Tag: Sweet 16

#4 Badgers (26-9) vs #1 Orange (33-2)

There seems to be no real compelling storyline for the Wisconsin Badgers right now.  All they have done to this point is what they are supposed to: crushing a small conference foe and playing a competitive game against Vanderbilt.   

Sweet 16
#4 Wisconsin Badgers (26-9) vs #1 Syracuse Orange (33-2)
Thursday March 22
East Region – Boston, MA
7:15PM
Moneyline:  No money line currently listed
Spread:  120.5
O/U:  Syracuse -3.5

Matchup | Preview

Wisconsin

In my mind this is a very dangerous team because they very rarely beat themselves.  The Orange are no slouches but if they can win they might face off with Ohio State in the Elite Eight.

That would be fun.

With the focus on Kendall Marshall’s wrist injury many are forgetting the best point guard around might just play for the Badgers.  He doesn’t have the gaudy assist number, and is forced to lead the team in scoring, but there are none in the college game better at controlling a game than Jordan Taylor.

It will be interesting to see how Wisconsin attacks that zone, especially with their bigs, who shoot the ball so well from the outside.

Syracuse

Well no Fab Melo – no problem…so far.  They had one close game and one, not the only problem was they came in the reverse order with UNC Asheville giving the Orange a serious scare from #16 seed line.  Against a shorthanded Kansas State squad they had a much easier time.  [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Over the two games no single player has stood out.

A great show of depth but usually teams have that one player that steps forward this time of year.

When you play Syracuse you know what you are going to get.

I think this might be a game where they might want to force tempo a little more and be more aggressive offensively and defensively.  They have a huge advantage in terms of depth even with Melo out.

Looking forward to getting a nice look at guard Dion Waiters on the grand stage.

He has quietly become their best player.

Spread Pick:  Wisconsin +3.5
O/U Pick:  Over
Score Prediction:  Syracuse 69 – Wisconsin 67

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