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November 29, 2007
Games To Watch - 11/29/07
The Big Ten couldn't shock the world last night by coming within a single game of the ACC. The final tally was 8 - 3 in favor of that league on the East coast. Ohio State looked very flat against North Carolina. Illinois couldn't pull off the same magic that they had earlier this year, and Michigan, the favorite in their game, was not playing like one in the second half.
So, once again, the ACC can lock the trophy up in their office. Is this another sign that the Big Ten is down? Maybe, but it is not a result that has ever been different, so it is hard to tell. Perhaps more telling is that the only games that the Big Ten won were by the two favorites for the conference title and one against what looks like the worst team in the ACC. No game matching middle of the conference teams went to the Big Ten, which could be a big headache for the league when it comes to those last bubble teams into the NCAA.
Time to move on to the rest of the country, where we are seeing some of the mid-major teams match up tonight. What teams can make a statement and continue towards a chance at a coveted at-large bid.
Drexel at George Mason: The Patriots still have a little of the team left that went to the Final Four two years ago. While they aren't overall as strong as that season, they have gotten out to a 5-1 record on the back of some strong shooting. They have scored wins over South Carolina and Kansas State already this season, and their single loss was against Villanova by 8. Drexel's resume isn't quite as strong, and they have some big losses from last season which was passed over for the tournament. Their single loss was against Virginia, which is nothing to be ashamed of this season. We all saw what they did to Northwestern. Still, Drexel is only a dark horse this year in the Colonial while George Mason is expected to push Virginia Commonwealth for the title. Tonight goes to the Patriots.
MRI Predicts: George Mason Confidence Factor: 78.90%
Wichita State at Appalachian State: I know Wichita State was not supposed to contend for the Missouri Valley title this season, but they are playing stronger than expected. And I don't know if it is a hangover from the football craze around Appalachian State, but somehow, Wichita State is the underdog here. I know that the home team in the NCAA wins about 2/3 of the time, but a team from the MVC should not be an underdog to a team from the Southern conference, unless that team is named Davidson. This is going to come down to which team's forwards play the best, although guard PJ Couisnard could tip the scales in the Wichita State's favor overall.
MRI Predicts: Wichita State Confidence Factor: 54.60%
Gonzaga at St. Joseph's: Gonzaga is back, although a lot of people would contend they never left. Last season was a down year for the Zags, but so far this season, it seems that they have returned to the team they were over the last decade. I don't believe that we will see any top 10 rankings this season, but expect a highly ranked team all year. Freshman Austin Daye is currently the leading scorer and rebounder, which could lead to trick defenses to take him out of the game. It will be interesting to see what St. Joe's will do tonight to counter him. Phil Martelli can prepare for almost everything, so count on this to be closer than you would expect.
MRI Predicts: Gonzaga Confidence Factor: 59.31%
Oklahoma at USC: We will close on a major conference game, one of the poorly advertised and loosely organized Big XII - PAC-10 Hardcourt Series. USC's OJ Mayo may be a scoring machine, but he is also a turnover magnet. This is what happens with freshmen, especially those which are the focal point of an offense. Maybe USC can overcome that over the course of the season (although their MRI score will still hurt because of it). However, from game to game, this will continue to be a factor in whatever matchup they face. The one on one contest tonight between Mayo and Oklahoma's freshmen Blake Griffin could show a lot. Griffin leads the Sooners in steals, and also scoring and rebounds. USC has had the tougher schedule so far (and coming up), but Oklahoma has had more consistent play, despite being fairly young overall. The MRI likes Oklahoma, but USC could also easily take this or blow out the Sooners.
MRI Predicts: Oklahoma Confidence Factor: 52.43%
MRI Stats:
Yesterday: 49 - 18
This Season: 106 - 24, 81.54%
All Time: 11793 - 4626, 71.83%
The MRI is a computer basketball ranking system. It has been picking games since 2003. Ben Miraski writes for MRISports.com and is a featured blogger on FanIQ. Readers can contact Ben at bmiraski@mrisports.com
Posted by bmiraski at November 29, 2007 12:30 PM
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