FISLL’s Elite 8 Preview and Picks, Part 2
FISLL’s Elite 8 Preview and Picks, Part 2?
By Joshua Heron (student at Howard University)
San Diego State (5) vs. Creighton (6): And They Meet Again
Creighton defeated San Diego State 72-69 in the first round of last year's tournament. Six Aztec players from last year's game are suiting up in the Elite Eight. Creighton is a better offensive team this year. According to teamrankings.com, their three starting guards average 12 points per contest on over 42 percent from the field. Center Ryan Kalkbrenner averages 15.9 points with a 70.8 field goal percentage.?
As for San Diego State, their defensive tenacity resembled last season. Last year, they ranked second in opponent floor percentage. This year they ranked eleventh. Their defense will be a huge factor against a Creighton team that averages 77 points per contest. With questions surrounding their matchup difficulty heading into the Sweet 16, the Aztecs placed all doubts to bed when they defeated one-seed Alabama 71-64. They stifled Freshman Player of the Year Brandon Miller, holding him to 3-for-19 from the field and 1-of-10 from three. The Aztecs' defense prevents the Creighton Bluejays from soaring into the Final Four.
FISLL’s Prediction: San Diego State 75 vs. Creighton 68
Where & When To Watch: Sunday, March 26, at 2:20 p.m. EST on CBS
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Texas (2) vs. Miami (5): Beware of Pack-Man
Miami guard Nijel Pack sent one-seed Houston packing in the Sweet 16, nailing seven triples and finishing the game with 26 points in an 89-75 Miami victory. Houston's stellar defensive squad could not find an answer for a Miami team that shot 51.7 percent from the field. Houston ranked first in field goal percentage defense, possessed the second-best scoring defense, was top-20 in blocks, and had the second-best winning percentage in the nation behind Final Four representatives Florida Atlantic.?
Texas does not have the best defense, allowing opponents to shoot 42 percent from the field and surrendering just over 67 points per game. Miami is a top-25 scoring offense team.?
But never count out Rodney Terry and his boys. They defeated an excellent Xavier team to get here. Led by outstanding guards Marcus Carr and Tyrese Hunter, the Longhorns will attempt to book their program's fourth Final Four appearance.?
Texas last made the Elite Eight in 2008 and triumphed over Miami 75-72 in the Round of 32 to get there. That was the most recent matchup between the two before Sunday's game. A lot has changed since 2008, and the outcome from 15 years ago will also change.
FISLL’s Prediction: Miami 81 vs. Texas 66
Where & When To Watch: Sunday, March 26, at 5:05 p.m. EST on CBS