Click here for Jon Teitel’s interview with former UConn Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo
While we at HoopsHD focus slightly more on Under-The-Radar programs than we do on the main programs, there is a palpable buzz as the long wait for the Final Four is about complete. Many of the teams arrived as early as Wednesday, and although there is a “public” practice that took place on Friday afternoon in NRG Stadium, many of the practices will be in scattered areas throughout Houston in a quieter environment within the control of each team’s respective coaching staff. But as of 6 PM Eastern Daylight Time tonight, the waiting ends and the countdown to the final Monday night begins.
(2) VILLANOVA VS. (2) OKLAHOMA (6:09, TBS, TNT/TruTV for team broadcasts) – This was the expected result for Villanova last year, but better late than never, right? After running roughshod through UNC-Asheville, Iowa and Miami in the first 3 rounds of the NCAA Tournament, they had to slay the king of the dragons in Kansas to punch their ticket to Houston. And they did that without the exemplary shooting that they had in the first 3 rounds of the tournament as well. Oklahoma’s toughest games actually came in Oklahoma City against Cal State-Bakersfield and VCU; they were firmly in control in the West Regional rounds against Texas A&M and top-seeded Oregon. Just like his counterpart Jay Wright, this is Lon Kruger’s 2nd trip to the Final Four (his first visit was in 1994 with Florida). Oklahoma is likely favored to win this one, but unlike 1988, they will not have to play any de facto road games against any of the remaining Final Four teams.
(1) NORTH CAROLINA VS. (10) SYRACUSE (8:49, TBS, TNT/TruTV for team broadcasts) – While this game is a nightmare for NCAA moralists, there is an aura of Cinderella involved for Syracuse this year. While some people have questioned their inclusion into the NCAA Tournament from a merit-based standpoint (which I do not agree with at all), they have left little doubt that their legendary 2-3 zone (and occasional full-court press) will continue to give teams fits as long as Jim Boeheim mans the controls for Syracuse. While North Carolina won both meetings this season, the meeting in Chapel Hill was much more contested and with a Syracuse team that has been able to hash out their team roles. North Carolina has made all 4 of their NCAA Tournament opponents (Florida Gulf Coast, Providence, Indiana and Notre Dame) tap out because of their defense, especially in the 2nd half of each of their respective games. Still, it would not surprise me to see Syracuse pull one more rabbit out of their hat tonight.
CBI Recap
Last night marked the end of the under-the-radar portion of the postseason schedule last night – even then, 40 minutes of regulation wasn’t enough to decide a winner between Morehead State and Nevada. But because of Tyron Criswell’s 21 points and 11 rebounds, Nevada was able to eventually pull away with an 85-82 victory in overtime. Morehead did make it interesting in the end – Xavier Moon threw up a halfcourt prayer that narrowly missed the mark. With this game now in the books, HoopsHD salutes all postseason winners – GW (NIT), Nevada (CBI), Columbia (CIT) and Old Dominion (Vegas 16).