NCAA Basketball: 2023 Rady Children’s Invitational preview, predictions
Oklahoma vs. Iowa
An interesting matchup, nonetheless, given that both teams are averaging over 88 points per game in their first four contests. Although Oklahoma’s numbers tend to be a bit inflated due to the lack of competition, I do think this year’s Sooners squad is much more improved from an offensive standpoint alongside a physical standpoint as well. Despite this, Iowa’s offense and ability to take care of the basketball will prove to be problematic for a Sooner squad that is facing their first power-five opponent of the year. The Hawkeyes have a slight advantage here, but it should certainly be a close one.
Prediction: Iowa 79, Oklahoma 77
USC vs. Seton Hall
A healthy, battle-tested Trojan squad matches up well against a Seton Hall team that has yet to be tested. The trio of Johnson, Collier and Ellis could prove to be too much, although the Trojans will need to find an answer for Kadary Richmond both offensively and defensively. BartTorvik gives the Trojans a 69% chance to win this game — and I like the odds for the Trojans to leave victorious.
Prediction: USC 75, Seton Hall 66
Consolation: Seton Hall vs. Oklahoma
Seton Hall’s Kadary Richmond, Dre Davis and Al-Amir Daves facing off against Oklahoma’s Milos Uzan, Javion McCollum and Otega Oweh will be an interesting matchup to follow, but the difference maker could be Pitt transfer John Hugley IV, who has been a major bright spot for the Sooners averaging 11.8 PPG and 6.0 RPG in just 18 minutes per contest. Given Oklahoma’s improved physicality and athleticism, I like the Sooners to pull out the hard-fought victory.
Prediction: Oklahoma 76, Seton Hall, 71
Championship: USC vs. Iowa
Although Iowa’s trio of Tony Perkins, Payton Sandfort and Patrick McCaffery match up well against Kobe Johnson, Isaiah Collier and Boogie Ellis, the Hawkeyes simply do not have the defensive presence to limit USC’s impact on the offensive side of the floor, which will ultimately hurt this team’s ceiling all season long. Expect a strong scoring effort from both Boogie Ellis and Isaiah Collier while USC works to utilize a much more balanced attack. If fully healthy, the Trojans should be able to win this one despite a fight from the Hawkeyes.
Next. 10 teams with most to prove during 2023 Feast Week. dark
Prediction: USC 83, Iowa 76