College Basketball: How to bring back BracketBusters in the non-conference

Finals Matchup

Saint Mary’s (WCC) – Nevada (MWC)

This championship final would also be a rematch of last season, where SMU’s Landale had his coming out party, scoring 33 points and shooting an incredible 15-for-20 from the field. Nevada may not be able to guard Landale, but would counter with an impressive amount of athletic wings that would look to overwhelm the Gaels.

Last season, the Gaels’ main weakness was against teams that not only could deal with the slow pace, but were simply more athletic. The Wolf Pack would have the athletic advantage in this battle and would look to play small ball to speed the game up. SMU’s game plan would be clear as day: play slow and use a ton of ball screens to create as many mismatches as possible. So who wins this one?

When contrasting teams battle, the advantage will go to whoever sets the tempo. That will tend to come from the more experienced team, something both teams have.

The biggest factor, though, will be that the biggest player the Wolf Pack has on their roster is 6’8″, a point that head coach Randy Bennett would exploit repeatedly. In a repeat of last year, Jock Landale would have a big performance to elevate him in the National Player of the Year discussion.

Saint Mary’s wins the hypothetical title.