FISLL’s March Madness Sweet 16 Preview and Picks, Part 2
FISLL’s March Madness Sweet 16 Preview and Picks, Part 2
By Joshua Heron (student at Howard University)
Reading Time 3 mins
Alabama (1) vs. San Diego State (5): Aztecs Finally Face Trouble
The San Diego State Aztecs are having a successful season with 29 wins thus far. They defeated 12-seed Charleston and 13-seeded Furman in the tournament's first two rounds. They now face their biggest challenge, and the road to 30 wins becomes hazy. Despite their defense ranking 24th in scoring defense, they will have to slow down Alabama on two fronts. Alabama ranks 25th in the nation in fast break points and ninth in three-pointers made per game. Also, they are second in field goal percentage defense. Their opponents shoot just over 37 percent on the floor. Freshman forward Brandon Miller and his teammates will cruise into the Elite 8.
FISLL’s Prediction: Alabama 75 vs. San Diego State 61
Where & When To Watch: Friday, March 24, at 6:30 p.m. EST on TBS?
Houston (1) vs. Miami (5): Battle of the Boards
The Final Four will take place in Houston, Texas. Houston will either return home with home-court advantage in the national championship game or return to campus downcast. Miami determines this. Four of their starting five average over 12 points this season. All firepower is required to defeat Houston. Houston star guard Marcus Sasser is dealing with a groin injury but put up 22 points in 31 minutes, which should strike fear in the Hurricanes’ fans. However, interior determination determines the game despite the epic guard masterpiece bound to be displayed in this one. Miami forward Norchad Omier ranks tenth in the nation in rebounds, averaging 10 a contest. He has 31 through the first two games in the NCAA tournament. Houston ranks top 15 in offensive rebounds per game. Will the Cougars pounce on the boards, or will the Hurricanes crash the boards? Either way, this will be a good one.
FISLL’s Prediction: Miami 73 vs. Houston 71
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Where & When To Watch: Friday, March 24, at 7:15 p.m. EST on CBS
Creighton (6) vs. Princeton (15): New Jersey is Cinderella’s New Home
Creighton enters this one with a massive victory over third-seed Baylor in the round of 32. Ryan Nembhard, brother of Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, dropped 30 on an efficient 8-for-13 from the field and 66 percent from three. Furthermore, according to ESPN, they are ranked among the best in the nation in adjusted offense and defensive efficiency. However, however, however, if there is a team that isn't a stranger to upsets. Lady year, St. Peters became the first 15-seed squad to go to the Elite 8, and Princeton beholds the grit to do the same. Opponents ranking doesn't matter between the lines; it's about who wants the win. Princeton guard Blake Peters dropped 17 off the bench to complement guard Ryan Langborg's 22 points in their 78-63 upset victory over Missouri. The Tigers need starters and bench players to play well to win. It won't be easy, but Princeton is aggressive, tallying more offensive rebounds than their two tournament matchups this year. Princeton is the eleventh-best rebounding margin team in the country. Cinderella continues to make a humble abode in New Jersey.?
FISLL’s Prediction: Princeton 69 vs. Creighton 68
Where & When To Watch: Friday, March 24, at 9 p.m. EST on TBS
Texas (2) vs. Xavier (3): A Final Four Matchup Gifted Early??
Rodney Terry became the Texas Longhorns interim head coach in January following the release of Chris Beard. Two months later, he had his side in the Sweet 16 as a two-seed with the opportunity to coach Texas to the Elite Eight for the eighth time in program history. Texas is top-30 in assist-to-turnover ratio, top-20 in assists per game, and top-15 in bench points per game. If one is into offense, this is their game. Xavier ranks fifth in three-point percentage, top-20 in effective field goal percentage, and sixth in field goal percentage, shooting just shy of 50 percent as a team. The caveat is defense. Texas is the better defensive team.
FISLL’s Prediction: Texas 85 vs. Xavier 77
Where & When To Watch: Friday, March 24, at 9:45 p.m. EST on CBS