There have been just six one seeds favored by four points or fewer in the second round and only two won the game - Missouri over Wisconsin in 1994 and Ohio State over Georgia Tech in 1991. Missouri was the only one of the six to cover.
This is it. Arguably the most difficult second round tournament game a 1 seed has ever faced. Everything about tomorrow’s game suggests an Arkansas victory is likely, if not inevitable. KU will need to be at its absolute best to keep the game close at the end and even that may not be enough given the length, athleticism and talent that Arkansas possesses (every rotation player Arkansas has is 6’4 or taller, think TCU on steroids) and the foul trouble KU is certain to be in.
There are several alarming elements to Arkansas offensively but the biggest is their propensity to draw fouls. They are 25th in the country in FTA/FGA and are adept at getting teams into foul trouble with their incredible physicality on both ends. With KU’s inadequate depth (putting it lightly) this is what concerns me the most. We are only one call or two from Bobby Pettiford needing to play a very meaningful role in tomorrow’s game and that can only end in one way: disaster.
Defensively, though, is where Arkansas excels at the highest level (13th in the country in defensive efficiency and 20th in effective FG% against). They are one of the most physical and aggressive teams in the tournament, particularly in forcing teams from the 3 point line (where they are 15th in the country in limiting those attempts and 22nd in the country in limiting 3P%). They do this because they have a pair of twin brother bigs (the Mitchells) protecting the basket who are among the best shot blockers in the country that they willingly send actions into. With KU’s lack of size and finishing ability, this is a tremendous issue. If they don’t let you take threes and they have a pair of bigs who protect the rim at the same time, how do you score? It’s a question I can’t easily answer.
We are in tough tomorrow. There’s just no getting around that. Better be ready.
I could give a rat's ass about this tournament. Let those stents settle down and sit in a calm state at home.
If his doctor says he's good to coach then I hope he does. If it's too much stress this soon then I don't want him to coach in this tournament. [Reply]
My opinion: Bill should sit out this weekend and hopefully coach next weekend.
IF he isn't health enough to blow a gasket at players of refs without actually blowing an internal gasket, then he should err on the side of caution. [Reply]
I know after my stent job in 2007, they didn't want me answering the damn phones to my business or dealing with hard headed truck drivers, the stress of covering the daily loads of freight.
I just don't see Bill there tomorrow.
Next week, OK. BFTR, yes we could use him! [Reply]
Originally Posted by Lzen:
I guess KU might as well go ahead and forfeit.
Damm, dude. Why do you even watch?
C’mon man everyone has a coping mechanism when your favorite team doesn’t live up to expectations or comes up short at the end of the year. This is his. Expect the worst and you aren’t disappointed. [Reply]