2015 NCAA Tournament: West Region Day 2 Recap, Day 3 Preview
Day 2 in the West region of the 2015 NCAA Tournament almost seemed boring, as the higher seeds in the two games played advanced on into the third round. This was in contrast to an opening day in the West region that featured the coming out party for the Georgia State Panthers and dazzling display from Ohio State guard D’angelo Russell. Additionally, Day 3 gives three teams a chance to punch their ticket to the Sweet Sixteen.
#1 Wisconsin (32-3, 16-2 Big Ten) vs. #16 Coastal Carolina (24-10, 12-6 Big South)
Frank Kaminsky continued to make his case for POY as he help the Badgers coast by Coastal Carolina (been waiting to use that pun). He did it all for Wisconsin as led all players with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists, which never gave the Chanticleers (amazing name) a chance. If he can continue his form of late there’s no reason Wisconsin won’t find themselves in the Sweet Sixteen after the weekend.
#8 Oregon (26-9, 13-5 Pac-12) vs. #9 Oklahoma State (18-14, 8-10 Big 12)
Speaking of great players in the West region of 2015 NCAA Tournament, James Young was key in Oregon’s win against Oklahoma State on Friday.The Pac-12 player of the year scored 15 of his 27 points in the last four minutes of the 1st half, allowing the Ducks to pull away for good. Young got help from teammates Elgin Cook and Dillon Brooks, who scored 18 and 17 points for the Ducks respectively. Next up is Wisconsin, which beat Oregon in last year’s tournament.
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#2 Arizona (32-3, 16-2 Pac-12) vs. #10 Ohio State (24-10, 11-7 Big Ten)
Two of the nation’s top freshmen guards will face off as Stanley Johnson and D’angelo Russell will go toe to toe for with a spot in the Sweet Sixteen at stake. Additionally, Arizona head coach Sean Miller and Ohio State coach Thad Motta are very familiar with each other from their days at Xavier. But today, the game will be decided by defense and each team’s ability to stop the superstar freshmen, both destined to be NBA lottery picks.
Arizona’s tendency to pack the paint on defense will take away driving lanes for Russell, forcing the Buckeyes to beat the Wildcats from beyond the arc, where they have struggled at times this year. Additionally, Arizona’s length (4 of 5 starters are 6’7+) will give Ohio State fits on the glass. Russell may be the best player on the floor in Portland, but Arizona and Johnson will come away with the victory as the more complete team.
#6 Xavier (22-13, 9-9 Big East) vs. #14 Georgia State (25-9, 15-5 Sun Belt)
The Georgia State Panthers have undoubtedly been the feel-good story of the 2015 NCAA tournament thus far. Between head coach Ron Hunter’s injury and passion and his son R.J.’s go-ahead three-pointer, Georgia State has captured the attention off all the nation’s fanbases. But today comes down to basketball and the Xavier Musketeers are a formidable opponent, a team that has made it to the Sweet Sixteen twice in the past four years.
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In order to keep the Cinderella story alive, Georgia State must continue to have the elite guard play they have had from R.J. Hunter and Kevin Ware. The addition of second-leading scorer Ryan Harrow today could also be a boost, who has been hampered by a hamstring injury. Xavier relies on balanced scoring and rebounding and move the ball well, ranking 9th in the nation in assists. But if Georgia State can keep their emotions in check, the Panthers have the talent and defense to pull off another upset.
#4 UNC (25-11, 11-7 ACC) vs. #5 Arkansas (27-8, 13-5 SEC)
UNC and Arkansas both narrowly escaped upsets on Thursday to advance. The Tar Heels, after holding a 16-point lead, consistently turned the ball over to all Harvard to claw all the way back. The Arkansas Razorbacks will be a tough match-up for the Tar Heels, as their full court press frustrates opponents and causes turnovers (7th in turnover margin). UNC, who has struggled to control the ball in the past two games, will need to limit its turnovers to have a chance against Arkansas.
Talent-wise, UNC will have the advantage everywhere except at forward, where SEC Player of the Year Bobby Portis will be a handful for UNC forwards Brice Johnson and Kennedy Meeks. But UNC’s transition offense will be difficult for Arkansas underperforming guard unit to keep up with. This game will likely come down to the wire, but my heart likes the veteran Marcus Paige pulling through for UNC one more time.