2015 NCAA Tournament: South Region Thursday Preview
Though the top two seeds in the South region will remain out of action Thursday, some of the more likely Cinderellas will be in action on the first full night of the 2015 NCAA tournament. The success of many brackets may hinge upon the 4/13 and 5/12 match-ups of the South regions involving an underdog (Stephen F. Austin) who has been there and done that, and another power team (Georgetown) who has all too often been on the wrong side of such upsets.
Beyond that, Larry Brown and SMU return to the Big Dance after a long absence, and Fred Hoiberg and the Iowa State Cyclones target their first Final Four in school history.
KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, KY
12:40 PM ET, (3) Iowa State vs. (14) UAB
In the last twenty years, Iowa State has come “oh so close” to the Final Four only to fall just short. An Elite Eight finish in 2000, capped with their classic upset to 15-seed Hampton in 2001 suggests that the Cyclones have always coupled tournament success with subsequent disappointment. This was the way with Larry Eustachy and Marcus Fizer – but is it the way with Fred Hoiberg and Georges Niang?
Iowa State has rolled through the Big 12 Tournament unlike last year. They appear poised for a run through the South Region in hopes of finally breaking through to the Final Four. After winning the C-USA tournament in their hometown, UAB is hoping to reach Mike Anderson-era heights. Unfortunately, the Taylor twins are not walking through that door- expect Hilton Magic to reign in Louisville.
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Prediction: Iowa State 67, UAB 52
3:10 PM ET, (6) SMU vs. (11) UCLA
The most controversial at-large placement finally has a chance to prove their worth. Unfortunately for Steve Alford’s Bruins, SMU is athletic, solid across the stat sheet, and ready to compete after last year’s tourney snub led to a NIT runner-up finish. Larry Brown’s squad will be representing the American Athletic Conference with as much of a chip on their shoulder as the Bruins, whose presence in the tournament has of course been highly criticized (cough, cough, Gottlieb).
If Kevon Looney can turn it on though, the Mustangs could be in trouble. AAC player of the year Nic Moore and company are balanced, but they like to turn the ball over. If the Mustangs can rebound and get points in transition without handing it to the Brians too much themselves, they could overwhelm UCLA. SMU’s meteoric rise to the tourney is indicative of how their coach harnessed the surprising talent on the Mustangs’ roster- they will undoubtedly be ready for this big moment.
Prediction: SMU 68, UCLA 61
Moda Center, Portland, OR
7:27 PM ET, (5) Utah vs. (12) Stephen F. Austin
Though Stephen F. Austin is quite the sexy 12-over-5 pick this year, Utah is a tough team on which to pull of the upset. Though the Utes have struggled down the stretch, the NCAA Tournament is built for a guard like Delon Wright to take over. Sage-burning coach Larry Krystowiak has prepared the Utes for a tough run, though they are presented with the toughest 5-12 challenge with the Lumberjacks. Though SFA’s defense is sub-par, Utah will need to channel their mid-season success.
Both teams will be a long way from home and have much to prove in the tournament. SFA does not want to rest upon the laurels of their second round upset of VCU last year. Utah’s scoring at guard will present a tough challenge, but Brad Underwood’s squad is absolutely dangerous. If there is a 5-12 game to watch closely, this one is unequivocally the one.
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Prediction: Stephen F. Austin 59, Utah 54
9:57 PM ET, (4) Georgetown vs. (13) Eastern Washington
Both of these teams have an identity they take into the tournament. Georgetown have been the choke artists of the Big Dance in the last five years and Eastern Washington, well, are the team that beat Indiana at home in November and boast one of the nation’s highest scorers in Tyler Harvey. This will be the typical 4-13 scrap between two styles that appear quite different. Typically, the Eagles will want to be up-and-d0wn, while the Hoyas will want to remain deliberate.
However, Georgetown boasts some offensive weapons this year. Though John Thompson III is a disciple of the Princeton offense, D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera and Joshua Smith can realty score. The Hoyes are not the Hoyes of the past few years, and should wear a chip on their shoulder for their past flameouts. Though Eastern Washington is also a sexy pick, it would be difficult to count out this offensively capable Georgetown squad.
Prediction: Georgetown 60, Eastern Washington 55