Tonight the guards of Texas take on the size of the Cardinal. These teams got here using distinctly different styles; something will have to give tonight. Some people suggest that guard play is the most important dynamic when trying to advance in March. Others suggest that you need the big men inside to carry you to the final four. Tonight we’ll find out.
The Longhorns have had an easier time reaching the sweet 16 than their final against Miami may suggest. On the back of 13 made threes, Texas blew open a 16 point second half lead before the Canes made a late comeback. The boys from Austin are led by pointguard D.J. Augustine who is as impressive a floor general as we have in the college game. D.J. averaged over 19 points per game during the regular season and recorded a 2:1 assists to turnover ratio. Texas is not often dominated on the boards, but 6-7 Damnion James will have to work hard to get position on the Lopez brothers from Stanford.
Stanford will be focused on defending the three tonight. A.J. Abrams got off against Miami, but he isn’t likely to see nearly as many good looks tonight. Abrams was the beneficiary of a lot of drive and kick opportunities, but the Cardinal won’t drop off him to help against the drive. The Trees will encourage drives towards the twins and play denial on the Longhorn sharp shooter. If Texas isn’t hitting, they will have to crash the glass hard if they hope to get many second chance opportunities against one of the best rebounding teams in the nation.
This game will be played in Texas which is a huge advantage for the favorites tonight. Stanford was only eight and five on the road this year and this venue figures to resemble that of a road trip. Stanford is one of the worst teams in the country at creating turnovers and they struggle to score in bunches when they get down. Stanford is known for their rebounding and defense, but Texas is not bad on the glass and just as good defensively. Texas advances to see the winner of Memphis/Michigan State.
My Play: Texas -2 (-105)
The Longhorns have had an easier time reaching the sweet 16 than their final against Miami may suggest. On the back of 13 made threes, Texas blew open a 16 point second half lead before the Canes made a late comeback. The boys from Austin are led by pointguard D.J. Augustine who is as impressive a floor general as we have in the college game. D.J. averaged over 19 points per game during the regular season and recorded a 2:1 assists to turnover ratio. Texas is not often dominated on the boards, but 6-7 Damnion James will have to work hard to get position on the Lopez brothers from Stanford.
Stanford will be focused on defending the three tonight. A.J. Abrams got off against Miami, but he isn’t likely to see nearly as many good looks tonight. Abrams was the beneficiary of a lot of drive and kick opportunities, but the Cardinal won’t drop off him to help against the drive. The Trees will encourage drives towards the twins and play denial on the Longhorn sharp shooter. If Texas isn’t hitting, they will have to crash the glass hard if they hope to get many second chance opportunities against one of the best rebounding teams in the nation.
This game will be played in Texas which is a huge advantage for the favorites tonight. Stanford was only eight and five on the road this year and this venue figures to resemble that of a road trip. Stanford is one of the worst teams in the country at creating turnovers and they struggle to score in bunches when they get down. Stanford is known for their rebounding and defense, but Texas is not bad on the glass and just as good defensively. Texas advances to see the winner of Memphis/Michigan State.
My Play: Texas -2 (-105)