Re: Dark Horse Teams (At least to the elite 8)
Wisconsin. Other than Kansas and Duke, they're the only team in the top 15 in both offensive and defensive efficiency in the Pomeroy rankings, which do a nice job projecting tournament success.
I think they're just the kind of team that could beat Kentucky: big guys on the front line and plenty of them; accurate perimeter shooters; ability to play an active zone; disciplined and deep.
To be honest, I think any of three potential matchups there (temple, Cornell or Wisc) have many of those traits. It's jts that Wisconsin has consistently displayed them more than the other guys. Plus, their tourney savvy.
Kentucky has great talent, and could well win the whole thing. But when it gets into a grind it out tourney game, much ike the nBA playoffs, every possession becomes so valuable. How does the Wildcats youth handle that? Do they display the patience necessary? Does COusins keep his head when he gets frustrated by a zone played by big white guys?
We'll see. I love me some tournament.
ETA: I realize they're not a real high seed, but beating Kentucky would screw some brackets and certainly isn't being predicted by many.
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