South Region Round of 64 Game Breakdowns
#1 Virginia vs. #16 Gardner-Webb
After last season nobody is going to take for granted that a #1 seed will win in the first round. Unfortunately for Gardner-Webb, Virginia knows that better than anybody. The Cavaliers are going to be ready for this game and players like Kyle Guy, De’Andre Hunter and Ty Jerome should be able to do enough to easily get past Gardner-Webb. However, the Cavaliers have been committing a few too many turnovers at times this year and the Runnin’ Bulldogs need to take advantage of it.
#8 Mississippi vs. #9 Oklahoma
Mississippi is in the midst of a tough stretch right now. They have lost four of their last five games and five of their last seven. But this is a decent offense that has potent scorers in Breein Tyree and Terence Davis. Oklahoma has been inconsistent too. The Sooners have proven that they can beat anybody, but can also lose to just about anybody. Oklahoma has a dynamic frontcourt with Kristian Doolittle and Brady Manek and their offensive prowess could keep Mississippi off balance.
If you like low scoring games, this one is for you. This one will be all about defense. Both teams have some scorers though. Oregon’s Payton Pritchard has been playing well lately and he has the ability to take over a game. The Ducks have lots of other potential scoring threats with Louis King and Paul White leading the way. Wisconsin will have to rely more heavily on Ethan Happ. The senior forward averages 17.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 blocks.
#4 Kansas State vs. #13 UC Irvine
The defensive contests continue when Kansas State takes on UC Irvine. The Wildcats allow just 59.1 points per game and the Anteaters allow 63.8. This will be a tight, low scoring game and it could come down to who can make their shots. By the numbers, that benefits UC Irvine and their backcourt duo of Max Hazzard and Evan Leonard. However, Kansas State has Barry Brown, Kamu Stokes and Xavier Sneed who have proven that they can all have big games.
#6 Villanova vs. #11 Saint Mary's
Villanova does not have too much depth this year, but their starting five is very impressive. Phil Booth and Eric Paschall form a superb inside-outside duo. St. Mary’s has a potent duo of their own with Jordan Ford and Malik Fitts. If the Gaels can play tough defense like they did against Gonzaga, they can beat a team like Villanova.
#3 Purdue vs. #14 Old Dominion
Early on this season Purdue was a one man team. They relied heavily on Carsen Edwards. When the Boilermakers lost 72-68 to Texas, Edwards scored 40 points. Players like Ryan Cline and Nojel Eastern have had their moments and there are a bevy of other players who can step up and have solid games. Purdue will need a few players to join Edwards in the scoring department against the stingy Old Dominion Monarchs.
#7 Cincinnati vs. #10 Iowa
Cincinnati should be slightly upset that they are a #7 seed. The Bearcats went 28-6 on the season and won the American Athletic Conference tournament. With their tough defense though, Cincinnati can beat anybody and will hope to get things rolling against Iowa. For the Hawkeyes, they will want to feed big men Tyler Cook and Luke Garza and attempt to crack the Cincinnati defense by working through the paint.
Tennessee is coming off a tough loss to Auburn in the SEC tournament final. The Volunteers should be able to get some momentum back against Colgate though. Grant Williams is a dynamic forward who cause trouble for Colgate’s frontcourt. However, Colgate does have a lot of talent and size in the paint. Rapolas Ivanauskas averages 16.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, while Will Rayman adds 13.1 points and 6.5 rebounds. Dana Batt is the more traditional big man and the Raiders certainly have plenty of options in the frontcourt to attempt to slow down Williams.
