Riley Saxon
By Riley Saxon
Elite 8 Preview
2) Houston vs. 12) Oregon St
The Path: The teams took opposite paths to the Elite 8: Houston beat all double-digit seeds, while Oregon State has taken down the 5 seed, 4 seed, and 8 seed in the Midwest.
The Play: Houston just took down Syracuse, who runs a similar defense to the one Oregon State has used to absolutely shut down its opponents. Oregon State’s offense is more dynamic in the tournament than Syracuse’s was, so they should be able to hang with Houston. Expect another defensive slugfest in the Midwest Final.
The Prediction: Oregon St continues the Pac 12’s run by reaching their first Final Four since 1963.
1) Baylor vs. 3) Arkansas
The Path: After pulling away in its first game, Arkansas has survived multiple buzzer-beaters to reach the Elite 8. Baylor, on the other hand, has won by double-digits each round.
The Play: Baylor has completely shaken off the rust from their Covid pause and, again, look like the second best team in the country. Arkansas has overcome double digit deficits in each of its tourney games, making shots and coming up with stops when they’ve needed it the most.
The Prediction: A big Baylor lead seems inevitable, and while Arkansas will storm back, Baylor will cruise to their first Final Four since 1950.
1) Gonzaga vs. 3) USC
The Path: Both schools have been exceedingly dominant, with the closest margin for either team a 14 point victory.
The Play: USC’s string of dominance has seen them show up near the Gonzaga/Baylor tier of top teams on some expert’s lists. Through three games, Evan Mobley has only averaged 12.3 points. The Zags have looked every bit of the best team this season, treating every opponent like a WCC opponent. They will have their hands full with the Trojans.
The Prediction: We’re riding the PAC12 wave again – E. Mobley is unleashed as he powers USC to their third ever Final Four, and first since 1954.
1) Michigan vs. 11) UCLA
The Path: Michigan has cruised to the Elite 8 as the Big Ten’s last hope. UCLA has ridden the momentum of its First Four comeback into a Cinderella—Elite 8—run
The Play: Playing without Isaiah Livers, Michigan has won with a variety of offensive leaders in the tourney. Hunter Dickinson is a force to be reckoned with, and if Eli Brooks gets hot, watch out. UCLA has been led by the three J’s: Jules Bernard, Jaime Jaquez, and Johnny Juzang, as well as tough team defense.
The Prediction: 3 Pac 12 Teams in the Final Four?! No… not this time. Michigan ends UCLA’s “Cinderella” run and advances to the Final Four.
College Hoops Breakdown appears every Monday at JoeTorosian.com
Riley Saxon can be reached at:
Email: rileymsaxon@gmail.com
Twitter: @CHoopsBreakdown
