NCAA Basketball: 2018 Hall of Fame Classic preview and predictions

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 10: Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats drives to the basket against Nick Rakocevic #31 of the USC Trojans during the championship game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats won 75-61. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Favorites to win the Classic

As the bracketed portion of this tournament gets underway on Monday night two teams enter as the favorites. Those two teams have the roster and the overall talent where they should be able to overwhelm the other two teams they play in this tournament. Those two teams who should be considered the favorites are Nebraska and USC.

The Trojans are going to beat teams with their height and skill at the guard positions. Nebraska spreads teams out, plays smothering defense and can shoot the ball well. The Huskers also like to get to the rim and players like Palmer Jr. are elite at getting fouled. USC should be able to exploit every team in this field on the glass. Rakocevic is averaging 15 rebounds a game through three games.

Missouri State may be considered a sleeper by some because they do have the ability to turn games into a shootout if they make some shots early. So far, their early competition has not been great, but the Bears did not draw a favorable matchup in their first game of the tournament. Missouri State does have the ability to beat either USC or Texas Tech if faced up against them in the bracket. As mentioned earlier new Coach Ford plays a defensive style that can create a lot of confusion for teams because there are so many different looks he throws at you.

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