Storyline: March Madness ’16 has been filled with major upsets, last-second shots, and amazing comebacks. Now it’s down to the Final Four with each team hoping to make its mark on history.
In sports writing you’re never supposed to let your own personal biases get in the way of analysis and predictions. Unfortunately, I fell victim to this. And that’s what sent my bracket straight to the trash can.
Courtesy: wcfcourier.com
But, outside of that embarrassment, this has been a very enjoyable tournament, filled with major upsets, miraculous last-second shots, and amazing comebacks. (Note: If you’re a Northern Iowa fan you probably just cringed).
What I find remarkable is how the tourney starts out with a faceless mass of 68 teams and, in a matter of two weeks, the number is cut to 4. As Saturday night approaches, these final four teams await their chance to make a mark on history.
Oklahoma Sooners
If I were an NBA scout I would have Buddy Hield at the top of my list. He’s a 6-4 guard, unbelievably strong on the inside as well, averaging about six boards a game. His primary skill is shooting. Hield may be one of the best three-point shooters in the history of college basketball. The senior is knocking down an average of four shots a game from the high-rent district. He’s shooting about 50% from the field, 47% from downtown, and 88% from the charity stripe. Most guys in the League would kill for those numbers.
Courtesy: CBSSports.com
However, there’s more to Lon Kruger’s squad then just one player. Jordan Woodward can shoot lights out from the perimeter and downtown. Ryan Spangler, a home state senior, is averaging nearly a double-double (points, rebounds) on the year.
Hield will produce. There’s no doubt about that. But if other Sooners can produce at the level that they’re capable of, then the national championship trophy could be going to Norman for the first time since … back whenever Charles Barkley won an NBA title …
… that is, never.
Villanova Wildcats
The Wildcats received a good deal of criticism (from me, too) when the NCAA Selection Committee gave them and Xavier 2-seeds. The reason I didn’t like it: I believed The Big East was one of the weaker conferences. Xavier would prove my doubts, but I’ve been genuinely impressed by Jay Wright’s Wildcats.
To reach Houston, the Cats had to go through Miami and Kansas. They blew out the Hurricanes, 92-69, and followed that performance with an impressive outing against Bill Self’s Jayhawks. Villanova led nearly the whole game, managing to frustrate the Jayhawks’ guards (Wayne Selden, Jr. in particular) en route to a 64-59 victory.
What makes Villanova so dangerous is the lack of a star player: you won’t find a Buddy Hield or Ben Simmons (LSU) on the roster. The Cats have an extremely well-balanced attack coupled with the ability to nail free throws (at 78.4%, second in the nation).
Jay Wright’s club has a real chance to bring a trophy to the city of Brotherly Love.
The 76ers surely aren’t going to do it.
Syracuse Orange
Many people thought the Orange didn’t deserve to get into the NCAA tournament. Man, has Jim Boeheim’s club proved haters wrong! After winning in convincing fashion against Dayton and Middle Tennessee State, the ‘Cuse turned up the defense in the final minutes to subdue Gonzaga (despite a spectacular performance from Zags’ senior Kyle Wiltjer). If that comeback wasn’t impressive enough, the Orange clawed back from 16 down against top-seeded Virginia, to defeat the Cavaliers, 68-62.
Courtesy: therunnersports.com
That win made SU the only #10 seed in NCAA tournament history to make the Final Four. Wow!
The Orange have a dynamic scoring trio of Gbinije, Richardson, and Cooney. Those three account for about 44 of Syracuse’s point total each outing. But, the main thing about Syracuse, is defense. Boeheim’s trademark 2-3 Zone has the Orange ranked in the Top 25 in that category.
Many may view the ‘Cuse as underdogs (they are). But you know the ol’ saying: “Defense wins championships.”
North Carolina Tar Heels
North Carolina has been impressive since halftime of the opening round game versus Florida Gulf Coast. After clinging to a narrow 41-40 lead at the half against FGCU, the ‘Heels then went on a tear, dominating the rest of the game. The Heels then won by 19 against Providence, taking a close game to a blowout in a matter of minutes. UNC reached the century mark against Indiana, scoring a convincing win over Yogi Ferrell and the Hoosiers. Then, in the East Regional finale, the Heels fended off a pesky Notre Dame team to punch their ticket to the Final Four.
This team is playing excellent ball. What makes North Carolina so dangerous is their ability to score; the Tar Heels are ranked in the Top Ten in scoring offense. And they have great scoring distribution: the Tar Heels are 4th in the nation in assists.
To say that the Tar Heels aren’t the favorite is a logical fallacy. Maybe, if UNC wins, head coach Roy Williams will smile … for the first time in his life.
Predictions
Courtesy: hoopshabit.com
Villanova vs. Oklahoma: With a well-balanced attack and ability to shoot free throws, I see Villanova taking down Buddy Hield and the Sooners, 75-70.
North Carolina vs. Syracuse: I think Syracuse’s zone will give Roy Williams’ club fits. But, at the end of the day, I just don’t see it being enough: Syracuse’s Cinderella run will come to an end. North Carolina 84, Syracuse 77.
Championship game prediction: Follow me on Twitter (@CamOnSports) to get the prediction as well as real-time analysis during the game.
