douglas-Roberts, the Tigers return most of their team from last year's Elite 8 appearance. However, they have a great freshman in Derrick Rose this season. Rose could be the difference for the Tigers this year. It could be a serious problem for Memphis not playing in a major conference though. They will not be battle tested as the other teams on this list will be going into March. A couple more close calls like yesterday is not the worst thing that can happen to the Tigers. The blowouts really don't help too much. They need to know how to wins the tight ones going into March.
Pat Morgan
9.) Texas - Even without Kevin Durant this Longhorns team is still loaded. D.J. Augustin and A.J Abrams give Texas one of the best backcourts in the country. They don't have much inside so they will have to win with their speed and outside shooting. The Longhorns can beat anyone in the country on the right night. They already have two wins within my top 10 vs. UCLA and Tennessee. Look for them to have a great chance to get to an Elite 8 with a chance at the Final Four.
8.) Michigan State - The Spartans could be higher on my list if it wasn't for a loss today at Penn State or their uncharacteristic easy pre-conference schedule. However, with Tom Izzo who is a tremendous tournament coach and a great senior leader in Drew Neitzel this team has a chance to do some special things in the tournament. Raymar Morgan has had a great season as well for the Spartans. With all that being said, it will be hard to predict exactly what Michigan State will do in the tournament playing in a relatively weak Big Ten.
7.) Tennessee - Other than the loss at Kentucky, the Vols have rolled through the underrated SEC. Like Texas, Tennessee has one of the best backcourts in the nation with Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith. Bruce Pearl has proven to be a very good tournament coach, so I like this team's chances to do well come March. However, if they have an off shooting night, a team with a good inside game will hurt the Vols. They will be battle tested though because the SEC is quietly an excellent conference with the likes of Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Kentucky, and Florida.
6.) Duke - If it wasn't for a Levance Fields circus three, the Blue Devils could very well be undefeated going into their showdown with UNC in Chapel Hill. Senior DeMarcus Nelson has had a hell of a bounce back season in being Duke's best player over the last month. Gerald Henderson has been impressive, and freshman Kyle Singler has given the Blue Devils an all-purpose threat. Duke actually has some depth for once as well. The problem with them is their lack of an inside game. The Blue Devils are clearly on their way back and will most likely be a two seed, but I don't see a very deep tournament run because of their inside game.
5.) Georgetown - Next to UCLA, the Hoyas could be the best defensive team in the nation. They also have the best center in the nation. Roy Hibbert could lead this team, along with a slew of tournament tested players, to another Final Four or possibly beyond. The Hoyas are always working hard and never quit on a game. Their win in West Virginia was indicative of that. My concern is the Hoyas is their ability to keep up in a scoring fest with the North Carolina types of the world. They have a tendency to have extended dry spells from the field.
4.) Kansas - Well, the Jayhawks finally suffered their first loss this week. It was to a very good Kansas State team however, and the Big 12 is perhaps the best top heavy conference in the country. Mario Chalmers is one of my favorite players in the country, and along with Brandon Rush, Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kaun, Darrell Arthur, and company the Jayhawks are absolutely loaded. The Jayhawks have put up a ton of points this season, but will they be able to score like that in the later rounds of the tournament? That's always been their problem. The Rock Em', Sock Em', Jayhawks will be battle tested and should get a much better draw as a #1 seed this year. Hopefully they won't have to play a #2 like UCLA on the road like they did last year.
3.) UCLA - The Bruins are hand down the best defensive team in the country. They play a style that makes their opponets curl up and cry. They simply tore apart a high octane offense in Arizona tonight. The Bruins also have the best tournament experience of anyone. They were in the last two Final Fours, and with the Florida powerhouse out of the way, this finally might be the year for the Bruins. They are on my short list to win the whole thing. My concern for them is similiar to the Hoyas. If an opponet has a big game from downtown they might be able to beat UCLA as the Bruins won't blugen you to death with points.
2.) North Carolina - Tyler Hansbrough is well on his way to winning the John Wooden and John Naismith awards with his great season. He is averaging a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. The Hoyas also can run and gun with the best of them with Ty Lawson at the point. Wayne Ellington and Danny Green are excellent players as well. The Heels have the best all-around offense in the nation. However, they aren't as deep as previous years, and their defense leaves a lot to be desired. It would really be interesting to see what kind of game develops should they play UCLA in the tournament. I am torn right now between those two teams with who will win the National Championship
1.) Memphis - The Tigers are the only unbeaten team left in Division I despite a close call vs. UTEP yesterday. As I said in a previous post, Memphis has a great chance to go into the NCAA Tournament undefeated. Their toughest game left is a date with Tennessee in three weeks. Led by Chris Douglas-Roberts, the Tigers return most of their team from last year's Elite 8 appearance. However, they have a great freshman in Derrick Rose this season. Rose could be the difference for the Tigers this year. It could be a serious problem for Memphis not playing in a major conference though. They will not be battle tested as the other teams on this list will be going into March. A couple more close calls like yesterday is not the worst thing that can happen to the Tigers. The blowouts really don't help too much. They need to know how to wins the tight ones going into March.
Pat Morgan
Friday, October 26, 2007
UNC Ranked #1 in Preseason Coaches Poll
With just eight points separating the top three teams in the first coaches poll of the 2007-08 men's college basketball season, the North Carolina Tar Heels came in #1. UNC returns all of their young stars from last year with the exception of Brandon Wright. Junior center, Tyler Hansbrough, is among the top preseason candidates to take home the Neismith and Wooden Awards. Roy Williams has a heck of a roster again, and they will probably be my pick to win it all.The UCLA Bruins came in #2 in the poll, and actually finished with more first place votes than the Heels. Darren Collison and company will try and win Los Angeles a National Championship after two disappointing losses to Florida the last two Final Fours. Of the big three teams, they suffered the biggest loss. Replacing a leader in Arron Afflalo will be very difficult to do. UNC's Wright was probably the best talent lost, but Afflalo led UCLA.
The Memphis Tigers finished #3, with eight first place votes. With the exception of Jeremy Hunt, the CUSA champions return their entire roster from last year. Unless you are Joe Lunardi, it is too early to predict what the NCAA Tournament will look like, but with a cake Conference USA schedule, Memphis is set up perfectly to be the #1 overall seed come March. All of their tough non-conference games are at home, so that helps too.
Kansas and Georgetown round out the top five, with some returning stars from their deep tournament runs from last year. My biggest surprises are #8 Michigan State and #9 Indiana. The Spartans do have a great recruiting class to go with senior star, Drew Neitzel. Having them at #8 means the coaches think they will be a #2 seed, which might be a bit high right now. Indiana also has a great recruiting class, and Kelvin Sampson is going to do great things with the Hoosiers over the years. However, being #9 (the top #3 seed) seems high to me as well. The team that I think will rise into the top 10 is the #18 USC Trojans. With O.J. Mayo aboard for the year they should make a run. They are a thin team though, having lost three of their top four scorers from last year's Sweet 16 team. In any event, its great to debate the rankings knowing they mean absolutely nothing. No BCS in this college sport!
Pat Morgan
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