Two of the last three years have seen the Kansas Jayhawks upset by high seed. First, it was Bucknell then it was Bradley. They showed no signs of flashbacks today as they steamrolled Portland State from the opening tip.
Scoring inside to open the game and then banging three’s when the Vikings collapsed, they showed why they are a #1 seed. If Rush (4-9), Chalmers (3-6) and Collins (3-4) can shoot the three ball like they did today, the Jayhawks will be cutting down the nets. On the defensive side they played with the type of defensive tenacity Bill Self emphasized. This is by far the most dangerous Kansas team defensively in 20 years. They do something that Roy Williams’ Jayhawks teams never did. They swarm and smother!!
Georgia’s miracle run came to an end, but not without some fight. They led the #3 seed Xavier Muskateers for the firs 35 minutes, but finally succumbed to Xavier’s defensive pressure and 3 point shooting. Hats off to Dennis Felton and his team. They really did show that there was some fight left in the Dawgs. Their players should be remembered for a great run under adverse circumstances. Also, Dennis Felton may have earned himself a contract extension. I say may have because you never know with college administrators. He certainly deserves it. Not only for his teams run in the SEC tourney, but also for the class in which he carried him self under trying times. That is the true test of a man’s character and he is a great example for his young men.
Michigan State crushed Temple. It looked like Coach Izzo must have thrown his players out of the lockerroom again. The Spartans played with a determination that has not been seen in the last couple weeks of the season. Balanced scoring was the key on a night when Drew Neitzel looked awful. That’s a good sign for Michigan State.
Mark my words…. All close games will be won and lost by which team bangs consecutive three pointers in the last 4 minutes of a game. Xavier proved that theory today. Making three late is just as important as making free throws!!!
