How Sweet It Is (Friday Edition)

Let's Get Weird

The Matchup's

(KenPom Ranking) next to opponent, bold (#) is seed in tournament

(1) Virginia vs (4) Iowa State

Spread: Virginia -5

Ken Pom: Virginia -5

Virginia

Who They Beat: Hampton (228), Butler (39)

Avg Margin of Victory: 22

Iowa State

Who They Beat: Iona (86), Arkansas L-R (49)

Avg Margin of Victory: 15

What To Watch:

Battle of a top 5 offense vs a top 5 defense. Neither team gets to the FT line in abundance. Virginia also boasts a top 10 offense based on efficiency. Question is, what pace is this game played at? Virginia averages 32 second per possession, Iowa State comes in at 26 seconds. Pace should determine the winner, although Virginia lost an ACC tourney battle against UNC that was played their style.

(6) Notre Dame vs (7) Wisconsin

Spread: Notre Dame -1

KenPom: Wisconsin -1

Notre Dame

Who They Beat: Michigan (57), Stephen F. Austin (26)

Avg Margin of Victory: 4

Wisconsin

Who They Beat: Pittsburgh (44), Xavier (15)

Avg Margin of Victory: 3.5

What To Watch

Will Notre Dame defend? The Wisconsin offense isn't anything special, but it's good enough to be top 90 in the country. Notre Dame offense vs Wisconsin defense...for the win. Vasturia could very well be the make or break player for Notre Dame.

(10) Syracuse vs (11) Gonzaga

Spread: Gonzaga -4

KenPom: Gonzaga -2

Syracuse

Who They Beat: Dayton (61), Middle Tennessee (114)

Avg Margin of Victory: 22

Gonzaga

Who They Beat: Seton Hall (24), Utah (38)

Avg Margin of Victory: 19.5

What To Watch

Syracuse can be turnover prone, Gonzaga doesn't force many. Key will be how Gonzaga handles the 'Cuse zone mixed with how the Zags grab offensive boards...Syracuse gives up a ton and Gonzaga grabs a decent amount. Kyle Wiltjer makes or breaks this game, Sabonis is the difference maker.

(1) North Carolina vs (5) Indiana

Spread: UNC -5.5

KenPom: UNC -4

North Carolina

Who They Beat: Florida Gulf Coast (161), Providence (46)

Avg Margin of Victory: 17.5

Indiana

Who They Beat: Chattanooga (110), Kentucky (6)

Avg Margin of Victory: 15.5

What To Watch

Is this Indiana defense for real? There was none, now there's some...can they contain what's rated as a top 5 offense, and very may well be the best in college basketball? Only thing holding UNC back is three point shooting. If you can turn them into a jump shooting team, and they're cold from deep you have a shot. If not...enjoy your offseason Indiana.