Rambles on Day 1 of the Elite Eight

Well, here we are with the final eight teams battling it out for a trip to Indianapolis for the Final Four. If you are like me, your bracket is broken and now just watching for fun as no chance exists to win the office pool.

Game 1: Butler v KSU

Today will be interesting with little ol’ Butler taking on the Kansas State Wildcats. Don’t count the Bulldogs out or do like most and think “it’s Butler.” The Bulldogs probably have as good of a chance as anyone left in the NCAA field. They’ve won 23 games in a row, the longest winning streak in the country, and they’re coming off a surprising 63-59 upset of No. 1-seeded Syracuse on Thursday night.

The Wildcats, which has won 29 games and finished tied for second in the Big 12, are built around its veteran backcourt of Clemente and Pullen.

To beat the Wildcats, Butler will have to contain Clemente and Pullen, who are as hot as any players left in the NCAA tournament. They’ve combined to average 46 points and 7.3 assists in three NCAA games.

I am going on the record and say that I am pulling for Butler today. I hope they win this game because they have a real shot to stop KSU but will they? Keys for Butler is inside scoring and ball control.

Star Watch in this game: Gordon Hayward, a 6-foot-9, 15-point, eight-rebound sophomore who may opt for NBA after this Butler run is done.

Game 2: UK v WVU

Calipari has the Wildcats (35-2) within one win of their first Final Four since winning the national championship in 1998. Calipari is still trying to get to a Final Four that counts — trips with Memphis and Massachusetts have been vacated by the NCAA.

Huggins’ crew is lead by their star Da’Sean Butler, who will have his hands full against the UK guards – Bledsoe and Wall. Want WVU needs to bring today to topple UK is defense and physical play. Also WVU needs their big bodies underneath to hold their own and get in the head of DeMarcus Cousins.

I am pulling also for the upset here and hope the Mountaineers can get a win. I know I should pull for my SEC brothers but I can not get myself to do that today.

Star Watch for this Game: Wall, who was held to just 8 points versus Cornell must have a big game today. He needs more of his season average of 16 for the Wildcats to win today as I feel Cousins will be banged around too much so outside play is key if UK wants to win.

There you have my rambles on today’s Final 8 games. Pulling for Butler and WVU today, how about you?

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