NCAA Basketball: 2018 2k Classic preview and predictions

Tournament predictions

First Round – November 15th

Syracuse vs UConn – 7:00 pm 

Syracuse is the favorite in this game and really shouldn’t have much trouble. UConn is rebuilding and Syracuse is more on the lines of reloading. The zone will be tough for the Huskies to score on and Syracuse will control this game throughout. Look for the Orange win by at least ten.

Winner – Syracuse

Oregon vs Iowa – 9:00 pm

Iowa is going to score, but can they stop Oregon. If they can control Bol down low they have a shot, but unfortunately, they do not match up well inside. Iowa is better this year, but Oregon is just too good for them right now. Maybe later in the year, Iowa could beat them but not yet. This might be closer than people think but the Ducks pull it out.

Winner – Oregon

Consolation Game – November 16th

UConn vs Iowa – 4:30 pm

While neither team will be expected to win their first game, this presents an opportunity for each team to at least leave New York feeling good. Iowa and UConn both look improved this year but Iowa’s experience should be too much for the Huskies to match. This could be a very high scoring game, but the Hawkeyes pull away late to win and claim third place

Winner – Iowa

Championship Game

Syracuse vs Oregon – 6:30 pm

This should be a fun game of two different styles. The Orange like to sit in a zone and control the tempo, while the Ducks like to get up and go. The Ducks do have the size and players to work around the zone, but it can still be frustrating.

The Orange will play well enough to stay close throughout. Bol, though, gets his fourth straight double-double and the Ducks leave New York with a championship in a great game.

Champion – Oregon