Sweet 16 Ranking of Game intrigue

[DefenseBB]

Of the 8 games, there are some compelling matchups. For me, I have ranked them with my notes next to my reasoning.

1. Sat #2 TCU-#3 ND This is rematch of the neutral site game in Nov that proved an upset. ND wants revenge and seems to be back on track.
2. Sat #1 Texas-#5 Tennessee. They met once at Texas with 80-76 win for the Longhorns. This will be a good game. To me, the consistency of the Texas defense will win this.
3. Fri #2 NC State-#3 LSU This is wildly unpredictable. On paper this should be a great game but both teams have shown inconsistency. I don't like doubting Kim but here, I have to go with Wes.
4. Fri #2 Duke-#3 UNC This is the 3rd matchup of the season. Both previous matchups resulted in the home team winning. Give me Duke here.
5. Fri #1 UCLA-#5 Ole Miss The Rebels have positional size and defense so the question is can they create enough offense to win, I am doubtful so my money is with UCLA but will be rooting for Ole Miss.
6. Sat #1 USC-#5 KSU Even with Juju out, this is a very talented Trojan team. KSU has been good, if not inconsistent with and without Ayoka Lee. Can the combo of Sundell/Lee handle SoCal? I think not but I hope they give them a good game.
7. Sat #2 UConn-#3 Oklahoma Yes, on paper, Oklahoma is a rebounding beast and plays at a fast tempo but Oklahoma has struggled against strong defensive teams this year and given the UConn offense, I am not convinced they have enough perimeter defense.
8. #1 Fri SC-#5 Maryland This is the least compelling match up of the 8. I hope Brenda can scheme something but my gut says cake-walk for SC.

 

[Rowdy831]

Of the 8 games, there are some compelling matchups. For me, I have ranked them with my notes next to my reasoning.

1. Sat #2 TCU-#3 ND This is rematch of the neutral site game in Nov that proved an upset. ND wants revenge and seems to be back on track.
2. Sat #1 Texas-#5 Tennessee. They met once at Texas with 80-76 win for the Longhorns. This will be a good game. To me, the consistency of the Texas defense will win this.
3. Fri #2 NC State-#3 LSU This is wildly unpredictable. On paper this should be a great game but both teams have shown inconsistency. I don't like doubting Kim but here, I have to go with Wes.
4. Fri #2 Duke-#3 UNC This is the 3rd matchup of the season. Both previous matchups resulted in the home team winning. Give me Duke here.
5. Fri #1 UCLA-#5 Ole Miss The Rebels have positional size and defense so the question is can they create enough offense to win, I am doubtful so my money is with UCLA but will be rooting for Ole Miss.
6. Sat #1 USC-#5 KSU Even with Juju out, this is a very talented Trojan team. KSU has been good, if not inconsistent with and without Ayoka Lee. Can the combo of Sundell/Lee handle SoCal? I think not but I hope they give them a good game.
7. Sat #2 UConn-#3 Oklahoma Yes, on paper, Oklahoma is a rebounding beast and plays at a fast tempo but Oklahoma has struggled against strong defensive teams this year and given the UConn offense, I am not convinced they have enough perimeter defense.
8. #1 Fri SC-#5 Maryland This is the least compelling match up of the 8. I hope Brenda can scheme something but my gut says cake-walk for SC.

Kim did beat Wes by 17 early on in the season.

 

[Rowdy831]

As I watched the game last night after Juju went down I noticed something interesting about USC. They actually started playing team basketball and they looked scary doing it. Juju is a tremendous talent but she plays for a coach that lets her do what ever she wants and a lot of time it results in Juju playing and 4 others admiring her talent. This USC team might actually be a better team for the next two weeks without Juju and that will be interesting to watch unfold.

 

[Bone Dog]

As I watched the game last night after Juju went down I noticed something interesting about USC. They actually started playing team basketball and they looked scary doing it. Juju is a tremendous talent but she plays for a coach that lets her do what ever she wants and a lot of time it results in Juju playing and 4 others admiring her talent. This USC team might actually be a better team for the next two weeks without Juju and that will be interesting to watch unfold.

I had the same thought. But I'd add that the team was riding a wave of emotion over Juju's injury and seemed to play a little over their heads, especially the freshmen. They may go flat after a week of thinking about the loss of their star, and that might be just enough to give K St a chance. Otherwise, it just looks like another relatively easy win for USC.

 

[Cuango]

Of the 8 games, there are some compelling matchups. For me, I have ranked them with my notes next to my reasoning.

1. Sat #2 TCU-#3 ND This is rematch of the neutral site game in Nov that proved an upset. ND wants revenge and seems to be back on track.
2. Sat #1 Texas-#5 Tennessee. They met once at Texas with 80-76 win for the Longhorns. This will be a good game. To me, the consistency of the Texas defense will win this.
3. Fri #2 NC State-#3 LSU This is wildly unpredictable. On paper this should be a great game but both teams have shown inconsistency. I don't like doubting Kim but here, I have to go with Wes.
4. Fri #2 Duke-#3 UNC This is the 3rd matchup of the season. Both previous matchups resulted in the home team winning. Give me Duke here.
5. Fri #1 UCLA-#5 Ole Miss The Rebels have positional size and defense so the question is can they create enough offense to win, I am doubtful so my money is with UCLA but will be rooting for Ole Miss.
6. Sat #1 USC-#5 KSU Even with Juju out, this is a very talented Trojan team. KSU has been good, if not inconsistent with and without Ayoka Lee. Can the combo of Sundell/Lee handle SoCal? I think not but I hope they give them a good game.
7. Sat #2 UConn-#3 Oklahoma Yes, on paper, Oklahoma is a rebounding beast and plays at a fast tempo but Oklahoma has struggled against strong defensive teams this year and given the UConn offense, I am not convinced they have enough perimeter defense.
8. #1 Fri SC-#5 Maryland This is the least compelling match up of the 8. I hope Brenda can scheme something but my gut says cake-walk for SC.

I mostly agree with you but I would make LSU a solid favorite, Texas & Duke are tremendous defensively but can they score enough if the other team gets hot? Will USC have a “post superstar injury letdown“? I’m afraid the Maryland/SC and the ND/TCU games could get ugly, am somewhat concerned about Oklahoma ( pretty sure Geno will have our team ready), and I too will be rooting for Ole Miss! Let the real games begin!

 

[DefenseBB]

For both @Cuango and @Rowdy831 I would probably bet on LSU if I had to make a bet. I do like how Wes has his team playing and strong guard play usually is very successful in the NCAAT. I am wondering if I am just tired of seeing LSU and all the Flau'Jae Johnson commercials that I want them eliminated.