Tourney
Tipoff
March 16, 2006 - 2007
Michael Robinson
Bet Now: #11 UW Milwaukee (+3) vs. # 6 Oklahoma
Oklahoma is 20-8, but should have a much better record with their talent
level. When they are on the can beat any team in the country, but they
are also much too inconsistent. Oklahoma is also not playing well
heading into the tournament having lost at Texas by 24 points, and to
Nebraska in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament, 69-63. The
Sooners have won their last three first round games in the NCAA
tournament.
UW Milwaukee is 21-8 and champions of the Horizon League. UWN likes to
play up-tempo and press, but they are not used to playing such an
athletic team. The key is whether power forward Adrian Tigert can
match-up with Oklahoma’s big people. Remember, this team went to the
Sweet Sixteen last year under current Tennessee coach, Bruce Pearl, and
they would love to do it again.
Bet Now: #9 UNC Wilmington (+2.5) vs. # 8 George Washington
George Washington is 26-2 and 16-0 in the A-10. That is why it was so
surprising that this team dropped to an eight seed after losing to
Temple in the A-10 tourney quarterfinals. The Colonials are built upon
the strength of their five starters, all upperclassmen. The problem is
that big man, Pops Mensah-Bonsu has missed five straight games with a
knee injury, although he is expected to give it a go today. Without him
in the line-up, this is clearly a different team.
UNC Wilmington (25-7) earned a 9th seed after winning the Colonial
Athletic Association post-season tournament. They also tied for first in
the regular season with George Mason. For their effort, they get an 8th
seed who finished 14th overall in the final AP poll. This is clearly a
dangerous team with guards T.J. Carter and John Goldsberry leading the
charge, but they better hope that Mensah-Bonsu is playing at far less
than 100%.
Bet Now: #10 Alabama (+2.5) vs. # 7 Marquette
The number 10 seed has beaten the seven seed 39% of the time since 1985.
Alabama (17-12, 10-6 SEC) hopes to raise that percentage. This is a
bubble team that has survived the loss of their leading scorer, Chuck
Davis. Davis had season ending knee surgery leaving the scoring burden
to forward, Jermareo Davidson and guard, Ronald Steele. They also lack
depth with just seven guys in the rotation.
Marquette (20-10) had a solid season in their first year in the Big
East. Wins over highly ranked Connecticut, Pittsburgh and Georgetown
proved that they were a very good home team. This is an interestingly
assembled team in that three freshmen guards are three of their leading
scorers. Their top producer is forward Steve Novak, one of the top
outside shooters in college basketball. How their young guards play
though, will determine if Marquette advances.
Source: Vipsports
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