Then There Were Two

The Final 4 was cut in half on Saturday night, and I'll be the first to admit, I could not have been more wrong about Kansas. I gave the Jayhawks very little respect heading into the tournament, and gave them even less going into Saturday's game against the Tar Heels. Much to my surprise, Kansas proved to be quicker, bigger, stronger, and much better defensively.

With approximately 7 minutes left in the first half, Billy Packer declared the game "over". This rubbed me the wrong way, much like a lot of what comes out of Packer's mouth. However, his assessment held true, even with a Carolina rally narrowing the lead down to 4 midway through the 2nd half.

Hansbrough was held in check, Ty Lawson didn't show up, and UNC shot only 36% from the field.

In the early game, Memphis' guards (Rose and CDR combined for 53 points) outplayed UCLA's duo of Collison and Westbrook. Darren Collison was especially shaky, fouling out with only 2 points, and 5 turnovers (compared to only 4 assists).

What can be taken away from Saturday night's showdowns?

• Memphis is even more athletic than I previously thought. This was evident in the way they blew by the defensive minded Bruins for a number of easy layups.
• Memphis looked sharp at the foul line, hitting 20 for 23 against UCLA.
• Kansas' mauling of the Heels makes Davidson's performance even more impressive.
• While I'm not a huge fan of either Memphis or Kansas, Monday's championship should be fast paced and intense.
• Note to North Carolina: When you reach the Final 4, you need to come ready to play from the opening tip. It's a shame that they wasted this opportunity by coming out so lethargic.
  

Memphis Suspends Allen

5'10 PG, Andre Allen has been suspended for the Final Four due to a failed drug test. Allen plays about 14 minutes per game for the Tigers and is averaging 3 points and 2 assists per game.


First off, what a disappointing way for a senior to end his career. Memphis is on the brink of a national championship, with Allen playing an important role in their run to the Final 4. I wonder if the "high" was worth it?

Second, will this affect Memphis' chances in San Antonio? With Allen out, the Tigers rotation will be altered. If Derrick Rose gets into foul trouble, difficulties could arise. But . . .

Memphis has incredible athleticism, and plays a style of offense that doesn't require a traditional point guard. It's these two issues that lead me to believe Allen's absence will not be a determining factor in San Antonio.

March Madness Predictions

It's time for my tournament predictions. I have to mention this as a disclaimer: I absolutely suck at making picks in the "Big Dance". But you never know, maybe this is my year. And now onto the picks . . .

Sweet 16
Midwest
(1) Florida - Arizona or Purdue will be a dangerous 2nd round matchup
(4) Maryland - Davidson is a tough 1st round draw, if they get by them I see them in the round of 16
(6) Notre Dame - I can see them losing in the 1st round against Winthrop, so this is risky
(2) Wisconsin
West
(1) Kansas
(4) Southern Illinois - This is a team on the edge, they could easily lose either of their first two games
(3) Pittsburgh - It's going to take steady guard play to beat Pitt, Duke and Wright St. don't have it
(10) Gonzaga - Gonzaga is back to being a Cinderella team, time avenge last year's loss to UCLA
East
(1) North Carolina
(4) Texas
(11) George Washington - George Washington kinda sounds like George Mason . . .
(2) Georgetown
South
(1) Ohio State
(5) Tennessee - They need to take care of business against Long Beach St.
(3) Texas A&M
(2) Memphis

Elite 8
(4) Maryland - They've been hot as of late, and can sneak up on Florida
(6) Notre Dame - Wisconsin struggles to score and ND can shoot the lights out, upset special
(1) Kansas
(10) Gonzaga - They'll play focused, and play with discipline; this will be enough to beat Pitt
(1) North Carolina
(2) Georgetown
(1) Ohio State
(2) Memphis - Very tough game against Texas A&M

Final 4
(6) Notre Dame - the dream run ends here
(1) Kansas
(1) North Carolina - They've beaten Ohio State once, they'll beat them again
(1) Ohio State

National Championship
(1) Kansas 68
(1) North Carolina 76 - UNC is viewed as the weakest #1 seed in the field. I say, forget about the mask, UNC wins it all.