Same time, next year, as Iowa and Colorado meet in the Sweet 16. This time, however, the nation’s eyes are focused on this game because of Caitlin Clark, and the Buffaloes are wearing the black hats.
Coming into the UFC after a dominant contract-winning performance on the Contender Series, Aslan brings a resume of destruction to the UFC. He has gone out and finished all 12 of his wins by knockout with all but one coming in the first round. Explosive striking, big power, and fast hands is what you can expect from this monster.
UCLA is a deeper team, and if the Bruins can get someone in foul trouble, they’ll have the edge.
However, the biggest question is whether UCLA is aggressive enough to take advantage of LSU’s aggression. The Bruins don’t get to the line very often, even though they do rebound well. If they can’t grind with the Tigers, they’re in trouble.
As dominant as Connecticut has looked in March, it also hasn’t really played that great of a slate. If anything takes down Connecticut, it might be that they’re not prepared for a team that’s been sharpened by Big Ten steel.
Before we get to next year’s 2,811-mile road trip, one of these teams will have to get past the other to reach the Elite Eight. And if the Stanford guards don’t step up their play, it’s not going to be the Cardinal moving on.
Welcome to my Quick Picks column, where I hand out winners, winners, and more winners every day. I fire off picks on everything from college hoops to the NHL.
Opening Day at Citi Field was postponed yesterday due to the weather, so the New York Mets will get their home opener this Friday at 2:40 EST. The weather is going to play a major factor in this one today. Wind will be blowing 20-30 mph on an overcast day after a bunch of rain yesterday.
Gonzaga hasn’t scored less than 66 points all season, as the Bulldogs are used to outrunning everyone on their schedule. But the Bulldogs lost that game to Portland, and there’s no evidence they can handle a team that forces them to figure things out. Texas won’t allow them to run, which could muck up Gonzaga’s efforts.
The Golden Eagles survived against Colorado, defeating them 81-77 in their last game. They have won five of their last six games including the first-round defeat of Western Kentucky. Marquette is one of the most balanced teams in the tournament and with the spread at -7 they are a heavy favorite to move on.