Good stuff Matt. I'm really getting excited about the tournament. After losing to Colorado and Utah, I must admit I didn't think we had a chance to win a single game in the tournament. Boy things have changed.
Good one Matt.........i have clashed with you before on CFB but I have always said you are a top mind in NCAA Basketball.....that hasn't changed....bring more
It's all about PG play, which in this game is going to be tough to go in the Ducks favor. The tourney usually isn't very kind to Frosh PG's, so conventional wisdom would say that Artis is going to have a rough go of it. But, he is going to be playing in the Bay in front of family and friends so I will be surprised if he doesn't play one of his best games of the season.
I agree with Matt that 3 pt shooting will be big in the tourney, it always is. But, I think that the big men have to play well early and force Okie St to pack the box more than they would like, which will open things up on the outside. IMO it will be critical for Kazemi to get off to a good start. His post game is so much better than either Woods or Austin and him getting off to a big start will energize him for the entire game. I also think he has to be a leader on the court, as from my POV Oregon is at their best when he is in this role. We also just gotta pray that Woods comes to play and we see the guy who gets up and down the court and hits his baby hooks and not the guy who falls down every other possession and only makes 7 of 17 from 3 ft and in.
The biggest thing IMO is them playing defense like they did from the 2nd half of the UW game on. If they can do that they have a shot to be in ANY game. I feel it will be critical for them to create some offense early off of the defense whether that's steals, blocks whatever. Some high energy plays early in the game like some dunks, alley oops or big blocks would help tremendously
The 12 seed was a blessing in disguise. Now they dont have the added pressure of being on upset alert. They pretty much get a home game. Aaron Gordans back yard. Im sure smart will get his, but the support around him I dont think will. Maybe they should just go box and 1and have dot stuck on smart no matter where he is.
Thanks Matt, great breakdown. Play loose yet attentive. And good points from all.
I would add the obvious, that Defense is key to raising the energy and sparking the Offense and fast break opportunities. That and taking care of the ball. Solid, sure dribbling, passing and and finishing at the rim (meaning get it cleanly in the hole). I would love to know what TO rank Ducks would have in the last half or third of the season, because it did improve. Go Ducks, Win The Play, Win The Day.
Keys to Oregon vs Oklahoma State