NCAA Basketball: 2021 Diamond Head Classic preview and predictions
Day 2 predictions
Liberty vs Wyoming – 4:00 PM ET
Liberty and Wyoming both play at a slow tempo, so prepare for a low-scoring game if we do end up getting this matchup. Wyoming has more capable scorers than the Flames, who rely on Darius McGhee to carry a heavy load offensively. Liberty is a slightly better defensive team, although Wyoming is the better three-point defense.
I lean towards the Cowboys for those two reasons—multiple reliable scoring options and a superior three-point defense.
The Pick: Wyoming
Northern Iowa vs Stanford – 6:30 PM ET
Northern Iowa would really, really need this game if they do end up losing to Liberty in the first round. The Panthers were picked to finish third in the Missouri Vally Conference this season and even had some at-large talk with AJ Green’s return. They would risk falling to 2-7 with losses to Liberty and Stanford.
Unfortunately for UNI, that’s exactly how I see this playing out. Stanford is a solid shooting team with intimidating size. I don’t see them losing back-to-back close games to mid-major teams to open this tournament.
The Pick: Stanford
BYU vs Vanderbilt – 10:00 PM ET
Vanderbilt has a star in Scotty Pippen Jr. and the defensive toughness to keep this game close, but BYU is simply the better team at the end of the day.
The Cougars are more experienced and have weathered a difficult schedule so far. Vandy’s defense is respectable, but they will struggle to hold down BYU’s offense enough for their own offense to keep up.
The Pick: BYU
Hawaii vs South Florida – 12:00 AM ET
Hawaii has proven dangerous in their event over the years with an all-time record of 17-16, having won at least one game in all 12 years that the tournament has been played. This is the most winnable game and I like them to get it done.
Neither of these teams can shoot so don’t expect the most entertaining matchup, but if you want to see a Hawaii win on national TV then this will be the game to watch.
The Pick: Hawaii