March 18, 2006
We wrap up the second round and complete the Sweet 16 field on Sunday. The tournament has already had so many exciting moments, close calls, upset city!
Here are the games that really intrigue me to conclude the weekend.
CONNECTICUT VS. KENTUCKY
Jim Calhoun's Huskies survived a scare against Albany Friday night, rallying from a 50-38 deficit to advance. I really feel Connecticut will be more motivated when it sees the letters KENTUCKY on the front of the opponent's jersey. Marcus Williams really came through in the second half against Albany. Rudy Gay has to step it up and provide more offense.
This is the kind of game that could make Kentucky's season. Tubby Smith's team got past UAB Friday night, but it has not been a vintage Wildcats campaign. When all is said and done, I think Calhoun's team has too many offensive weapons and will get to the winner's circle, moving on to the Sweet 16.
VILLANOVA VS. ARIZONA
It's a battle of Wildcats and I feel Arizona as the underdog will play at a great level, Just look at the way Lute Olson's team came out against Wisconsin, running out to a 33-11 lead. Olson's team seems to play well in that underdog role, so this is a tough game for Jay Wright's squad.
There is some pressure playing at home before your fans. Then again, it will serve as an advantage with Randy Foye and a healthy Allan Ray leading 'Nova to a close win. I see this as an intense battle and not a cakewalk.
MEMPHIS VS. BUCKNELL
If you had told John Calipari before the season that he would have to beat Oral Roberts and Bucknell to make the Sweet 16, do you think he would have booked it? I know Calipari will motivate his team by showing the tape of Bucknell's upset over Kansas in the tournament a year ago.
Memphis has great athletes in Rodney Carney, Shawne Williams and company. That will be a factor here. Bucknell's veterans can play as well -- as Arkansas about Charles Lee and Kevin Bettencourt. Pat Flannery is one of the best unsung coaches in America but people are learning about him, my friends. I see Memphis coming away with the W.
GEORGETOWN VS. OHIO STATE
It's the Big Ten vs. the Big East and this should be a physical one. Georgetown got an important win by beating Northern Iowa in a contest that featured a slower tempo, not the style employed by the Hoyas. John Thompson III has done a great job but he needs more productivity from Jeff Green and Brandon Bowman, who combined for eight points against Northern Iowa. Roy Hibbert has really improved in the middle.
Ohio State needs better perimeter shooting than it got against Davidson. Terence Dials is a force inside, a glasseater who can score in the paint. Georgetown has some big bodies to offset him. This has the potential to go down to the wire.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
