The greatest three weeks in sports is nearly upon us, and it’s going to be glorious.
Not that there is ever a lack of excitement heading into the start of the NCAA Tournament, but this year it feels like we’re going to witness something special. While there aren’t any singularly dominant teams in the game this season, there are several that are incredibly solid in all relevant areas and have a real chance to cut down the nets in San Antonio.
I am predicting that we’re going to get at least a few of the massive matchups that not only will drive eyeballs because of the brands involved, but will make the junkies happy as well because it will represent the best possible clashes we could hope to see given this year’s crop of talent.
It has been a uniquely interesting season thus far, which the sport was in dire need of having. It would only be fitting that the Big Dance picks up where the regular season left off.
But before we go too deeply into all of that, though, a little love needs to be given to the initial dose of action that will reintroduce us to truTV.
Let’s preview the First Four matchups.
First Four Games to Watch
All of Them
This was the exact cop out answer that I gave last year, though it wasn’t really a cop out at all and isn’t one this year, either. Once again, I’ll present the most convincing fact: there are only four of these games – two per night – and it’s a great way to whet one’s appetite before the main course begins on Thursday.
If you need more, consider that since the First Four was incorporated into the Tournament in 2011, 13 teams from the grouping have played in multiple successive rounds, including two Final Four participants. Only in 2019 did the First Four fail to produce a winner in the Field of 64. History aside, there is a good chance at least one more will keep the trend of success going this year.
Still not sold? We’ll scratch the surface of each game, then.
#16 Saint Francis (PA) vs. #16 Alabama State (Tuesday, 6:40 PM ET – truTV)
The Red Flash are Tournament debutants and one of the most unlikely stories to make the Big Dance in its history. Teams playing with house money always make things interesting.
#11 North Carolina vs. #11 San Diego State (Tuesday, approx. 9:10 PM ET – truTV)
The Tar Heels are the most controversial inclusion into the Field of 68, perhaps taking away a spot from one of San Diego State’s conference mates. The Aztecs are one of the most efficient defensive squads in the country, and won’t make proving the doubters wrong easy at all for North Carolina.
#16 Mount St. Mary’s vs. #16 American (Wednesday, 6:40 PM ET – truTV)
A clash of styles will ensue with the Eagles employing a much more methodical offensive approach compared to the Mountaineers. Something has got to give, as these are two of the luckiest teams in the country according to KenPom.
#11 Xavier vs. #11 Texas (Wednesday, approx. 9:10 PM ET – truTV)
It will feel much like a home environment for the Musketeers, which have about an hour drive up I-75 to UD Arena. The Longhorns have played like one of the most dangerous teams in the country at times, but consistency has been the biggest issue.
Team That Could Make a Run
Texas
Similarly to North Carolina, the Longhorns are facing the music right now, and not all of it is unjustified. Texas was just 6-12 in the SEC this season, with 15 total losses and a sub-.500 record against Quad 1 competition despite having seven total wins from that grouping. Some simply find it preposterous that they were the fourteenth team selected from their conference to play in this year’s Tournament.
However, with the gauntlet that Rodney Terry’s team had to go through this season, there is no doubt that a lot of other teams in the Big Dance with more attractive overall records would have suffered a similar or perhaps worse fate. What we do know is, when Texas is playing to its potential, it is a very good basketball team that can play competitively with the likes Auburn and Tennessee. Tre Johnson will be the best player on the floor in Texas’s matchup against Xavier, but to move on the Longhorns will have to put him in position to be the star that he is.
Getting by the Musketeers will be tough, as the crowd will be raucous and very pro-Xavier. But if they do, the Longhorns have the best chance of any to be the representative from the First Four to play multiple games thereafter.
Remember The Name
R.J. Davis, North Carolina
Say what you want about the Tar Heels, but a positive biproduct of North Carolina making the Tournament is that we get at least one more chance to enjoy the play of Davis. He has been a joy to watch during his tenure at Chapel Hill, and a throwback to the type of player that just doesn’t come around often at all these days in college basketball (five-year contributor with the same program).
North Carolina will need Davis to be at his best on Tuesday night to extend its season. Fans of the Tar Heels should feel good about that happening, though. Davis has the right combination of raw talent, intelligence and perhaps most importantly, experience, to break down what has been a stingy San Diego State defense this season.
Tre Johnson, Texas
We’ve already mentioned the consistency issues that have plagued Texas throughout the year, and that cannot happen if the Longhorns have any intention of playing multiple games in the Tournament. Sometimes, the key to avoiding such an issue is to let you chef cook, and without a doubt, Johnson is the chef on that squad.
The 6’6” freshman has quickly ascended to near the top of the board when discussing the best guards in college basketball, and does so much for this Texas team – when he is given the opportunity. Johnson is an NBA lottery pick in waiting and as good as gone once Texas’s season is over, so the time to hand over the reins and let him orchestrate is now. He’ll be the best player on the court on Wednesday night, and the type of guy who can execute a singular performance that can negate the type of home court advantage Xavier is expected to have in Dayton.
Around The Corn’s Picks
#16 Alabama State over #16 Saint Francis
#11 North Carolina over #11 San Diego State
#16 American over #16 Mount St. Mary’s
#11 Texas over #11 Xavier
