March Madness: TSF Style
Each week Jerold Wells Jr. will chronicle the NCAA Tournament happenings. He’s the first round just to give you a taste. As the tournament progresses, the analysis will get deeper.
Every year the committee gives us reason to tune in and watch the first round games. Inevitably, somebody will lose that just plain isn’t supposed to. This year will be no different. I don’t have a crystal ball but I do know that game. Pay attention to these match-ups during the first round of the Tourney ‘09.
#6 UCLA vs. #11 Virginia Commonwealth
Point Guard and TSF favorite Eric Maynor leads the Rams against a less than stellar Bruins squad. This could be an upset in the making. The names are still there for UCLA. PG Darren Collison, along with forwards Josh Shipp and Alfred Aboya don’t lack for experience or swagger. However, the defensive intensity that has been a benchmark of Ben Howland teams in the past just doesn’t resonate when I watch this group. They are going to have to really bring it to dispatch this team and I’m just not convinced.
#6 Arizona St. vs. #11Temple
Lord knows I love a good match up. Temple’s Dionte Christmas and ASU’s James Harden are getting ready to have a battle. Sure basketball is a team game but rest assured whichever superstar is able to make the most plays for his team will get the win here. Expect fireworks.
#6 Marquette vs. #11 Utah St.
I’m gonna just flat out call this one. Utah St. wins. Don’t believe the hype! Marquette is without starting point guard and best player Dominic James. They will miss him. Utah St. is nothing if not consistent. I don’t think the Golden Eagles have the size inside or the poise, without James, to prevent a one and done scenario. D. Wade is NOT walking through that door.
Pay attention to these match ups and see if anything (or everything) I said pans out. See you next week, same time, same station.
Nice preview!