As dominant as Connecticut has looked in March, it also hasn’t really played that great of a slate. If anything takes down Connecticut, it might be that they’re not prepared for a team that’s been sharpened by Big Ten steel.
Before we get to next year’s 2,811-mile road trip, one of these teams will have to get past the other to reach the Elite Eight. And if the Stanford guards don’t step up their play, it’s not going to be the Cardinal moving on.
Gonzaga hasn’t scored less than 66 points all season, as the Bulldogs are used to outrunning everyone on their schedule. But the Bulldogs lost that game to Portland, and there’s no evidence they can handle a team that forces them to figure things out. Texas won’t allow them to run, which could muck up Gonzaga’s efforts.
The Golden Eagles survived against Colorado, defeating them 81-77 in their last game. They have won five of their last six games including the first-round defeat of Western Kentucky. Marquette is one of the most balanced teams in the tournament and with the spread at -7 they are a heavy favorite to move on.
Indiana’s not totally helpless: the Hoosiers lead the nation in 3-point percentage. Of course, No. 2 is the Gamecocks, which is just another reminder that the Hoosiers pretty much have to be perfect to win this.
Oregon State came up with a superb season before it leaves those old rivalries behind, and they’ve done it with defense. Four of their past six opponents haven’t broken 60 in regulation, and the exceptions were both Stanford. Notre Dame also knows how to play that way, although it’s not the Irish’s preference.
With the recent legislation in North Carolina legalizing sports betting, the potential for increased betting activity is high. The impact of this legislation has been profound, with reports indicating that within the first two weeks of legalization, North Carolina generated a staggering $200 million in revenue, setting a pace for a potential $600 million per month.
With the Huskies favored by 11 points, the oddsmakers have penciled them into the Elite 8. It’s time to break down this matchup and see if San Diego St. can conjure up the same magic from last year, and not only cover the spread, but win the game outright and advance.Â
The regional semifinal gives us a rare rematch of the national title game — and this one might not be as close as the previous one. Connecticut appears better than it was a season ago, while San Diego State isn’t quite where it was last year.