Who do you think will advance to the men’s NCAA championship game Monday?
Watson: West Virginia over Duke, and Butler over Michigan State. WVU is just too physical of a Big East team for the Blue Devils to deal with. Plus, Duke has no one to guard Da’Sean Butler. And speaking of Butler (ha), the Bulldogs have won 24 games in a row. The Spartans’ Tom Izzo, or T.I., is one of the best coaches in the country, but Butler’s system is clicking on all cylinders.
Eshoff: I agree with you about the latter; seventh-seeded WVU knocked off second-seeded Duke in 2008, and there’s still a lot of players left on both sides. Expec0t a repeat. On the other side, it’s apparent that Izzo could coach the Three Blind Mice into the Final Four. The Spartans’ toughness and ability to rebound will do Butler in.
Who do you think will win the men’s NCAA championship?
Watson: Surprise, surprise … Butler. Now, hear me out. The championship game will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, … about six miles away from Butler. That essentially makes it a home game for the Bulldogs. And four of WVU’s six losses on the season have come on the road. The Mountaineers had better shape up or they’re going to get shipped out.
Eshoff: I love me the buckskin breeches of the Mountaineer mascot. Minus standout point guard Kalin Lucas ““ out with a torn Achilles ““ Michigan State will have too much trouble with West Virginia’s length on defense. The Big (L) East was a bust, but they’ll get a championship.
Who is the most outstanding player you have seen in the men’s NCAA tournament? The most disappointing player?
Watson: Clearly, it’s been Butler. The Bulldogs’ win streak is at 24, and they’ve taken down Syracuse and Kansas State along the way. And for most disappointing, the obvious choice would be Kansas ““ but I never thought KU was that strong. I’d have to give it to Kentucky. Once the Jayhawks were eliminated, it was the Wildcats to lose, and they lost. Better luck next year, Coach Cal.
Eshoff: Two of the teams remaining have identical injury situations; you went with one backup point guard, I’ll go with the other. West Virginia’s Joe Mazzulla ““ playing big minutes because of starter Darryl “Truck” Bryant’s injury ““ was the catalyst in the win over Kentucky. Meanwhile, Kansas’ Sherron Collins flopped in big moments.
What is the most outstanding team you have seen in the men’s NCAA tournament? The most disappointing team?
Watson: Most outstanding? Nikola Dragovic. No, I’m joking. It’s Korie Lucious. He hasn’t been huge, but he has stepped up big since Kalin Lucas, the Spartans’ best player, went out with an injury. Most disappointing? Scottie Reynolds. The first team All-American went 4-for-26 from the field in Villanova’s two tournament games. (Insert Phil Jackson voice:) “Come on Scottie!”
Eshoff: I have to give some love to Tennessee. Even though they lost, the Volunteers beat Kansas, Kentucky, and Ohio State this season, and would have beaten Michigan State if Scotty Hopson hadn’t had a brain fart. New Mexico was a bust; the Lobos had a chance to shine on a big stage and got shellacked. Oops.
Who will win the women’s NCAA championship?
Watson: Not UConn! Stanford presents a difficult challenge for the Huskies because it can match up with coach Geno Auriemma’s squad inside. UConn’s Tina Charles won’t be able to dominate Nnemkadi Ogwumike or Jayne Appel down low. All Stanford has to do is contain Maya Moore. Don’t forget, although UConn beat Stanford this season, Stanford led at halftime. I’m just saying.
Eshoff: Elementary my dear Watson. This question should have been: “How much will UConn win by?” The Huskies are on a mission, and that is to Manny Pacquiao their opponents into submission. Stanford’s bigs have been solid against lesser competition, but the Appel will fall far from the trees of Connecticut.