The West Region Sweet 16 games get underway tonight. Caleb Love and RJ Davis surely want to play each other with a trip to the Final Four. But first, they have to get through Alabama and Clemson.
From: Grant Halverson (Getty Images)
1. UNC vs 4. Alabama
Alabama was picked to lose early by many people this year. Their high-tempo, pro-style offense leaves the Crimson Tide vulnerable if they can't get shots to fall. Yet, they slapped College of Charleston around and escaped a wild game against Grand Canyon. Now they get to play North Carolina, who has looked elite in the tournament. After Michigan State threw their punches, the Tar Heels showed their class and pulled away.
The game boils down to what pace this game is played at. If Alabama is able to keep this game at a high-tempo, they should be fair pretty well. If North Carolina can make it a half-court game, the Tar Heels should pull away. The matchup everyone should be looking forward to is Mark Sears vs RJ Davis. Sears and Davis have been two of the best guards in the country this year.
Sears is undersized, but he is lightning quick and can shoot the three ball well. His playstyle reminds me a lot of Jalen Brunson, as they both understand their size and the angles they can create with their dribble. For my money, RJ Davis is the best guard in the country. He does everything you want your lead guard to do. Davis gets downhill at ease. He can stretch the floor from deep. He can pass out of double teams when needed, and he is lethal in transition.
Ultimately, I just think North Carolina is too deep and too experienced for Alabama to overcome. The Tide do not play a lick of defense, and that scares me especially when going up against Davis and Armando Bacot. UNC has been here before, and are comfortable playing from behind. I think this game will be similar to the MSU game. Alabama may get out to an early lead, but in the end, North Carolina pulls away due to their veteran leadership.
North Carolina 88, Alabama 79
2. Arizona vs 6. Clemson
Clemson has had one of the craziest runs in this tournament. You may be wondering how that would be the case considering they are the 6 seed. They were underdogs to 11 Seed New Mexico. The Tigers were picked to lose by pretty much every college basketball talking head. Brad Brownell thrives under pressure though. Every single time Clemson is doubted, they end up exceeding expectations. Arizona seems to have shaken their March demons. Long Beach State played them close up until halftime, then the Wildcats dominated the second half. Tommy Lloyd and co. were able to get past Dayton with ease. Caleb Love and Arizona are looking to finally get over the hump and win a national championship.
Clemson's run has been mainly based off of their size. The Tigers were able to overwhelm both New Mexico and Baylor down low. PJ Hall, Ian Scheiffelin, and Chase Hunter have gotten to the rim at ease in their two matchups. Unfortunately for Clemson, Arizona has the size to neutralize that threat. Oumar Ballo, Keshad Johnson, and Motiejuvas Krivas will be able to contain the Tiger's inside scoring. Kylan Boswell will lock up Joseph Girard. Arizona wins by knockout.
Arizona 82, Clemson 69
While the West Region is not nearly as interesting at the East, I still think there is a possibility for two good games tonight. Alabama could get hot, and Clemson still has a chance to get buckets inside. I just think the top 2 seeds are levels better than them, and set up a showdown between Caleb Love and his former team.
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