2014 NCAA Tournament West Region Elite Eight Game Breakdown
For many, the West Region is where their bracket doesn’t look too bad. It was the only region that included the #1 and #2 seed in the Sweet Sixteen. Both Arizona and Wisconsin held form and advanced to the Elite Eight. The Wildcats had to come from behind against San Diego State to win 70-64 on Thursday night. Nick Johnson ended up with 15 points despite a tough first half and a miserable overall shooting night. But he was clutch when it mattered most. Aaron Gordon and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson also scored 15 for Arizona. The Badgers had an easier time in Anaheim, shutting down the potentially potent Baylor offense. The Bears had just 16 points at halftime and they never really looked like they could create any serious attempt at a comeback.
With a trip to the Final Four on the line, both of these defenses are going to be extremely tough. Arizona ranks in the top ten in points allowed and field-goal percentage defense. They can give Wisconsin a test of their own medicine more than most teams. Kaleb Tarczewski was limited due to foul trouble against San Diego State, but the big man is a capable interior scorer and a great shot blocker. With Gordon by his side, Wisconsin will not have many easy buckets in the paint. Getting more consistent shooting from Johnson will be very important. He is not just a shooter and still had a very good game against the Aztecs despite going 2-of-12 from the floor, but hitting those few open looks the Badgers will give him would be huge. Of course the Badgers have plenty of shooting options too and if the big guys struggle scoring with Tarczewski and Gordon in their face, players like Ben Brust and Sam Dekker will need to knock down a few long balls to open up space.
