Saturday, March 20, 2010

Key Second Round Game Previews





No. 5 Butler vs. No. 13 Murray State
Obviously, the big question in this one is will Murray State's run continue? Butler has been on a roll lately and flew past UTEP in the first round. Gordon Hayward is talented a big man that can shoot effectively. Shelvin Mack scored 25 points against the Miners and hopes to follow it up. For the Racers, Isaac Miles had 17 points and 6 rebounds in the upset of Vanderbilt, 66-65. My prediction: Racers will not go any father as Hayward scores 20 in a 70-63 win for the Bulldogs.
No. 3 Baylor vs. No. 11 Old Dominion
Old Dominion scooted past the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame in the first round, 51-50 but the next step is even tougher a game against Baylor. Sam Houston State gave the Bears a run for their money until Ekpe Udoh roared for a double-double in a 68-59 win. Old Dominion will get their second skilled man in the post after shutting down Harangody in Udoh and will also have to watch out for sharpshooter LaceDarius Dunn. Old Dominion's key to win is Frank Hassell who notched 15 points and 9 rebounds in the win against Notre Dame. My prediction: Udoh and Dunn are too much, Baylor wins 73-65.
No. 1 Kentucky vs. No. 9 Wake Forest
Kentucky's freshman duo of John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins now must clash with the Demon Deacons' Al-Farouq Aminu and Ishmael Smith, after an easy first round game against East Tennessee State. Wall and Cousins aren't just the two biggest problems for Wake so is underrated Patrick Patterson who had 22 points in the route of the Buccaners. Eric Bledsoe is yet another option for the Wildcats who had 29 points in the win. The Deacons Aminu had 20 points though in the overtime win over Texas. My prediction: Kentucky and Wall roll to the Sweet 16 with a 84-68 win.
No. 7 BYU vs. No. 2 Kansas State
BYU was one of the biggest surprises so far this season and handled Florida in a close first round game. Jimmer Fredette led the Cougars with 37 against the Gators. He'll have to face the Wildcats guard combo of Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen. Both teams lack a force inside so it will come down to whoever shots the ball better. My prediction: BYU and Kansas State go back an forth until Pullen goes on a run and the Wildcats win in a close one 79-75.

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