The tournament starts tomorrow so I thought I'd take the time to analyze how the Big East fared in their draws. With so many teams in and many of those teams battle-tested in such a tough conference, the Big East is predicted to have a lot of success.
But no one's picking West Virginia, Syracuse or Villanova to win it all as Kansas and Kentucky are the heavy favorites for the finals. Let's take a look at what the Big East will have to deal with in the first weekend.
Midwest Region:
#3 Georgetown
First Round: vs. #14 Miami of Ohio
Second Round: vs. #6 Tennessee or #11 San Diego State
Analysis: After Georgetown's amazing run in the Big East tournament which left them one shot away from winning the whole thing, they get rewarded with the toughest bracket. Best number 1 seed, second-best number 2 seed and Maryland and Michigan State. Pittsburgh, New Mexico and Baylor were the other number 3 seeds and while I don't think Georgetown deserved a two, they definitely have a tough draw... but not early on. They'll easily get by Ohio because they have way too much size. Tennessee has been overachieving all year but they're not playing extremely well right now and Georgetown is. I think they will easily make the Sweet 16 no matter who wins the next game because they're peaking and playing at a really high level. Look for them to make the Elite 8.
West Region:
#1 Syracuse
First Round: vs. #16 East Tennessee State
Second Round: vs. #8 Texas or #9 Wake Forest
Analysis: I loved Syracuse all year. Not that deep but a complete team with some sick playmakers and the longest zone ever. They make the court look so small when they do that. They'll breeze by East Tennessee but they have a tough game after that. Texas as an 8 is very scary. I think they'll easily beat Wake Forest if for some reason the Demon Deacons take out the Longhorns. But if Texas plays like they were in the beginning of the year, this game could be a problem. I could definitely see Texas taking Syracuse out. Texas was ranked #1 not too long ago and while they went on an awful slide, experienced teams always pick it up in the NCAA tournament. There's so many variables with travel, intimidation, schedules and seniors and juniors handle that so well and Texas is an older team. The Orange aren't usually a great team in the tournament so I have to say, I'm thinking upset.
#3 Pittsburgh
First Round: vs. #14 Oakland
Second Round: vs. #6 Xavier or #11 Minnesota
Analysis: The Panthers have a nice draw here. They match up well with these teams and have been playing decently well recently in the midst of a tough Big East schedule. I think they move on to the Sweet Sixteen and get their hearts broken by Kansas State in the regional semifinals.
East Region:
#2 West Virginia
First Round: vs. #15 Morgan State
Second Round: vs. #7 Clemson or #10 Missouri
Analysis: West Virginia is the hottest team in the country and probably deserved a number 1 seed but got a good spot in this number 2 spot. Kentucky is a great team, but they're young so it's unknown how they'll react to this tournament. Youth is rarely served in March (unless your name is Carmelo Anthony). They'll crush Morgan State and then take on Missouri. Clemson is just an awful team in my opinion. Regardless, West Virginia will destroy their second round opponent leading to the an all Big East match-up with Marquette.
#6 Marquette
First Round: vs. #11 Washington
Second Round: vs. #3 New Mexico or #14 Montana
Analysis: Marquette is sneaky good and great with close games. Of their 21 Big East games, 13 of them were decided by four points or less. They won 7 of their last 8 of those games. Tournament games are always close and Marquette is the best close-game team in the field. I think they'll beat Washington because the Pac-10 doesn't have scrappy, talented teams like the Golden Eagles. New Mexico is pretty overrated and they'll advance easily as well. I think Marquette/New Mexico will be a tough game that Marquette will eek out as they are so prone to do. Look for them to make a run at the Final Four in a pretty weak bracket.
South Region:
#2 Villanova
First Round: vs. #15 Robert Morris
Second Round: #7 Richmond or #10 Saint Mary's
Analysis: Robert Morris hopefully will bring four other friends but they'll spend most of the game watching Scottie Reynolds run up and down the court. They have a nice draw of two overrated mid-majors in the second round so they absolutely cruise to the regionals. I don't think they're as good as everyone is saying they are, but they'll make it far because this bracket is pretty lame. Look for Baylor to beat them.
#6 Notre Dame
First Round: vs. #11 Old Dominion
Second Round: vs. #3 Baylor or #14 Sam Houston State
Analysis: Old Dominion is a hot and scary team but Notre Dame is just playing out of their mind. They have a slow down offense, a speed up offense, a great post player, a great three point shooter and a maniacal coach willing to do anything and adjust everything at the drop of a hat. I like them a lot because they can beat you in so many ways. Luke Harangody is healthy and dominating and their players just seem so much smarter than everybody else. I think they'll be a tough out. I think they can easily make a Final Four run if they continue to hit shots and take care of the ball. They have so many styles and can adjust so well. Baylor is a hot pick but I like Notre Dame to make some noise.
#9 Louisville
First Round: vs. #8 California
Second Round: vs. #1 Duke
Analysis: I'll be honest, I hope someone beats Duke early. I think Louisville definitely has a shot. I think the Pac-1o was looked at as an awful conference and then the better teams starting beating each other up and Cal and Washington have nice records that made people think they're better than they are. Rick Pitino coaches so well in the tournament so I think he'll beat Cal and give Duke a run for their money. I'd love to see all these Big East teams take over the South.
No comments:
Post a Comment