The NCAA tournament has always presented nothing but entertainment, as the country usually rallies around a “Cinderella.” As the tourney looms and brackets are being filled out, here are three games that could potentially bust your bracket!
4 Florida vs 13 ETSU Thursday @ 3:10
Since the Gators lost their starting center John Egbunu they have been 3-3. This has really hurt their paint scoring and has coach Mike White playing four guards a game. This could help the Gators against the Bucs if the guards play as scrappy as they have throughout the year.The Bucs rank 312th in turnovers(14.8) this season. Although the Bucs are coming in with their back against the wall trying to get their first tournament win since 1992, they have won 13 of their last 15. Five JUCO transfers and also two from Indiana the depth and hunger is there. TJ Cromer(19.1 ppg) and Desonta Bradferd (10.6 ppg) are the only two players scoring in double figures. The Bucs defense has been underrated this year, since the numbers look discouraging. They are ranked 44th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom.com. The Bucs also hold opponents to 45.3% on two point field goals and that ranks 39th nationally. The Bucs have a lot of interesting stats, but Thursday at 3:10 the numbers are thrown out the window and the Bucs have to use their defensive ability and size to defeat the Gators
4 West Virginia vs 13 Bucknell Thursday @ 3:15
Bucknell have won six straight games after Kimbal McKenzie lead the Bison in the Patriot League championship with 18 points against Lehigh. NaNa Fouland will be the difference maker if the Bison expect to win. His two-way ability is the only way the Bison will be able to compete with the size and speed of West Virginia. But the Patriots Conference defensive player of the year will have something to say about it. The defense by the Bison is so important against the Mountaineers team, because they score so well( 82 ppg 21st in the NCAA) and the Bison defend so well(67.4 ppg 61st in the country). The Bison will be lead by McKenzie and Fouland if they can score and defend well they should be playing Saturday.
6 Creignton vs 11 Rhode Island Friday @ 4:30
Senior E.C. Matthews is hungry and he is FOREAL, he lead his team over VCU in the A-10 tournament. He is averaging 15 ppg, while his team is also 32nd in the country at scoring defense(64.9 ppg). The balance between the point guard leader and the defensive prowess that Dan Hurley forces the Rams to play with smells kryptonite for Creighton. Creighton is 19th in scoring offense and they love to run. The Rams have to play a half court game and also press the glass for second chance opportunities. The Rams ranks 91st in rebounding and the Bluejays rank 229th in rebounding. E.C. Matthews has to score at least 25 and they need to hold Creighton to 75 points or lower to have a realistic chance to pull off this upset.
-Cameron Carter
