Re: NCAAB In-Game/Discussion Thread -- 12/17
A couple points on the first three:
'Bama @ K-State -- Kansas State has been a unique team so far - in the fact that they are fast paced, shooters a sub-par % from the field, but rank in the top 10 in the nation in rebounding - much of that can be credited to another super Freshman at K-State, Thomas Gipson. Now with that being said, they've played one decent team and lost to them, WVU,and I don't even think they're that good. 'Bama didn't look great in their only true road game before this, and I consider this a road game given it's location, but I expect Anthony Grant's team to travel well this year. I expect Grant to go back to the big lineup that got them out of the 2 game funk they had - in which they lost back to back games vs Dayton and Georgetown. 'Bama has proved a lot more to me this year than K-State. I expect a big game from Tony Mitchell.
Illinois vs UNLV -- Illinois plays up and down to their competition - they've done so all year. Despite some of their close calls, and ugly performances (like @home vs St. Bonaventure), their defensive effort and pace of play should really frustrate the young rebels team. Illinois doesn't have the signature win that UNLV has this year, but they are a resilient team.
Memphis @ Louisville -- I'm probably an idiot for constantly thinking Louisville is overrated, but I've liked the way Memphis has come together, despite the ugly loss vs Murray State - which was really ugly, but this young team is going to have some bad losses this year. Memphis has been inconsistent and tough to figure so far this season. I'm also a sucker for this many points in a big rivalry game. That being said, I'm in on Memphis. They're more athletic than Louisville, but they aren't bigger. Going to interesting to see which side prevails.