No team dominated their conference like Butler did, and the only teams that came close were UTEP and Kansas. UTEP is dangerous to put it lightly and Butler plays in a weak conference. No clue how a team finishes 8th in the nation and gets a #5 seed, but Butler somehow managed to do it. Butler is the hottest team in the nation, as they are on a 20-game win streak but that streak is in MAJOR jeopardy because 3 of their 4 losses are to average teams (Minnesota, Clemson, & UAB) and UTEP is better than average. Butler fans will be talking about their seeding for years to come, because Butler was suppose to do some damage this season in the tourney. I have UTEP winning this game!
(This section will also serve as the 5-12 Matchup)
I really don’t like Vanderbilt’s chances in this game especially against a team that is as balanced as Murray State. Murray State is all about teamwork and that is evident, as they have 5 players averaging between 10.3 and 10.6 points a game, and a player averaging 9.5 ppg too. It will be hard for Vanderbilt to key in on who to stop, and because of that I give Murray State the upper hand.
Just a season ago Memphis owned Conference USA but that all changed when Calipari jumped ship to Kentucky. This season UTEP took over Conference USA, and they were ironically led by three Memphis natives and a Louisville transfer. They are an athletic group of players that are not afraid to share the ball, as 4 players average double figures along with a player who averages 9.6 ppg. The best thing about this team is that they obviously have a great coach; a coach that was able to get Derrick Caracter to drop his superstar ego and play in the scheme of things, something Rick Pitno could not do at Louisville. This team is destined for a Sweet Sixteen run, as they had a wonderful season only to rewarded with a #12 seed.
He was virtually unknown until he played on the U-19 USA Basketball team that just won gold in New Zealand. He is a matchup problem on the wing at 6-9 and he can rebound the ball with the best of them, he grabbed 17 boards in one game this season. He averages 15.4 ppg and 8.5 rpg. He is the best player on the hottest team in America. Only knock on his game is that he shoots a horrible percentage from 3’s (29%), but he shot a great percentage last year (45%). He is late first round talent for this year’s draft, and unless he wants to get his degree he needs to declare for the draft this season.
He is the reason that Syracuse is so good this season, and Lord knows where they would be without him. This kid only had one D1 offer out of high school, and unless he improved vastly over the past couple years then it doesn’t make sense. He scores in a variety of ways and is a force on both sides of the ball, as his numbers (16 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.9 bpg, & 1.7 spg) would tell you. He is a freak of an athlete and if you throw him the ball near the goal he will create a highlight! His athleticism and length have helped Syracuse’s 2-3 zone get tougher, as he plays the back line of the zone. He plays the game with a smile which makes him all the more fun to watch.
Once again, I hate picking conference rivals but that’s how the bracket plays out to me. Syracuse is a team with virtually 7 starters, and all players average between 8 and 16 points a game. They play team ball, and Kris Joseph and Scoop Jardine put up starter numbers off the bench. This Pittsburgh team overachieved this season, but don’t get me wrong they are a legit team with big win capabilities. They will have to beat a very good Kansas State squad to get to Syracuse. Pittsburgh beat Syracuse by 10 in the early season matchup, due in large part to Syracuse shooting 7% from 3’s. Revenge will take place as Syracuse should handle their business and get to Indianapolis.
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