Sunday, March 15, 2009

NCAA Tournament Dancing and NIT

Well the brackets are out and VCU is coming home to my town to play the west coast Bruins of UCLA. What a great matchup for the Rams as they will be staring at a mirror image of them. UCLA features all world PG Darren Collison, Shipp and Aboya and a lot of youth. At times the Bruins are a turnover prone team and one that has gone cold for long stretches of time. Don't expect this one to get to 70 points. If either does then, they will win. I just don't see it happening because the one consistency for the Bruins is a stout defense. Plus, never count out Ben Howland or Anthony Grant. This one has classic written all over it. VCU 67-64.

If they win, they play the hated Villanova Wildcats...well...err at least I hate them....and..that's if Jeff Jones American team doesnt knock off the Vilecats. Nova isn't a tall team outside of Dante Cunningham and has guards out the wazoo. This one would be a higher paced game because both teams push the pace. Nova has given up exorbitant totals at times in the Big East.

Elsewhere:

Va Tech gets Duquesne in the NIT. This is big time trouble for them. What will the Hokie mindset be? Will they take this as a challenge and make a run to send Vassallo off or will they bitch and moan and piss awy the home game. The Dukes are an explosive team and will be tough to prep for. This will be an intriguing one especially if Duquesne is hot from the outside.

Mason made the NIT and will get Penn State in a 2-7 matchup. Another case of mindset as most NIT games are. Especially if PSU is unhappy to have not made the tourney. I havent seen too many PSU games this year as Big 10 bball is unwatchable. I'd like to think Mason can hang around and clamp down on the Nits. This one wont reach 70 either.

Teams to watch in the NCAA tourney:

Temple of course
Washington -- Watch out for the VCU of the west. Final 4 talent when it all gets put together.
Ohio State -- Only because they are "home" which is a crock (PS...How the hell did Maryland get a 10 when they didnt even belong in the tourney. No team should make the field of 65 when you've lost games by at least 30 points)

That's all for now

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