Midwest Regional preview
Indianapolis has been the setting for a number of Final Fours. This week, it hosts the Midwest Regional semifinals and finals, and there should be excitement galore. Let's look at the two matchups:
LOUISVILLE (1) VS. ARIZONA (12)
The Wildcats are the lowest seeded team left in the field. Arizona has a talented trio in Chase Budinger, Nic Wise and Jordan Hill and I believe all three will be in the pros eventually. It is hard to believe this team lost five of its last six games prior to the Big Dance, struggled on the road all season, lost 13 games overall and finished .500 in the Pac-10. This was not a vintage year in the conference, and many experts questioned whether this team had a résumé worthy of making the field of 65. I was among those who believed that St. Mary's was a better choice and despite Arizona's success I stand by that.
I also said that this was a dangerous team and I picked them to win their first two games; go back and look at my picks on this Web site! Knowing they got to the tournament, they were capable of advancing against Utah and Cleveland State, which the Wildcats did. Now comes a tougher task against Rick Pitino and Louisville.
When you have three pro players like Budinger, Wise and Hill in your lineup, you are a threat against anybody. I feel Arizona has underachieved all season long, but this is a good time to make up for it.
Interim coach Russ Pennell was in a tough situation, taking over for Hall of Famer Lute Olson. Can he be the next Steve Fisher, taking his team to a Final Four?
Now the Wildcats meet that vaunted pressure defense of the Cardinals. An underrated Siena did a good job of avoiding turnovers against Louisville's defense, but Terrence Williams led the Cardinals to the victory.
Survive and advance, baby!
Pitino needs Earl Clark and Samardo Samuels to step up against Hill inside. Williams, Clark and Samuels are all shooting over 50 percent in the tournament. Louisville needs to rotate its guards on Wise, who totaled 50 points in the first two games of the tournament. Andre McGee is an intense leader of the Cardinals' defensive pressure.
One thing that has to concern Pitino is turnovers. Louisville turned it over 36 times in its first two games.
When it is all said and done, Williams will not allow Louisville to lose. Arizona is a very good basketball team that is much better than its record indicates.
MICHIGAN STATE (2) VS. KANSAS (3)
Two guys who already have championship rings will square off on the sidelines. Bill Self versus Tom Izzo ... wow!
These teams played earlier in the season and the Spartans prevailed 75-62, behind Kalin Lucas' 22 points. Kansas got 25 points from Sherron Collins in the loss.
This is a different Jayhawks team now. Think about what Cole Aldrich did in posting a triple-double against Dayton in round two -- 10 blocks and 20 rebounds to go with his 13 points.
Collins is playing like a superstar and this team has responded despite losing six key players from last year's national championship team. Self has to be a bit concerned about his team's 3-point shooting in the tournament. The Jayhawks hit just 25 percent in wins over North Dakota State and Dayton.
Something tells me Izzo's kids are on an incredible mission to reach Ford Field for the Final Four. I don't believe the Spartans will be stopped here. It seems like a different player steps up every time out. A lot of people can hurt you, and it was a surprise when Travis Walton came through with 18 big points against USC.
Michigan State's perimeter defense gave up one trifecta against the Trojans (one-for-10).
The Spartans have the quickness of Lucas, who has totaled 23 points in the first two games. Raymar Morgan and Goran Suton are capable of coming through. Guys like Durrell Summers, Chris Allen and Draymond Green are capable of doing damage. Green hit 8-of-10 shots in the first two games.
Izzo's team defends and rebounds well. Their toughness will put them in the next round.
