Great day lined up of early season tournament games:
1 PM - ABC: Villanova v Purdue - Hall of Fame Tip-Off Championship
My #1 concern for Villanova is that I am not confident that Eric Dixon and/or Jermaine Samuels have the size and/or defensive ability to defend Purdue's elite center duo of Zach Edey and Trevion Williams (combined 40.1p, 16.5r, 4a, 2.8b). It was rumored in the preseason that they might spend time on the floor together, but so far, they've tag-teamed at the 5 and totally dominated. I'd be shocked if Nova wins.
5:45 PM - ESPN3: Creighton v Colorado State - Paradise Jam Semis
A real nice top-60 matchup. Colorado State is one of my favorite mid-majors and they are led by 6'5 250 junior David Roddy (20.5p, 9.8r, 2.3a, 1.3s, 1.5b, 55.8 fg%) and I imagine he'd be defended by
former D2 MIAA conference DPOY Ryan Hawkins. At 6'7 225, he has the size to battle Roddy, plus Arthur Kaluma's rim protection will provide key help D.
Another good matchup: Colorado State's Isaiah Stevens (1.8 steals/game) against freshman point guard Ryan Nembhard.
7:30 PM - ESPN - Marquette v Saint Bonaventure - Charleston Classic Championship
So excited for this game! To beat the Bonnies, it's all about defending their big guards, especially Kyle Lofton, who should be shadowed by Darryl Morsell all game. However, who's going to hard 6'4 210 Jaren Holmes (16.8p, 7r)? Can Kolek handle the job?
Led by Osun Osunniyi, the Bonnies are an elite interior defensive team, but since Kur Kuath is not a factor offensively, it kind of neutralizes Osunniyi's defensive upside. Due to their size and seniority, my guess is the Bonnie win. Would be a HUGE win for Marquette if they can eek one out.
