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**Ripple** · 03-24-2006, 06:59 PM

Sports Reporters

FRIDAY, MARCH 24
*TORONTO over MINNESOTA by 2
The Raptors aren’t the point spread darlings in Canada that they are in the United States
because they have so many less points to work with. And, we surely don’t want to lay points
with a team that plays defense as poorly as this one does, but the option of backing disinterested
and disillusioned Minnesota is even less enticing. TORONTO, 103-101.

RECOMMENDED
*INDIANA over DETROIT by 5
The Pacers apparently have the Pistons’ offense figured out which may not be the biggest
surprise in the world considering that Indiana coach Rick Carlisle once ran the show in
Motown. In the two games played to date, with each team posting a “W” on its own court,
Indiana has held Detroit to 86.5 PPG, or 11.5 PPG under its overall average and 7.5 PPG
on the road. And, the pacers played both of those games without Jermaine O’Neal and
Jamaal Tinsley winning one and losing the other in Detroit by just five points. By the way,
considering all the adversity Indiana has had to deal with including those aforementioned
injuries and Ron Artest, we’ll call Mr. Carlisle our NBA Coach of the Year. INDIANA, 96-91.

*PHILADELPHIA over ORLANDO by 3
Generally speaking, using NBA injuries as a guide to handicapping can get one in a lot of
trouble. Players that sit on the bench in this league, for the most part, are skilled performers
just waiting for a chance to shine, so going against a team just because one of its starters is
out, isn’t wise. In the case of Philadelphia, however, Allen Iverson is the Sixers, so we’re not
about to take a stand on this game until we know more about his sprained ankle. Stay tuned.
PHILADELPHIA, 101-98.

*CLEVELAND over BOSTON by 9
The Cavaliers have lit up the Celtics’ awful defense to the tune of 114 PPG in a pair of
win/covers this season, one here and the other in Massachusetts, and we just can’t see any
reason for that pattern to change in Ohio. At home, Cleveland is averaging 98 PPG where it
is shooting 50% from the field and has won and covered its last three home games by a 13.7
PPG. LeBron & Co. will be happy to see a defense that allows 104 PPG on the road. CLEVELAND,
103-94.

MEMPHIS over *NEW YORK by 3
The dysfunctional Knicks have been playing a little better lately, but not good enough to
makes us look seriously at them. The Grizzlies, with virtually no names on the roster, play like
a true team. And, as much as Larry Brown screams about defense, his team rarely plays a
minute of it while Memphis plays defense for 48 minutes per night. MEMPHIS, 100-97.

*MIAMI over CHARLOTTE by 9
This could be another one of those games the Heat tend to play at home where they don’t
really get interested until the fourth quarter which goes a long way to explaining why they
are a miserable 13-20 (39.4%) ATS. And, it also helps to explain why teams like the Bobcats
are 20-13 ATS on the road. MIAMI, 107-98.

*CHICAGO over NEW ORLEANS by 6
Message to all prudent investors: take the Hornets off your “buy” list and say bye-bye to them
until they win a game or two. New Orleans, possibly suffering from the dreaded Byron Scottinduced
“overcoaching-it is” have now lost eight straight games (0-8 ATS). CHICAGO, 105-99.

RECOMMENDED
*DENVER over SEATTLE by 15
It has taken longer than anticipated, but the Nuggets, who were one of the surprise teams
last year and an absolute dud for the first half of 2005-06, have finally started to their considerable
talent. They have won and covered 12 of their last 17 games and recently finished
their most successful road trip with five wins in seven games (5-2 ATS). Carmelo Anthony,
in particular, has been on fire lately averaging 29.4 PPG during the road trip. It’s doubtful that
a defense as porous as Seattle’s (108 PPG with foes hitting 50% of their shots against them
in road games) can contain him or the rest of the Nuggets for that matter. DENVER, 122-107.

SAN ANTONIO over *PORTLAND by 7
The Spurs were last in Oregon in early February under similar circumstances: It was their
second away game on an eight-day road trip and they were barely awake for four quarters
winning, 86-82, as nine-point chalk. San Antonio was in Denver 48 hours ago, so consider
yourself forewarned. SAN ANTONIO, 90-83.

*LOS ANGELES LAKERS over MILWAUKEE by 6
The Lakers have won the last three games vs. the Bucks (2-1 ATS) including a, 111-92, romp
in Wisconsin on December 6. LOS ANGELES, 103-97.

**Ripple** · 03-24-2006, 07:02 PM

Sports Reporters

sat 3/25
5

DALLAS over *ATLANTA by 7

BEST BET
SACRAMENTO over *UTAH by 20
The Kings are back to their old tricks of being a difficult team to beat at home. The y have
won their last 13 games in Arco Arena, covering the last twelve, including a, 96-78, romp
over the Jazz on February 5 which was preceded by a 10-point loss in Utah 48 hours before.
Sacramento has destroyed Utah in its last three visits here by an average of 22.7 PPG. The
Kings are closing in on a playoff berth in the Western Conference while the Jazz, who once
looked like it might be playing in May, has faded into oblivion. SACRAMENTO, 115-95.

*PHOENIX over DENVER by 6

SUNDAY, MARCH 26
*INDIANA over PHILADELPHIA by 7
In their most recent meeting, the Pacers, in spite of Allen Iverson’s 33 points, stole a win in
Philadelphia, 94-93, without the inured Jermaine O’Neal or Jamaal Tinsley playing a minute.
With Tinsley back in the line up, there isn’t any reason why Indiana, at home where it allows
an NBA-third best 88 PPG, shouldn’t make it two in a row. INDIANA, 98-91.

*HOUSTON over CLEVELAND by 3
Since the Cavaliers don’t play a ton of defense and are not the world’s best road team, we would
not be surprised to see the Van Gundys’ circle the wagons, stop everyone not named Lebron, go
inside to the suddenly dominating Yao Ming and grab a home “W”. HOUSTON, 91-88.

RECOMMENDED
NEW JERSEY over *DETROIT by 1
This is the last game in four-game series in which the Pistons own a, 2-1, lead. The Nets
would like to win this game for a few reasons: first, it evens the series; second, it has
psychological value for New Jersey to split a series with the #1 seed in their conference
and; third, should these teams meet in the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Nets will not
be pondering whether they are capable of winning on the Pistons’ court. New Jersey’s
triumvirate of Vince Carter, Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson can keep this one close as
long as it gets a little help from its friends. DETROIT, 97-96.

*MILWAUKEE over TORONTO by 2
Hey, you won’t find us going against the darling of underdog players Raptors in their most
favorite of all situations; on the road and taking points against a team that can’t/won’t, fill in
the blank, play defense. How does 20-8 ATS as a road dog strike you? That 71.4% winning
percentage strikes us as pretty damn good. MILWAUKEE, 104-102.

*MINNESOTA over NEW YORK by 8
Both teams are playing lousy basketball with New York having lost 18 of its last 23 games
and the Timberwolves on a 0-7 run, so there is no point in trying to figure which of them will
come to play. Our guess, for what it’s worth, is neither of them. MINNESOTA, 108-100.

*BOSTON over CHICAGO by 1
As Groucho Marx used to say on “You Bet Your Life”, “This is your last chance to beat the
other couples”. Boston has lost the first two games in this series including a, 106-102, miniupset
in Massachusetts in early December. Don’t bet on it. BOSTON, 100-99.

*MEMPHIS over CHARLOTTE by 7
Here’s another scary road dog that doesn’t get many SU “Ws”, six of them in 34 tries to be
exact, but is 21-13 ATS. However, this is the Bobcats first look at Mike Fratello’s defensively-
tough Grizzlies and they might night like what they see. MEMPHIS, 97-90.

*ORLANDO over ATLANTA by 4

SAN ANTONIO over *SEATTLE by 7
It’s name that score time for the Spurs, who can win this game against the sad Sonics by 20
points if so desired, but may not be in the mood due to playing on the road for the third time
in five days with visits to the Clippers and the Lakers, a huge revenge game for San Antonio,
on tap. SAN ANTONIO, 106-99.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS over *PORTLAND by 5

*SACRAMENTO over GOLDEN STATE by 7

*LOS ANGELES LAKERS over NEW ORLEANS by 6

MONDAY, MARCH 27
*MIAMI over INDIANA by 6
The Heat has been unkind to its backers at home where it has covered just 39.4% (13-20 ATS)
of the time, so we wouldn’t be so quick to lay the wood here. The Pacers play better defense
than Miami which somewhat explains their, 2-0, lead in the season series to date achieved six
days apart in November. Jermaine O’Neal’s 44 points comprises the rest of the explanation, but
he will be on the sidelines for this game. MIAMI, 100-94.

BEST BET
PHOENIX over *NEW JERSEY by 13
The Nets were in Detroit yesterday afternoon playing for them what was a much more
important game against a team they may be encountering in the playoffs, so they will not
likely have their “A” game available for the go-go Suns and Vince Carter may not have his
legs. Phoenix handled the Nets rather easily, 92-81, in the desert in rolling to a, 44-30, half
time lead. The Suns were off yesterday, play well on the road (19-10 SU, 20-9 ATS) and this
is their first leg on a five-game trip. PHOENIX, 106-93.

*UTAH over NEW ORLEANS by 2

*GOLDEN STATE over WASHINGTON by 4

TUESDAY, MARCH 28
*DETROIT over DALLAS by 1
We have to believe that the Mavericks will be going all out here to prove to both themselves
and the Pistons that they are capable of racing with the fast cars. DETROIT, 97-96.

*CHARLOTTE over ATLANTA by 4

PHOENIX over *MILWAUKEE by 7
The Suns glided over the Bucks, 123-110, in the desert as 10-point chalk on March 1 by shooting
56.7% from the field against Milwaukee’s porous defense. Shawn Marion and Steve Nash
combined for 52 points on 20-35 shooting. PHOENIX, 111-104.
*MEMPHIS over SEATTLE by 10
Defensively-challenged Sonics had to contend with the hot Nuggets in Denver and always
rugged San Antonio in Washington before coming east to take on Mike Fratello’s defense. MEMPHIS,
100-90.

*CHICAGO over ORLANDO by 5

*SACRAMENTO over WASHINGTON by 11
This is the fourth road game in six nights for a tired team that plays not one iota of defense.
SACRAMENTO, 105-94.

*LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS over SAN ANTONIO by 2
This series is tied at a game apiece with the Clippers winning the most recent game, 95-85,
here just three weeks ago. LOS ANGELES. 93-91.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29
INDIANA over *ATLANTA by 6
Would you be surprised to learn that the Hawks are 3-0 SU and ATS against the Pacers and that
they have won those three games by an average of 5.7 PPG? It’s time to get back to reality.
INDIANA, 96-90.

*PHILADELPHIA over DETROIT by 2
The Sixers certainly need this game a whole lot more than bored Detroit and if Allen Iverson is
back to being 100% healthy, there is no reason why they shouldn’t get this “W”. PHILADELPHIA,
101-99.

MIAMI over *TORONTO by 9
This series is tied 1-1, but the Raptors have grabbed the money on both occasions MIAMI, 107-98.
*CLEVELAND over DALLAS by 4
In the last meeting between these teams on March 14, the Cavaliers blew a 19-point half time
lead in Texas with a horror show of a third quarter in which they were outscored, 27-8, and lost,
91-87, to Dallas and its improved defense. The advantage goes to the Cavaliers here though
since the Mavericks are playing on the road for the third rime in four nights and were in Detroit
24 hours ago. CLEVELAND, 97-93.

BOSTON over *NEW YORK by 7
Rumor has it that Larry Brown and “Starbury” will be settling their differences on Oprah next
week. BOSTON, 112-105.

*NEW JERSEY over MEMPHIS by 6
The Nets are looking to avenge a 12-point loss in Memphis in January in which they scored 69
points on 34.7% shooting, including a 5-18 brick-athon by Vince Carter, and were without the
services of Richard Jefferson. NEW JERSEY, 92-86.

*MINNESOTA over ORLANDO by 7

*HOUSTON over SEATTLE by 2
Most bets are off on the Rockets until Tracy McGrady gets back in the line-up, as he and Yao
Ming are Jeff Van Gundy’s only reliable scorers. The Sonics’ defense is so bad however that his
absence may not make a difference tonight. HOUSTON, 98-96.
*DENVER over UTAH by 11

SACRAMENTO over *PORTLAND by 5

*GOLDEN STATE over NEW ORLEANS by 1

**Ripple** · 03-24-2006, 07:15 PM

Gold Sheet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

there best bets..

HHHHH NBA KEY RELEASES HHHHH
MILWAUKEE by 4 over L.A. Lakers (Friday, March 24)
SACRAMENTO by 23 over Golden State (Sunday, March 26)
INDIANA by 5 over Miami (Monday, March 27)
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
__________________

**Ripple** · 03-24-2006, 07:15 PM

THE GOLD SHEET PAGE 2
(Nov.12) matchup at American Airlines Arena the only non-losing spread result.
Interestingly, this game matches the best-shooting team in the league against
the worst. But with this game sandwiched between Detroit and Indiana on the
Heat schedule, would only lay a cheap number. 05-MIA -9 108-99 (186), Mia -
10' 91-85 (197), Mia -5' 106-105 (OT-197); 04-MIA -14' 113-90 (194), Mia -10'
97-87 (201), CHA +8' 94-92 (195), MIA -10 99-80 (196)
CHICAGO 98 - New Orl./Okla. City 90—Youthful Chicago makes opponents
work hard on offense, holding foes to a league-low 42.8% from field. This has
been a competitive series, with last 3 meetings since year ago decided by 4, 5,
and 6 points, including Hornets’ 100-95 win at Ford Center Feb. 1. NO/OKC
struggling to score points lately (10-3 “under” last 13), resulting in 8 straight
spread losses thru March 19. Chicago hasn’t been very tough at home, but don’t
quite trust depleted, sagging Hornets (Desmond Mason, 13 ppg last 18 games, out
with knee injury). 05-NO -3' 100-95 (185); 04-Chi -2 95-89 (178), No +7 94-90 (180)
DENVER 109 - Seattle 105—Road team has fared well in this series, winning
6 of 10 SU since 2003-04 campaign, as well as first 2 this season. Seattle’s win
at Pepsi Center Dec. 29 was one of its few as road dog this season, but the
Sonics have turned around their fortunes away from home. Seattle has covered
3 of last 4 as a visitor through March 19 after starting 8-20 vs. the number on the
road. With sparkplug Earl Boykins injured and Marcus Camby and Kenyon
Martin both in-and-out with injuries, difficult to anticipate Nuggets pulling away by
large margin. 05-Sea +6 112-105 (211), Den -1 120-112 (OT-216); 04-Sea +5' 108-
88 (194), SEA -9' 98-83 (204), Den +7' 116-110 (OT-200), DEN -9' 121-105 (200)
San Antonio 97 - PORTLAND 82—No comparison in talent or record between
these two. The only real question is, will San Antonio be properly focused? If so,
Portland in trouble, as Spurs dismantled Blazers by 31 and 20, respectively,
when they had their minds on business in earlier meetings TY in Texas, though
champs had their hands full (won by only 4) their last visit to Rose Garden Feb.
1. Spurs allow the fewest points in the NBA and Portland scores the fewest.
That doesn’t bode well for Blazers. 05-SAN -15 106-75 (183), San -8' 86-82
(179), SAN -15' 101-81 (180); 04-San -7' 114-80 (177), PORT +9 107-99 (183),
SAN -10 95-89 (186)
HHH Milwaukee 99 - LA LAKERS 95—Lakers are depleted in middle with
injury to Chris Mihm, and Bucks have covered 4 of last 5 on road through March
19. Milwaukee G Michael Redd will trade baskets with Kobe, who has been
fatigued by added minutes he’s played this season. With L.A. coming off a big
revenge game vs. Sacramento, don’t see a completely focused effort from
Lakers. L.A. just 1-4 SU last 5 through March 19. 05-La +5' 111-92 (199); 04-
LA -5' 100-96 (199), La +3 95-90 (201)
SATURDAY, MARCH 25
Day Game
LA CLIPPERS 107 - Washington 97—Sam Cassell and Cutino Mobley will
have their hands full containing hot Washington G Gilbert Arenas (56% L6
games through March 19), but he hasn’t been nearly as accurate on the road as
at home (just 41.7% away). Meanwhile, Clipper C Chris Kaman (14 ppg, 11.4
rpg, 49% first 8 games in March) is rapidly developing into a force inside and
giving star Elton Brand (26 ppg) much-needed help on boards. ”Totals” alert—
Wizards “over” 9 of last 11 thru March 19 after “under” 16 of previous 24. 05-La
+3' 102-97 (183); 04-WASH -3' 94-91 (200), LA -6' 98-94 (201)
Night Games
Dallas 104 - ATLANTA 95—Dallas has bounced back as a road favorite this
season, covering 6 of last 10 chances through March 19, and Mavs ought to be
on alert after losing to an even worse Atlanta team last season at Philips Arena.
Young, run-and-gun Hawks own one of the most permissive defenses in the
NBA and have yielded 104 ppg in their last 26 games through March 19. Mavs,
meanwhile, have held foes to just 91 ppg over same span. Atlanta F Josh Smith
is improving (14 ppg, 51% first 8 games in March), but Al Harrington & Joe
Johnson seem more interested in getting their numbers than stopping anyone.
05-DAL -14 87-78 (193); 04-DAL -15' 90-68 (197), ATL +10' 113-100 (195)
UTAH 97 - Sacramento 90—After extended absence with injury and easing
back into action off the bench, Utah C Carlos Boozer made a splash in his first
three starts of the season, with 23 ppg & 10 rpg in those games. Pronounced
home-oriented trend in recent series meetings, as host has won and covered
last 5 (including all three this season), each by DD margins. Sandwiched
between two decisive defeats at Arco Arena was an 89-79 Jazz win over Sacto
at Delta Center Feb. 3. Kings on serious 15-4-1 spread uptick last 20 thru March
19, but all 4 losses came away from Arco, and they are just 7-11-1 vs. the
number last 19 on the road thru March 19. 05-SAC -10 119-83 (187), UTAH -3'
89-79 (188), SAC -4' 96-78 (187); 04-Sac -5 109-102 (196), SAC -8 107-93
(199), UTAH +7 92-82 (202)
PHOENIX 109 - Denver 107—Denver HC George Karl has turned the Nuggets
from “soft” to “hard” in a relatively short amount of time. Carmelo Anthony’s
offseason weight loss has made a difference, and he’s flipped his game into high
gear lately. ‘Melo scored 30 ppg & shot 60% in his last 10 through March 19, and
the Nuggets won 12 of last 17 SU despite injuries to key contributors Earl
Boykins, Marcus Camby & Kenyon Martin. After losing wild, triple OT decision
at Pepsi Center Jan. 10, Phoenix somewhat restored order vs. Nuggets with 15-
point win at base of Rockies Feb. 15. Denver has closed the gap that existed last
season when Phoenix swept the series, and Amare Stoudemire’s return from
knee injury is still a ? (24 ppg, 57% vs. Denver LY) . 05-PHO -7 102-97 (202),
DEN +2' 139-137 (3OT-209), Pho -2' 116-101 (219); 04-Pho -6' 107-105 (213),
Pho -4' 106-101 (217), PHO -6' 123-114 (227), PHO -8 128-114 (224)
SUNDAY, MARCH 26 Day Games
INDIANA 95 - Philadelphia 92—Lots of nailbiters in this series lately. First
two meetings this season decided by 3 points total (teams split, road dog
winning each), and last 4 decided by mere 9 points combined. Underdog 4-0-2
vs. spread in series since year ago, and Philly covered 3 of first 4 without Allen
Iverson. Indiana shooting just 43% last 25 games thru March 19. 05-Phi +10'
111-109 (195), Ind +2' 94-93 (199); 04-PHI P 106-104 (OT-188), Phi P 102-90 (189),
PHI -1' 89-88 (193), Phi +4' 90-86 (192) REG. TV—ABC
Cleveland 95 - HOUSTON 90—After covering first 3 games after losing Tracy
McGrady to injury, Houston looked offensively inept in dropping its next 3 by 14
ppg & scoring just 78 ppg. Rockets were minus injured Yao Ming when they won
by 9 at Quicken Loans Arena Jan. 9, while Tracy McGrady scored 34 in that first
meeting. Houston’s home woes vs. number continuing, as Rockets a very poor
9-25 vs. spread at Toyota Center thru March 19. Cavs problems with transition
defense won’t be as noticeable against Rocket team that must rely on Yao
Ming’s post scoring for main threat. 05-Hou +7 90-81 (190); 04-Hou +5' 98-87
(187), HOU -6' 99-80 (184) REGIONAL TV—ABC
DETROIT 97 - New Jersey 90—Detroit has been on a downturn against the
points, as Pistons have covered just 1 of last 9 through March 19. Can’t blame
Detroit for “coasting” with a huge lead (still 8 games in front of red-hot Miami for
best record in East). After splitting pair earlier at Meadowlands, Detroit stepped
up for 85-71 win over N.J. at Palace Feb. 14. Nets showing signs they might be
shaking their puzzling post All-Star break slump (won last 5, covering 4 thru
March 20). N.J. really tightened up the defense in that run, and this has been a
low-scoring series this season. 05-Det -4 93-83 (185), NJ +7 91-84 (183), DE -9
85-71 (180); 04-DET -6' 100-90 (OT-173), Det -5' 89-80 (172), NJ +4 107-85 (184)
MILWAUKEE 98 - Toronto 97—St. Patrick’s Day meeting saw Toronto rally
with a 19-2 run in the last 5½ minutes to nip Milwaukee 97-96. Raptors
overcame icy 39% shooting and a 16-point deficit behind Chris Bosh (27 pts., 10
rebs.) to snap a 9-game series losing streak against the Bucks. Interestingly,
Toronto made just 21 of 60 2-pointers, while draining 11 of 22 from beyond the arc
in that one. Mike James, Matt Bonner and Morris Peterson could hurt Milwaukee
from outside again. 05-MI -5' 108-87 (208), TO -2' 97-96 (204); 04-Mil +5' 107-105
(OT-204), Mil +5 110-107 (203), Tor +4 106-102 (205), Tor +3 127-109 (207)
MINNESOTA 106 - New York 102—Can we trust fading Minnesota (lost 7 of
last 8 SU thru March 19) to extend margin vs. lowly N.Y. side that T-wolves beat
at MSG by 6 Jan. 16? Not really. Knicks have begun to take their game uptempo
and have covered 5 of last 9 through March 19. Not overwhelming, but it marks
a turnaround for a team that was 6-16 in the preceeding 22 games. Uptempo has
meant “over” for the Knicks as well, as they’ve topped the total 8-1-1 last 10 through
March 19. 05-Min -1' 96-90 (192); 04-MIN -9' 99-93 (182), NY +4 100-87 (200)
BOSTON 90 - Chicago 87—Recent edge to Chicago, which has won and
covered last three meetings. But Boston has payback on its mind after getting
routed by 32 at United Center Dec. 17. Bulls sizzling 60% from floor in that one!
That probably won’t happen again, and Chicago has gone “under” 4 of last 5
while Boston “under” 9-5 last 14 at home, both through March 19. 05-Chi +2'
106-102 (197), CHI -4' 118-86 (198); 04-CHI -1 102-91 (194), BOS -5 92-83
(195), Bos +7 101-97 (196), Chi +6' 94-86 (198) CABLE TV—WGN
MEMPHIS 89 - Charlotte 86—Memphis “under” trend at home one of the
league’s most pronounced (Grizzlies “under” 22-10 at FedEx Forum thru March
19). But upstart Charlotte is 12-4 vs. the number on the road facing “B” teams
such as Memphis, and Bobcats are a solid 13-7 vs. number overall last 20
through March 20. Charlotte is worst-shooting team in NBA (tied with the
Rockets), so “under” should work. 04-Mem -6 109-89 (183), ME -13 102-95 (191)
Night Games
ORLANDO 107 - Atlanta 95—Tech trends point to Magic, as Atlanta is 9-19
this season facing “C” teams, while Orlando has dominated bad teams at home
this season (11-4 hosting “C” rated squads). Probably safe to lay points against
unrested Atlanta (hosted Dallas yesterday), as Hawks just 5-9 vs. number in 2nd
of back-to-back games. Teams also met March 19 at Philips Arena. 05-ATL +1
96-94 (202), check 3/19 result; 04-Orl -5 117-99 (189), ATL +5' 80-79 (200), ORL -
12 101-96 (202), ORL -8' 109-102 (203)
San Antonio 94 - SEATTLE 81—It’s a long way from last year for Seattle,
which has gone from playoff opponent of S.A. to punching bag for champs, at
least if 103-78 Spurs rout Feb. 21 is any indication. Note that Sonics’ oncedefinitive
“over” trend has reversed slightly (Seattle “under” 9-5 last 14 thru
March 20). San Antonio has hit playoff form since all-star break, winning 12 of
14 SU & covering 9 of last 12 through March 20. 05-SAN -12' 103-78 (196); 04-
SEA +9 113-94 (187), Sea +10 102-96 (185), San -6 103-84 (189), SAN -7 89-
76 (184), SAN -8' 103-81 (189), SAN -10 108-91 (186), SEA +4' 92-91 (188), SEA
+6' 101-89 (186), SAN -11 103-90 (186), San -6 98-96 (187) CABLE TV—ESPN

**Ripple** · 03-24-2006, 07:16 PM

THE GOLD SHEET PAGE 3
LA Clippers 99 - PORTLAND 91—Even though Blazers 16-10 as home dog
thru March 19, difficult to back a Portland team that’s covered just 5 of last 20
games thru March 19 and scores a league-worst 89 ppg. Clippers have already
won once at Rose Garden, prevailing by 6 on New Year’s Day when all starters
scored DDs. Since All-Star break, L.A. has gone into playoff drive and covered
4 of last 6 away thru March 19. Only scheduling favors Portland, as Clippers
have this game sandwiched between home game last night vs. Washington and
upcoming San Antonio tilt, while Blazers are rested. 05-La -2' 100-94 (185); 04-
PORT -5 94-81 (182), LA -3 102-98 (184), PORT -3 90-86 (187), LA -8' 96-89 (191)
HHH SACRAMENTO 111 - Golden St. 88—Series has favored home team
this season, as host won each of first 2. Sacto had especially easy time at Arco
Arena Feb. 21, holding Warriors to only 32% FGs in 102-77 romp. Rejuvenated
Kings have won last 13, and covered last 12, as host thru March 20. With Baron
Davis sidelined, G.S. will be without one of its key weapons visiting what
appears to be, once again, the toughest home court in the league. 05-GS -5'
113-106 (202), SAC -7' 102-77 (195); 04-Gs +12 98-94 (209), Sac -4' 111-107
(OT-195), GS -2' 100-97 (209), Gs +3' 104-94 (205)
LA LAKERS 99 - New Orl./Okla. City 93—Eight consecutive SU & spread
losses have left New Orleans on the outside of the playoff picture looking in at
this writing. However, must remember Lakers are just 4-8 last 12 as a favorite
and covered only 2 of last 10 hosting “C” teams. Kobe missed 21 of 33 shots
Feb. 8 at New Orleans Arena, but made 14 of 16 FTs en route to 40 points in 113-
107 Lakers win. 05-NO -4 106-90 (191), La +1' 113-107 (192); 04-La +2 106-98
(187), LA -10' 89-76 (191), LA -14 101-89 (182)
MONDAY, MARCH 27
HHH Indiana 99 - MIAMI 94—Interestingly, Miami recently has been one of
the league’s hottest (15-1 L16 SU) and coldest (3-9 L12 vs. number through
March 19) teams. Indiana has had the Heat’s number lately, winning first 2 TY
and 5 of 6 since last season. Favor taking points with Indiana side that’s covered
9 of last 10 as a dog through March 20. Due to defense and solid bench, Indy rarely
loses by big margins on the road, and Heat just 7-14 hosting “A” and “B” teams
through March 19. 05-Ind +5' 105-102 (185), IND -6 95-90 (193); 04-Ind +7' 106-100
(OT-192), IN -4 93-91 (OT-186), IND +5' 114-108 (OT-188), MIA -8 84-80 (187)
Phoenix 103 - NEW JERSEY 94—Phoenix has won 3 straight vs. N.J. since
LY, including 92-81 win at US Airways Center Nov. 25. Nets 2-5 vs. the number
last 7 at Meadowlands thru March 22. Steve Nash (27 pts., 61% FGs) and Jason
Kidd (25 pts., 13 rebs.) had quite a battle in first meeting this season, but it was
currently-injured Kurt Thomas’ season-high 19 rebounds off the bench that
made the difference. Nets coming off game at Detroit yesterday and are just 2-
5 vs. number at home in 2nd of back-to-back games. 05-PHO -5' 92-81 (203);
04-Pho -8' 112-80 (192), PHO -11' 113-105 (203)
UTAH 101 - New Orl./Okla. City 85—Road dog has won 3 straight in this
series, including first two that teams split this season. Hornets shot 50% from
floor in 5-point win at Delta Center Feb. 25, just 3 days after Utah won by 6 at
Oklahoma City. However, it’s difficult to back New Orleans side that’s dropped
last 8 vs. the number through March 20, is coming off a game in L.A. against the
Lakers yesterday, and is playing its 4th in 5 nights. With Carlos Boozer helping
Kirilenko up front, Utah can climb back into playoff position quickly. Is Hornet
rookie sensation Chris Paul hitting “the wall” (37% FGs first 7 games in March)?
05-Utah +5 82-76 (181), No +2' 100-95 (179); 04-No +12' 76-75 (187), UTAH -
12' 108-92 (182), NO +2 92-85 (181), Utah +4' 98-87 (183)
Washington 101 - GOLDEN ST. 97—Teams heading in opposite directions
lately, with G.S. 3-8 vs. line last 11 thru March 19, while surging Washington 15-
6 vs. spread last 21 on board thru same date. Warrior G Baron Davis could be back
from ankle injury for this game, but still like high-scoring Arenas-Jamison-Butler trio
for Wizards over Golden State’s counter of Richardson, Davis and Murphy. 05-
WASH -4 129-124 (203); 04-Wash -3 103-101 (206), Gs +6 103-90 (209)
TUESDAY, MARCH 28
DETROIT 99 - Dallas 87—Rest assured Detroit has this one circled after
getting humiliated by 37 at American Airlines Center Nov. 19. Mavs 59% from
floor that night! Also remember Pistons’ 1-8 spread record last 9 through March
19 was compiled mostly as a road favorite (1-1 vs. number at home). 05-DAL -
2 119-82 (186); 04-Det +4 101-85 (185), Dal +2' 95-88 (192)
Atlanta 103 - CHARLOTTE 102—Road team has won and covered first two
meetings, including Atlanta’s 10-point win at new Bobcats Arena Feb. 1. That
was one of the Hawks’ 2 covers visiting “C” teams this season (2-8 first 10).
Points easy to come by as two defenseless squads meet. 05-Cha +5 93-90
(201), Atl -3 102-92 (200); 04-CHA -3' 107-92 (191), ATL -4' 103-95 (189), Cha
+3 110-105 (OT-203), CHA -4 105-84 (204)
Phoenix 104 - MILWAUKEE 94—Phoenix pretty reliable as road chalk TY,
standing 12-6 in role thru March 20. Suns also 13 points better than Milwaukee
when Bucks visited desert March 1, shooting 57% from floor. Phoenix was in
New Jersey last night, but playing without rest hasn’t hurt the Suns spread
fortunes, as they covered 10 of first 15 in that situation. 05-PHO -9' 123-110
(211); 04-PHO -10 111-104 (207), Pho -6' 121-115 (216)
MEMPHIS 90 - Seattle 79—Edge this season to Memphis, which has won and
covered first 3 vs. Seattle, a couple of those in brutal fashion (pair by 25).
Grizzlies really punished Sonics in recent March 8 win at Key Arena, holding
Seattle to 34.6% FGs in 99-74 win. Sonics even worse than that from floor
(32.9%) in 94-69 loss at FedEx Forum Nov. 8. Memphis 22-10 “under” at home
through March 19, while Sonics have reversed first-half “over” trend to go
“under” 9-5 L14 through March 20. 05-MEM -5 94-69 (188), Mem +2' 100-96
(189), Mem +1 99-74 (200); 04-SEA -3' 118-113 (193), Sea +4' 93-84 (197), Sea
+4 102-99 (184)
CHICAGO 99 - Orlando 90—Big edge to Chicago, which has won and
covered last 5 vs. Orlando, including first 2 this season (both of those wins by 9-
point margins). Magic only 5-9 vs. spread last 14 on road thru March 19. While
the Bulls were just 5-15 first 20 hosting “A” and “B” teams, they are 8-5 facing “C”
teams like Orlando (thru March 23). 05-CHI -8 85-76 (180), Chi +2' 102-93
(178); 04-CHI +3' 105-90 (196), Chi +1 102-101 (OT-197), CHI -8' 117-77 (200)
SACRAMENTO 108 - Washington 90—Sacto looking to atone for recent 117-
107 loss at MCI Center March 5. Kings have covered last 12 at Arco Arena thru
March 20, a span of more than two months. Sacramento catches Washington
coming off a game at Golden State last night, and Wizards have yielded a leagueworst
108 ppg last 11 through March 19. 05-WASH -2 117-107 (201); 04-SAC -8
104-93 (210), Sac +6 110-108 (213)
San Antonio 95 - LA CLIPPERS 92—After coming close several times vs.
S.A., Clips finally broke through with 98-85 win over champs March 7,
outrebounding Spurs 40-28 in process. L.A. had dropped a pair of OT decisions
and another 1-point verdict in 3 of the previous 4 meetings. San Antonio is in
solid form (9-3 L12 vs. points thru March 20). Revenge motive assures solid
effort. 05-SA -7' 95-87 (OT-183), LA +2' 98-85 (184); 04-Sa -7' 98-79 (178), SAN
-13' 80-79 (180), SA -9 91-82 (183), Sa -3' 125-124 (2OT-179)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29
Indiana 105 - ATLANTA 104—What’s going on here? Atlanta already owns
hat trick at Indiana’s expense this season. winning first 3 as dog each time! The
last two meetings have gone “over,” which has been Hawks’ pattern at Philips
Arena TY (“over” 22-11 thru March 19). 05-Atl +11 87-85 (192), ATL +6 104-94
(191), Atl +8' 117-112 (OT-188); 04-IND -15 93-86 (189), Ind -1 108-97 (OT-
184), Ind -4 84-79 (183)
Detroit 96 - PHILADELPHIA 94—Detroit has picked up where it left off LY vs.
Philly, winning first 2 after KOing Sixers in 5 during last spring’s playoffs. Philly,
however, did squeeze inside hefty 10½-point number at Wachovia Center Feb.
3, a game in which A.I. missed due to injury. Pistons have been sinking against
the points for some time (8-17-1 vs. number L26 through March 19), and they are
coming off major revenge game against Dallas last night. 05-DET -8 108-88
(187), Det -10' 87-80 (182); 04-DET -8' 99-91 (177), DET -7 99-95 (184), Det -
3' 93-75 (190), PHI -2' 107-84 (187), DET -9 106-85 (184), DET -9 99-84 (184),
PHI +3' 115-104 (187), Det -5 97-92 (OT-190), DET -9' 88-78 (189)
Miami 100 - TORONTO 99—It’s been covers for Toronto in first two meetings
vs. Miami, which included 13-point Raptor win at Air Canada Centre Nov. 20
when Shaq was out with injury. Heat only 3-9 vs. line last 12 thru March 19, and
must consider Toronto’s 7-1 spread mark this season facing “A” teams. 05-TOR
+6' 107-94 (200), MIA -9' 101-94 (209); 04-Tor +7' 94-92 (200), Mia -7' 106-98
(190), Mia -4 111-96 (201), MIA -11' 103-91 (204)
CLEVELAND 95 - Dallas 87—Cleveland’s LeBron James 36 pts., 12 rebs., 14
of 27 shooting) outdueled Dirk Nowitzki (30 pts. on 12 of 28 FGs) in a Dallas
comeback win (but no cover) on March 14. Mavs were challenged by HC Avery
Johnson at halftime and outscored Cleveland 27-8 in 3rd Q that night, erasing a
19-point halftime lead. Look for Cavs to remember blowing that game and put
forth high-energy effort in rematch. 05-DAL -7' 91-87 (185); 04-DAL -7' 117-86
(198), CLE +3 100-80 (198)
Boston 109 - NEW YORK 106—Recent series edge to Boston, which began
before N.Y. descended into one of league’s worst teams (Celtics have won and
covered first two meetings this season, and 6 of last 7). Boston on recent uptick
(12-6 vs. line last 18 thru March 19). Celtics on 9-4 “over” run on the road L13
(21-12 on season) through March 19. Knicks playing little defense and have
gone “over” 8-1-1 last 10 overall through March 19. 05-BOS -3' 114-100 (OT-
198), Bos +3' 102-99 (198); 04-Bos +6 107-73 (190), BOS -3 114-109 (204),
BOS -6 111-94 (202), NY -1 107-82 (203) CABLE TV—ESPN2
NEW JERSEY 88 - Memphis 84—Memphis (hosted Seattle last night) solid
11-6 vs. line in 2nd night of back-to-backs thru March 23. New Jersey “under”
5 of last 6 and has only yielded 81 ppg L5 through March 20. Suddenly-hot Nets
won 5 straight through March 20 (covered 4) after dropping previous 8 vs. the
number. 05-MEM -4' 81-69 (182); 04-MEM -9 89-84 (174), Mem +1 105-96 (176)
MINNESOTA 92 - Orlando 90—Is Minnesota up to revenge? We’ll see,
because T-wolves probably haven’t forgotten their 20-point beating at TD
Waterhouse Center Dec. 30, when Magic destroyed them on boards by 42-25
count! And Orlando playing better defense of late, holding last 6 foes to 92 ppg
through March 19, covering 5 of those. 05-ORL +1' 107-87 (182); 04-Orl +6 87-
80 (209), Min +2 101-96 (197)
HOUSTON 92 - Seattle 88—Talk about a couple of negative trends colliding—
Houston 9-25 vs. line at home thru March 19, Seattle 9-20 as road dog thru
March 20! Note that Rockets had Yao and now-injured T Mac when winning and

**Ripple** · 03-24-2006, 07:17 PM

PAGE 6 THE GOLD SHEET
NCAA TOURNAMENT FORECAST
ATLANTA REGIONAL
Thursday, March 23 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA
Duke 71 - Lsu 69—Will side with underdog, as both teams boast some strong
edges, but also some vulnerabilities. While this is the ninth straight Sweet 16
appearance for Mike Krzyzewski, his Blue Devils are not very big outside of 6-9,
250 sr. Shelden Williams & 6-10 frosh Josh McRoberts. And Duke’s bench
production totaled only nine points in the team’s first and second-round victories
over Southern and George Washington. So, with lots of rest, depth-shy LSU in
good position to hang tight with Blue Devil team that has covered only 2 of its last
7 games (1-3 as a single-digit favorite).
It’s true that in any Duke game, the magical shooting of J.J. Redick (27 ppg,
42% treys) can distort the proceedings. But maybe Redick takes a while to get
used to the Georgia Dome conditions in Atlanta. And the often-underrated
Williams (19 ppg, 11 rpg, 3½ bpg) will have his hands full, and then some, with the
Bayou Bengals constantly-improving, near 300-pounder, Glen Davis (19 ppg, 10
rpg), who demands constant attention and frequent double-teaming.
LSU’s lack of a true PG (Tack Minor is long gone due to injury) has meant that
5-11 jr. Darrel Mitchell (17 ppg; hit the triple that toppled Texas A&M in Round Two)
has shifted from SG to run the offense. Although his decisions are understandably
questionable at times, he knows that Davis’ presence allows developing teammates
such as 6-7 frosh phenoms Tasmin Mitchell & Tyrus Thomas (combined 23 ppg)
to get free for their putbacks and slashes to the hoop. And any early foul
problems for Duke’s Williams could put favored Devils in a bad way.
SEC teams have excelled as underdogs in recent tourneys (3-0 TY; now 12-5
the L6Ys). And pace of this game (unless Redick goes nuts early) figures to by
favorable for Tigers, with Thomas getting better each game after a late-season
ankle injury.
Texas 75 - West Virginia 63—These two met Nov. 21 in the semis of a
Guardian Classic tourney game in Kansas City, with the Mountaineers leading 40-
35 at the half, but the Longhorns owning the boards (40 to 19!) and literaaly
rebounding for a 76-75 victory. WV hit 9 of 23 treys, but Texas answered with 8
of 18 triples in a fun shootout. Although UT’s scoring has become erratic down the
stretch (Longhorns have tallied more than 75 only twice in last ten games), that
kind of dominance on the boards is hard to go against.
Last year, West Virginia shot its way to within an overtime loss to Louisville in
the Elite Eight of making the Final Four. And maybe the Mounties can do it again.
But then they had the presence of 6-11 rejector D’or Fischer in the middle, and he
has not been replaced in kind, making WV even more dependent on its treys falling.
That might very well happen. But preference here is to trust bigger and more
athletic Longhorns, who can do much better than their sloppy 24 turnovers in that
November meeting. Like many teams in the tourney, Longhorns painfully thin,
with only quick 5-10 frosh G A.J. Abrams making much of an impact. But UT has
defended the trey well (32% allowed) most of season, and HC Barnes now
employing a greater variety of defenses than he was in first meeting.
The Longhorns’ three frontliners of Aldridge, Buckman & Tucker combined for
46 points and 34 caroms back on Nov. 21, and UT out-rebounded its foes by 10
per game TY. With all due respect to West Virginia’s seasoned shooters and
heady coaching, prefer to side with the more-frequent deuces likely to be
produced by the Longhorns in this big game.
Looking Ahead to Possible Elite Eight Matchups
Duke 74 - Texas 73—Longhorns won’t lack motivation in this pairing, as Duke
embarrassed UT 97-66 in a neutral-site game at East Rutherford back on
December 10. J.J. Redick (9 of 16 treys) exploded for 41 in that contest, while C
S. Williams chipped in with 23 pts. and 5 blocked shots. The Blue Devils led 45-
33 at the H. Longhorn PF Brad Buckman played just 7 mins. due to injury. But with
UT a now more polished with sr. Paulino well-established at PG, and sr. Buckman
ready to contribute more minutes, can’t look for anything close to a repeat
performance. Redick gets better attention this time, as Longhorn defense will try
to put more scoring pressure on his teammates.
Duke 72 - West Virginia 70—With its upset of Texas in Sweet 16, West
Virginia now owns six straight covers in NCAA play! So, while Shelden Williams,
who’s more aggressive than ever as a sr., figures to make plenty of “hay” inside,
the Mountaineers’ greater overall balance and experience might earn the
pointspread victory in the end. WV took the very-athletic 2005 Louisville team to
overtime in this round LY, adding to the 20-10 record of Elite Eight underdogs
since 1996. And the Mountaineers have the balance, coaching, and court
intelligence to come close to turning a similar trick TY vs. the 3-G lineup of the thin
Blue Devils.
Lsu 58 - Texas 57—UT’s big edge against most teams is its veteran and
powerful frontline. Not so sure how big that edge will be vs. LSU and massive, but
nimble Glen Davis (he doesn’t like the “Big Baby” or “Baby” nicknames with which
he’s been saddled). That’s fine with us. With Davis and mates 6-8, 240 Lazare,
6-7, 236 Tasmin Mitchell, and 6-7, 208 frosh Tyrus Thomas, Tigers have outrebounded
their foes by 9 pg. And several teams, including A&M twice late in
season, have proven that the athletic Longhorns can be slowed down. LSU G
play always a concern. But Davis is the dominating force in this one. Bayou
Bengals now 7-3 as a dog TY.
LSU 71 - West Virginia 66—Muhammad Ali is one of those people famous for
repeating the adage that the bull is strong, but the matador is smarter. Back on
Nov. 26, the bull was too strong, as LSU won a 71-68 overtime contest vs. WV in
Morgantown, with baby bull Glen Davis scoring 23 points and collecting 14 boards
(6 on the offensive glass). The Mountaineers hoisted 45 treys in that game,
hitting 15, while going 9 for only 24 from inside the arc. WV was out-boarded by
a count of 44 to 23! With the Tigers’ “cubs” now having an additional 35 games
of experience, anticipate Davis getting more support in rematch, making
Mounties’ trey accuracy even more crucial.
OAKLAND REGIONAL
Thursday, March 23 at Oakland Arena, Oakland, CA
Gonzaga 74 - Ucla 73—On the surface, this appears to be a simple choice
between defense and offense. If you like teams that play lock-down, floor-burn
defense, then UCLA is definitely the preference. The Bruins won & covered 8
straight prior to their narrow victory over Alabama in the second round of
subregionals, holding each of their last nine foes to 60 or fewer points. Detailoriented
head coach Ben Howland always has his team well prepared. 6-5 soph
G Arron Affalo & 6-2 soph G Jordan Farmar are two of the nation’s best on-theball
stoppers, 7-0 sr. Ryan Hollins has gone from “soft” to sometimes intimidating
under the hard-drivin’ Howland, and Cameroonian frosh 6-7 Luc Richard Mbah a
Moute & 6-8 Alfred Aboya play bigger than their height.
If you prefer teams that can pile up the points on offense, the clear choice is
Gonzaga. The Bulldogs own the nation’s longest winning streak (20 games),
thanks to a clever, multi-faceted attack that scores 80 ppg. And just when it
seemed as if Zags had become a containable one-trick pony with nation’s top
scorer Adam Morrison, his teammates stepped up in second round of
subregionals. Morrison (28 ppg) was held to just 14 vs. Indiana, but 5 others
tallied double-digit points in 90-80 win over Hoosiers.
It won’t be a major surprise if UCLA is able to eke out a SU win on the strength
of its superior defense. But prefer to take points with Gonzaga (covered 5 of last
6 as dog), which has the resources to find some holes in the Bruin defense.
Nimble 6-9, 270 sr. F/C J.P. Batista (19 ppg & 9.4 rpg) will give UCLA problems
in paint with his polished post moves, creating openings for the intrepid Morrison
to bomb from perimeter or slash to basket. “Over” the total might be the highest-
% play, as Bulldogs struggle to get many stops. Still, they might be able to
stiffen enough to prevail now that 6-7 sr. Errol Knight & 6-2 frosh Jeremy
Pargo providing perimeter quickness off bench, and Bruins frequently falling
in love with trey on offense.
Memphis 85 - Bradley 70—Quite frankly (apologies to ESPN’s blustering
Stephen A. Smith), we’re perplexed by the lack of respect top-seeded Memphis
has been getting. The Tigers are now 32-3 SU. They covered both their games
in subregional, laying only 12 points to No. 16 seed Oral Roberts in first round,
then just 5 to Patriot League overachiever Bucknell in second round. And, with
what appears to be another “cheap” impost, compelled to recommend Memphis
in this matchup with upstart Bradley.
No knock on cohesive, well-coached Braves, who are in Sweet 16 for first time
in last 51 years! They’ve won & covered 9 of their last 10, earning their way out
of subregional as a 13 seed with impressive wins over quick, athletic Big XII
champ Kansas and physical Big East heavyweight Pittsburgh. Tough-to-cover 6-
7 sr. Marcellus Sommerville (16 ppg, 7 rpg) and 7-0, 260 soph C Patrick O’Bryant
(13 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 bpg) have NBA futures and a veteran supporting cast.
Still, Bradley will be hard-pressed to stay with talented Tigers. The Braves
prefer to play at a fast tempo, but are unlikely to survive for 40 minutes in a fullcourt
battle with quicker, deeper Memphis (9 average DD minutes). And, if
Bradley chooses to try to force a slower pace, Memphis is also better in half-court
sets, thanks to its superior defense and 3-point shooting. Sommerville &
O’Bryant might get theirs. But Tigers’ springy 6-7 sr. Rodney Carney (18 ppg),
rugged soph G Darius Washington (14 ppg), and versatile 6-9 frosh Shawne
Williams (14 ppg) are also going to get theirs (and then some). And any late
Memphis lead is likely to grow, as its key players hit their FTs and the Braves
(convert fewer than 6 treys pg) don’t usually excel from the arc.
Looking Ahead to Possible Elite Eight Matchups
Memphis 84 - Gonzaga 75—Rematch of meeting at Memphis December 27.
Although the Tigers won that game, 83-72—handing Gonzaga its only
pointspread loss as a dog since Nov. 2004!—the Bulldogs actually had a lead
with 5 minutes to go in that contest. But they eventually succumbed to the
superior defense & athleticism of Memphis. Envision a similar scenario this time

**Ripple** · 03-24-2006, 07:17 PM

PAGE 7 THE GOLD SHEET
around. Morrison had 34 in first tilt. Still, Tigers have a lot of different defenders
(the quicker 6-7 Carney, the bigger 6-9 S. Williams to name two) they can throw
at Zags’ main man. And, unlike UCLA, there’s no worry about potent Memphis
being outgunned on offensive end.
Memphis 72 - Ucla 62—These two met in New York in late November, with
Memphis prevailing, 88-80, as a 6½-point favorite. UCLA was able to fight back
from a 51-34 halftime deficit, thanks mostly to Farmar’s game-high 28 points. But
Bruins simply didn’t have as many guns as Tigers (Carney, Washington & S.
Williams combined for 59), and they still don’t. Memphis can wear down the overworked
Farmar with its variety of traps & presses. And, if game slows down into
battle of half-court sets, Tigers likely to get more easy baskets inside on offense
while using their “length” on perimeter to keep a hand in face of Bruins’ jump
shooters. Memphis will keep pedal to metal for full 40 minutes this time after
nearly blowing big lead in first meeting.
Gonzaga 88 - Bradley 80—With all due respect to burgeoning Bradley, we
can’t envision the Braves denying tourney-tested Gonzaga a trip to the Final Four.
Not that Bradley won’t be able to put up a tough fight against the defensivelysuspect
Bulldogs. But Zags should eventually be able to outdistance this
stubborn Missouri Valley rep. Morrison’s mates have increased confidence after
proving vs. Indiana that they can pick up slack when he’s off. And big trouble for
Braves if the still-learning 7-footer O’Bryant gets into foul problems guarding the
clever Batista inside.
Ucla 64 - Bradley 63—Again, don’t want to “dis” Bradley, but we have a hard
time seeing Braves making their way to Final Four against these well-established
foes. Still, wouldn’t be surprised if Bradley able to give UCLA a 40-minute battle.
Bruins’ defensive edge probably not enough to open up big lead on well-schooled
BU, which can do some damage in paint with Sommerville & Bryant. Sure, Bruins
could cover if they get hot from arc. But compelled to shade recent Elite Eight
underdog trend in this particular matchup.
WASHINGTON REGIONAL
Friday, March 24 at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C.
GEORGE MASON 70 - Wichita State 60—Results of previous meetings don’t
necessarily portend a similar result in a rematch. But, sometimes they do, and we
believe a quick revisit of George Mason’s exciting 70-67 BracketBuster win at
Wichita February 18 is definitely in order.
The Patriots appeared in control as they held the lead for most of that game,
and seemed comfortably in front when up by 9 with less than 4 minutes to play.
The host Wheatshockers, however, made a belated run, fueled by some longrange
bombing from reserve G Karon Bradley, and eventually leveled matters in
the final minute before GMU sr. G Tony Skinn hit a game-winning triple with 10
seconds to play. Skinn was definitely the player of the game with his 23 points,
while WSU needed Bradley’s 17 points off of the bench to compensate for subpar
performances from starting Gs Sean Ogirri & Matt Braeuer (a combined 4-14 from
the floor).
Fundamentally, however, there was something troubling about that matchup
from the Shockers’ point of view. The Pats had a noticeable quickness edge in the
backcourt, while more than holding their own in the paint with their somewhat
undersized “bigs” Will Thomas & widebody Jai Lewis against the taller Wichita
frontliners 6-10 Paul Miller & 6-8 Kyle Wilson. Only Bradley’s unexpected lategame
heroics gave the Shockers a chance in the final minutes.
So, the question is, if Wichita couldn’t beat Mason on its home court, is it going
to fare any better vs. the Patriots in foreign territory (the MCI Center is only about
40 minutes—or, perhaps longer, maybe much longer, depending upon the
notorious D.C. traffic—from GMU’s Fairfax campus), with no appreciably different
components to count upon than in the first meeting?
It won’t be easy, because the fundamentals haven’t changed much in the 34
days since these teams last faced off. Skinn and sr. Patriot backcourt mate Lamar
Butler and emerging soph Folarin Campbell (scored 21 in 1st-round upset over
Michigan State when Skinn was out due to suspension) still own the same
quickness edge over their Shocker counterparts. And if Ogirri and slashing wing
P.J. Cousinard (who was flustered by Mason HC Jim Larranaga’s complex
defensive looks in February, hitting only 2 of 9 FGs and missing all 4 trey attempts)
are again neutralized, the Wichita attack is going to have to find points from other
sources, and it’s doubtful a reserve like Bradley provides a similar lifeline.
Well-balanced, defensively-sound GMU, well-schooled under the respected
Larranaga, is unlikely to self-destruct as did Shocker sub-regional foes Seton Hall
and Tennessee. Expect the Patriot momentum form last week’s upset wins over
two of LY’s Final Four participants to carry over at least another night, especially
in what figures to be friendly regional territory.
Connecticut 81 - Washington 80—Devotees of Dick Bennett-style probably
won’t enjoy this expected shootout, as both UConn (81 ppg) and U-Dub (82 ppg)
rank among the nation’s scoring leaders. And, speaking of Dick Bennett, the
mere fact that Jim Calhoun’s Big East powerhouse is practically the antithesis of
Bennett’s molasses-paced Washington State side is good news in itself for the
racehorse Seattle bunch that suffered a pair of unexpected defeats vs. the lowly
Cougars this season.
Not that Washington would rather be facing UConn than Wazzu in the Sweet
16. But at least this matchup will allow Lorenzo Romar’s charges to go down
swinging, which we expect them to do.
And we’re hardly convinced that UConn is even going to prevail. Recent
efforts, which include five straight non-covers, a 1st-round exit in the Big East
tourney, and a pair of struggles vs. big underdogs in the sub-regional, indicate
Connecticut is certainly not hitting the MCI Center in prime form. Calhoun himself
has appeared flustered in recent weeks, and he has indicated more than once
that this UConn edition lacks the maturity of some of his previous championship
sides. Regional scouts have commented all season that UConn doesn’t always
play intelligently and has been prone to go walkabout for maddening stretches
that have allowed outmanned foes (such as Albany) to stick around. Those are
hardly characteristics to suggest that UConn is about to extend the margin vs.
such an explosive foe.
And UW is nothing if not explosive, with 6-6 sr. swingman Brandon Roy (19.9
ppg) the catalyst. Roy’s ability to impact proceedings at both ends of the court
makes him a unique weapon even in this matchup vs. UConn’s array of talent.
And though UConn owns a size edge, keep in mind that UW’s 6-8 Mike Jensen
& 6-7 frosh PF Jon Brockman both play bigger than their height. When adding in
versatile 6-7 types Bobby Jones (10.4 ppg) & long-armed 6th-man deluxe Jamaal
Williams (13.4 ppg), UW isn’t outmanned by much.
Granted, we suspect UConn could hit stride at any moment, and the increasing
influence that jr. G Marcus Williams has had on games since regaining eligibility
in January suggests that Calhoun’s team could shift into overdrive at any
moment. But Washington’s size and athleticism are an interesting counter to the
manpower edge the likes of UConn’s 6-9 Rudy Gay (15.4 ppg), 6-10 Josh Boone
(10.7 ppg) and emerging 6-11 Hilton Armstrong usually enjoy. So even if UConn
puts it together tonight, we’re hardly convinced capable U-Dub will prove an easy
“out.”
Looking Ahead to Possible Elite Eight Matchups
Connecticut 71 - GEORGE MASON 69—Sure, picking against UConn is like
picking against a big puncher in a title fight. You never know when the Huskies
might deliver a decisive KO blow. But we suspect GMU’s underrated backcourt
has enough moxie to prevent UConn from detonating its transition game, and
pressure from the likes of Gs Skinn, Butler, & Campbell might disrupt the
Huskies’ recently-misfiring halfcourt sets. And after dealing with Michigan State’s
& North Carolina’s athletic frontlines in the sub-regional, underrated Patriot “bigs”
Lewis & Thomas won’t be intimidated by UConn’s tall trees. Huskies can
advance, but it won’t be easy.
Connecticut 80 - Wichita State 66—Does the ride end here for WSU?
Probably so. Unlike unique and mobile GMU frontliners Lewis & Thomas,
Shocker “bigs” Miller & Wilson likely to be neutralized by more-athletic Husky
counterparts. And if Wichita loses the “inside” portion of its “inside-out” game, we
doubt Shockers can keep pace from the perimeter. UConn’s size, balance,
depth, and athleticism pose too many fundamental mismatches for Shockers to
overcome. And if we haven’t seen Huskies’ “A” game by this point in tourney, we
suspect we will with Final Four just a game away.
GEORGE MASON 69 - Washington 65—The difference between these two is
that versatile GMU attack can be comfy either pushing the pace or slowing the
tempo, whereas UW functions effectively only in overdrive. And since we doubt
well-coached Patriots are going to oblige Huskies’ preferred racehorse tempo,
UW is going to instead have to deal with Jim Larranaga’s assortment of defensive
looks, including his pet “scramble” tactics that might prove a bit discombobulating
to fearless, but mistake-prone, Husky frosh PG Justin Dentmon. If Larranaga can
effectively neutralize Brandon Roy, well-balanced Pats could be bound... for Indy!
Wichita State 73 - Washington 70—Whereas Wichita frontliners Miller &
Wilson likely to be marginalized in matchup vs. big and talented UConn, they’ll
have much better chance to do their thing vs. smaller UW counterparts. And
diciplined, well-schooled Shockers are good enough at controlling tempo and
playing defense (allow only 63 ppg) to prevent Huskies from igniting their
preferred transition game. Success of Elite Eight underdogs past three years (9-
2 vs. line) another reason to support capable Wichita.
__________________

**Ripple** · 03-24-2006, 07:17 PM

PAGE 8

THE GOLD SHEET
MINNEAPOLIS REGIONAL
Friday, March 24 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN
Florida 73 - Georgetown 66— Kudos to Georgetown HC John Thompson III,
who led his coming squad to the Sweet 16 in only his 2nd season, which is 2 years
ahead of his father, who went to NCAAs in his third year (1976), but didn’t win a
game in the Big Dance until 1980, when he won two in his 7th year. The younger
Thompson has done an effective job making in-game adjustments and switching
defenses this season, and he’s managed to win 23 games so far without a true
point G. Hoyas are also a bit more dynamic offensively under JT III, but still play
that trademark, hard-nosed “D” (just 60 ppg) like the successful teams of the ‘80s
under the elder statesman.
But still and all, prefer to lay a small number with a more explosive Florida
squad (79 ppg) that leads the nation in FG% (51%), while topping the SEC in both
3-point marksmanship (7 treys pg at 39%) & foul shooting (73%). And while
chemistry-rich, unselfish Gators (17 apg) get lots of accolades for offensive
puissance, HC Donovan’s aggressive defense tends to get overlooked, as it’s
allowing just 65 ppg, 40% FGs, and an SEC-low 32% from the arc. So, while
Hoyas super-sophs 7-2 C Hibbert (11 ppg, 5 rpg, 37 pts in 1st two rounds ) & 6-9
F Green (12 ppg, 7 rpg TY; 19 pts., 8 rebs., 6 assists vs. Ohio State) are coming
on strong, believe supremely-balanced Florida (all 5 starters in DDs) will
eventually pull away.
UF’s highly-agile 6-11 soph C Noah (14 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 apg, 2 bpg), who gets
solid frontline support from physical 6-8 soph F Horford (11 ppg, 7 rpg) and lone
senior 6-9 F Moss (off bench), now has the rare ability to make his mates better
by his smooth passing skills, as he demonstrated in the 22-point romp over
Wisconsin-Milwaukee, when he produced 17 pts., 6 assists & 4 blocks. Wow!
And while soph PG Green’s shooting sometimes betrays him, he is the premier
playmaker on the court, handing out 5 apg. Now that 6-9 soph swingman Brewer
(13 ppg; 23 vs. Panthers) has become a force on both curl routes in the paint and
3-point gunning (nailed 5 of 8 in Round Two), prefer to side with the SEC rep that
made it all the way to the championship game the last time it advanced to the
Sweet 16 in 2000.
Boston College 76 - Villanova 71—Have no doubt that 27-4 Villanova, which
has been in the Top Ten all season and shared the Big East reg.-season crown,
has earned its No. 1 seeding in “Big Dance.” But we’re not so sure Wildcats—who
benefited from crowd support in early games at nearby Wachovia Center in
Philly—should be favored at all vs. a veteran, smartly-coached, confident Boston
College squad that won 28 games and has played arguably as well as anyone in
nation since embarrassing 18-point home loss vs. North Carolina State on Jan.
10. Eagles, who were 0-3 in their ACC debut following that defeat, have gone on
to win 17 of their last 20 games, with a couple of those setbacks in spreadcovering
2-point losses to perennial powerhouse Duke. We won’t try to explain the
other 14-point stinker at Virginia.
Sure, Wildcats have the quickness advantage over most foes with their unique
4-guard attack. But that critical edge doesn’t exist vs. BC aggregrate that’s quite
familiar with their style from the Big East days (home team won by 1 & 6 pts. year
ago). And while ‘Nova formed a rare low-post presence with 6-8 jr. F Sheridan (5
ppg; 16 pts. vs. ‘Zona) & 6-9 frosh F Cunningham (9 rebs.) to help balance the
vaunted perimeter attack in 4-point victory vs. Arizona in Round Two, doubt that
will carryover vs. BC’s powerful, veteran forecourt, featuring 6-7 sr. F C. Smith (18
ppg, 9 rpg, 3 apg) & 6-7 jr. F Dudley (17 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 apg), both of whom can
effectively pass to the open man when “doubled” down low. And with BC’s trio of
Gs, 6-4 sr. Hinnant (45% from arc), 6-6 jr. Marshall (11 ppg) & gifted, 6-0 frosh
Rice (all-time leading Virginia 3A scorer made 4 treys vs. Montana) more
confident from outside, believe Eagles tougher to defend now than Wildcats, even
with electric 6-3 sr. Foye’s (20 ppg) ability to score in a variety of ways.
In addition, small underdogs have been a winning play in this round of the
NCAAs, and Skinner’s road-tested unit is a perfect 6-0 as a dog this campaign.
Make that 7-0.
Looking Ahead to Possible Elite Eight Matchups
Florida 78 - Boston College 72—Although BC has been a terrific underdog
(see above), still prefer to lay a tiny number with a better-balanced Florida bunch
that owns superior, proven shooters with 6-2 jr. Humphrey (11 ppg, 47% from arc)
and hard-to-guard 6-8 soph swingman Brewer, who displayed long range skills in
early rounds. And now that C Noah (played PG as 6-2 prepster before growth
spurt; we do mean spurt!) able to do serious damage in a variety of ways, favor
Donovan’s selfless squad to advance vs. respected ACC foe. Note, Donovan’s
squad has 27 wins by 5 pts. or more TY.
Boston College 69 - Georgetown 65—In a near-pick ‘em contest (make that
war) between two old Big East rivals (BC won 64-49 at home in only meeting LY),
favor the more seasoned Eagle quintet that has the inside size, power and
strength (especially with 6-10 sophs Williams & Oates contributing) to more than
neutralize G’Town’s “bigs.” Battle-tested BC able to play at different tempos, and
believe Eagles owns the superior distributor in Hinnant (nearly 5 apg), who can
effectively dissect Hoyas switching defenses. Note, hot BC on unblemished 6-0
spread run in tourney play following upset over ‘Nova in Sweet Sixteen.
Florida 74 - Villanova 70— Is this where the absence of Curtis Sumpter finally
catches up with ‘Nova? Sure, Wildcats have done marvelous job camouflaging
his absence with their dynamic 4-G attack this season, but now they’ve got to deal
with a big and athletic Florida lineup featuring rapidly developing 6-11 soph
Joakim Noah. And as tough as Big East was this season, ‘Nova Gs Foye, Ray,
Lowry, and Nardi rarely had to deal with the sort of SEC athleticism Gator lineup
possesses. Don’t expect ‘Nova experience to be big edge, either, as sophdominated
UF now has another season of SEC wars and a few more pressurized
NCAA games under its belt.
Villanova 69 - Georgetown 61— Any reason this one should be too much
different from ‘Nova’s 75-65 home win February 19? Not really. Wildcats’ 4-G
lineup has been dealing with size disadvantages all season, and the lack of height
didn’t prove a disadvantage at all vs. bigger Hoyas last month, when smaller ‘Nova
actually outboarded GT 31-30 (including 13-9 on offensive glass) en route to 10-
point win. Expect Cat Gs Foye and Ray to toy with Hoya counterparts as in 1st
meeting, when ‘Nova committed only 3 TOs and repeatedly attacked bucket
(kicking out to open mates for 3s if C Hibbert blocked their way in lane), while their
quickness again pesters GT on other end.
"REQUOTABLE"
“ Don’t call me son, unless you’re going to
include me in your will”
—Al McGuire

**Ripple** · 03-24-2006, 07:18 PM

THE GOLD SHEET PAGE 9
NATIONAL INVITATION TOURNAMENT
The NIT second-round games are not very compatible with THE GOLD SHEET’s
publishing and mailing schedule, as most or all of them will be completed by the time this
issue reaches the vast majority of our readers. As we went to press early Monday
morning, 16 teams remained in competition. But the field will be down to eight after
Tuesday, March 21. Thus, with the exact Quarterfinal matchups undetermined at press
time, we offer our analysis of each team’s current form and chemistry, with the focus on
the chances of each advancing in the tourney field. The winners of the four Quarterfinals
advance to Madison Square Garden in New York for the Semifinals Tuesday, March 28,
and the Final Thursday, March 30.
The numbers in parentheses below are each team’s straight-up record and its GOLD
SHEET Hoop Rating through Sunday, March 19.
CINCINNATI (20-12; 9)...Bearcats—who had been invited to 14 straight Big
Dances—have decided to channel their collective anger of “snubbing” by TY’s
Selection Committee into winning the NIT. Cincy, which is making its 9th NIT
appearance (first since ‘91 when it lost to Oklahoma in 2nd round) is also highlymotivated
to have well-liked, interim HC Andy Kennedy rehired, evidenced by
stirring, come-from-behind 86-80 victory over former C-USA rival Charlotte in 1st
round. Depth-shy but resilient squad has admirably adjusted to mid-season
injury of talented vet swingman Kirkland. Well-balanced “O” (4 starters in DDs)
is smoothly directed by remarkably-poised, true frosh PG Downey (12 ppg, 4 apg,
2 spg), who effectively dishes to 6-7 sr. F J. White (16 ppg) & bruising 6-6, 240 sr.
PF Hicks (14 ppg, 9 rpg, 3 bpg). No. 1 seeding (and home court) could help
inconsistent Bearcats (no back-to-back covers since late Dec.!) get to Big Apple,
but overworked starters must stay clear of foul trouble.
CLEMSON (19-12; 11)...Tigers are making steady progress under respected
HC Oliver Purnell, who led squad to its first winning record since 1998-99 in his
3rd season at the helm. Clemson has a well-balanced attack (4 between 10 & 12
ppg), spearheaded by super-quick veteran Gs Vernon Hamilton & Shawan
Robinson. That duo also leads a harassing defense that forces 19 TOs per game
(including 11 spg). Still, Tigers (just 2 SU wins in last 10 away from home) will be
challenged to survive second round trip to Louisville. If they do, late-blooming 6-
9, 220 sr. F Akin Akingbala (4 straight double-doubles, and 7 in last 10 games)
makes trip to New York possible. Then again, atrocious 62% FTing (6 of 21 in one
game) might prevent same.
CREIGHTON (20-9; 13)...Bluejays have been hampered since the early-
January injury loss of do-everything, all-Missouri Valley sr. G Nate Funk (17 ppg,
4.7 rpg). Moreover, 6-8 soph F Dane Watts has been battling to recover full
strength following a bout of mono. The injury and illness have meant respected
Creighton (5 MVC titles last 8 years) has become even more dependent on the
trey shooting (36% as a team) of its 3-G lineup. Bluejays hit nine 3-pointers in their
Round One win over tired Akron (which had to travel after its OT win at Temple), but
20 of CU’s 44 FG attempts in that victory over the Zips were three-balls.
FLORIDA STATE (20-9; 10)...With a winning campaign in the challenging ACC
that included a home victory over Duke (after an earlier controversial 1-point OT
loss at Cameron), many were surprised the Seminoles did not receive an
invitation to the NCAA tourney. Florida State has an experienced squad with lots
of depth. It not only has a go-to scorer in slithery 6-7 jr. F Al Thornton, who threw
in 37 at Duke and BC, but also one of the top low-post threats in this event in 6-
10 jr. F/C Alexander Johnson (13 ppg, 7.4 rpg). The Seminoles allow too many
easy buckets at times, although that’s frequently a function of trying to force a fast
tempo. If the defense and Thornton’s sore back (he had only 5 points in 23
minutes during first-round home win over Butler) hold up, consider FSU one of the
favorites to get to the Garden.
HOFSTRA (25-6; 12)...We’re tempted to refer to the Pride as a “sleeper” to
reach the Garden. But the secret is out on the Long Island bunch that won 12 of
13 down stretch (including two conquests of CAA heavyweight George Mason) to
merit serious NCAA at-large consideration before becoming one of the last Big
Dance cuts. Well-oiled, 3-G offense features lots of firepower in backcourt led by
6-3 Loren Stokes (17.4 ppg) & 6-3 soph Antoine Agudio (17.1 ppg % 43% treys),
while functional frontliners 6-7 Adrian Uter & 6-8 Lithuanian import Aurimas Kieza
do the necessary grunt work in paint. But chances of reaching MSG will be
compromised if HC Tom Pecora is forced to dip too far into thin bench.
HOUSTON (21-9; 11)...Tom Penders, who quickly resurrected programs at
both Rhode Island and Texas, has done it again at Houston (2nd NIT
appearance) in just his 2nd season. Penders, who says this is his best defensive
team in 23 years of coaching, believes his smallish (tallest starter just 6-7) but
highly-athletic squad can go deep in tourney. We won’t argue. Defenseswitching,
ball-thievin’ Cougs ( nation-leading 12 spg) are led by solid trio of 6-5
juco G Lafayette (16 ppg, 3 spg), 6-6 sr. F Dyer (12 ppg, 6 rpg) & 6-2 jr PG L. Smith
(12 ppg, 5 apg), all of whom were all-conf. selections. After settling too often for
3-pointers (convert 9 pg at just 34%) during mini-slump in early January, offense
became more effective once players began to more frequently attack the hoop.
Since then, Cougs have covered 11 of their last 14 games thru Round One,
including 2 competitive affairs with highly-ranked Memphis. Defending a
dominating post scorer, however, remains a concern for UH.
LOUISVILLE (19-12; 10)...Rick Pitino’s youngest team (G Taquan Dean is the
only senior) has been fighting an uphill battle since the loss of starting C David
Padgett (transfer from Kansas) to a knee injury in late February. After stating the
Cardinals wouldn’t participate in the NIT if they failed to make the NCAA tourney,
New York native Pitino changed his tune with a chance to give his youngsters
more experience. Dean (17 ppg, but only 38% FGs) has battled a sore ankle
much of the season. But 6-3 jr. Brandon Jenkins (12 ppg, 40% treys) & powerful
6-8 soph Juan Palacios (10.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg) have been showing excellent
development late in season. Pitino has confessed he can’t use his trademark
pressing defense as often as he’d like because his young players are still learning
to execute it instinctively.
MANHATTAN (20-10; 15)...Sure, MACC reg.-season champ Jaspers would
love to bring their fan support to nearby MSG, but squad probably lacks the
prime-time seasoning (3 sophs start) and defensive skills (yield a whopping 75
ppg) to make it that far. HC Gonzales’ well-balanced squad (4 starters in DDs)
does possess lots of firepower (77 ppg), spearheaded by versatile 6-6 soph F C.
J. Anderson (16 ppg, 4 apg ) & speedy 6-0 soph G Xavier (15 ppg), who poured
in a career-high 31 in ego-boosting first round upset at Maryland, which snapped
Terps 29-game home win streak vs. non-conf. foes. Sr. PG Wingate (13 ppg,
3 apg) is stabilizing force, and defenders must c cover the paint, thanks to
powerful 6-8 soph F Dubois (16 ppg, 9 rpg), who does have tendency to get in foul
trouble. Foul shooting (68%) and rebounding (-2 rpg) are liabilities, but Jaspers
(only 13 TOs pg) take good care of the ball.
MIAMI-FLORIDA (17-15; 11)...Hurricanes (3-7 SU last 10 thru March 19)
breathing a sigh of relief after nearly blowing 8-point lead in final 45 seconds of 62-
59 first-round home win over young Oklahoma State. Miami will have to fight its
way to New York on road—not an impossible task, thanks to athletic,
freewheeling vet Gs Guillermo Diaz & Robert Hite (combined 34 ppg). However,
shot selection tends to be a bit dicey with that duo (9 of 30 FGs vs. Cowboys), so
advancement probably dependent upon how much somewhat undersized
frontline is able to contribute. 6-7, 230 soph Raymond Hicks helping off bench.
Miami a formidable road warrior on rugged ACC trail over last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN (19-10; 10)...Wolverines (NIT champs in 2004) slumped down the
stretch and were ousted in the opening round of the Big Ten tourney, going 2-7 SU
& vs. the spread their last 9 games before their 82-67 Round One win over UTEP.
And with key sr. swingman Lester Abram (ankle injury late in season) now back
in the lineup (albeit not yet 100%), Michigan has the height, depth, and versatility
to rank as one of the most formidable forces in the NIT field. For example, three
former Wolverine starters combined for 36 points off the bench in that win over the
Miners. Still, defensive quickness and effort are still frequent bugaboos for this
team of former Duke star and assistant Tommy Amaker, who has been unable to
instill Coach K-style intensity and court intelligence.
MINNESOTA (16-14; 12)...It’s understandably taken the Gophers a while to
get things together TY, as three players who started in their 73-58 Round One
victory over Wake Forest did not even play last year. 6-6, 250 frontliner Zach
Puchtel is a transter from Harvard, 6-5 sr. Maurice Hargrow transferred from
Arkansas, and 6-3 sr. Adam Boone was medical redshirt. HC Dan Monson has
juggled his lineup frequently, but his current group (led by 6-5 sr. Vincent Grier—
15.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg) shows promise for this frequent NIT participant (won in 1993 &,
‘98; 4th in 2003). Minny neither consistent nor deep, however, and Gophers were
only 2-9 SU on road heading into their Round Two game at Cincy. But they were
good enough to beat four NCAA tourney teams (UAB, Indiana, Michigan State &
Iowa) at home.
MISSOURI STATE (21-8; 11)...Although Mizzou State supporters might still be
bummed that Bears were the odd man out from MVC in Big Dance consideration,
HC Barry Hinson’s squad is very capable of a deep NIT run that could serve as
coming attraction for bigger things next season, when most key contributors will
return. That includes go-to 6-2 jr. G Blake Ahearn (16.8 ppg), who definitely isn’t
the guy to foul when trying to play catch-up (he’s a 93% FT shooter!). But strength
of team lies in its depth and balance, with 6 others scoring between 7-10 ppg, and
Bears have enough “bigs” at Hinson’s disposal that he can employ a frontline-bycommittee
approach. MS also provided good spread value TY (19-9 vs. line prior
to March 20 vs. Houston). Definite title threat!
NOTRE DAME (16-13; 9)...Luck of the Irish? Yeah, right. Seven of Notre
Dame’s last 8 losses have come by 4 points or fewer! While that inability to get
over the hump in close games cost the Domers an invitation to Big Dance, they
did cover 9 straight as a dog prior to 67-63 loss (as 3-point dog) in Big East
tourney opener vs. Georgetown. Although some scouts have criticized HC Mike
Brey for not getting enough out of NBA-caliber 6-11, 252 sr. F Torin Francis (12
ppg & 9 rpg), Francis did have 23 & 11 in first round home win over Vanderbilt.
And he’s getting lots of help lately from 6-9 soph Rob Kurz (20 points, 20
rebounds last 2 games thru first round). With 6-5 jr. treymeister Colin Falls (10 of
19 from arc those 2 games) snapping out of recent slump, no surprise if composed
sr. PG Chris Quinn (18 ppg & 6.4 apg) able to orchestrate a trip to New York.
OLD DOMINION (22-9; 14)... Dismiss Colonial reps at your peril this
postseason! That would certainly include ODU, which, after a somewhat
disappointing regular season, showed it meant (continued on page 11)
__________________

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