Hoops by Holmes

It is a natural tendency for men to get caught up in March Madness being that they are more interested in the success of their bracket than school or even their social lives. So where does this leave us women who have better things to do with our lives than watch sports center 24/7? Yes, I know this article seems a little sexist but lets face it, the reality is that a pizza, a beer and a sports game is the American man’s fantasy. Here is a few key points that will help you be able to enjoy this year’s Final Four as much they do and possibly catch the attention of that guy you’ve been eyeing .
 
“And One”- A player with the ball get fouled in the act of shooting and score despite getting fouled. The player then has the opportunity to make a “three-point play” by shooting a free throw for the additional point making the play a two (for the basket) AND ONE (for the free throw).
 
Excessive fouling at the end of the game; seem a little unnecessary? Maybe not.
If a team is losing at the end of a game they want to extend the game for as long as they can. By fouling they force the other team to make free throws in hopes that they will miss and the losing team will then have the opportunity to gain the ball back without running down the clock. Once they gain the ball back they attempt to get a shot off as quickly as possible. This trend continues until the end of the game.

 
The Teams:
UConn Huskies
Seed: 3
Key Players: Kemba Walker ( 22.3 ppg (points per game)), Jeremy Lamb (11.1 ppg)
Strengths: Kemba Walker-the most dominant player in the tournament thus far, an unstoppable force and a player of the year finalist.
Weaknesses: Lack of depth. Besides Kemba Walker the team struggles to succeed as an entire unit. One off game for Walker could end the Huskies’ dreams of a National Championship.
 
Kentucky Wildcats
Seed: 4
Key Players: Brandon Knight (17.3 ppg), Terrence Jones (15.8 ppg)
Strengths: Athleticism and shooting. The Wildcats consistency in scoring and pure hustle has been key to their continued success. Knight’s two game winning shots have helped Kentucky knock off the competitors securing a spot in the final four.
Weaknesses: Youth. As they go further and further into the tournament the nerves heighten. Kentucky is a young team starting mostly freshman, a problem that could end their journey against a team such as UConn.
 
Virginia Commonwealth (VCU) Rams
Seed: 11
Key Players: Joey Rodriguez (10.5 ppg), Jamie Skeen (15.4 ppg)
Strengths: Shooting. The team has made 30 three-pointers in the tournament so far. Their shooting percentage is much higher than ever anticipated. Many teams have overlooked them, yet this Cinderella story continues to push through each game closer and closer to the dream of a Championship.
Weaknesses: Luck. So far this team has had its fair share of old fashion Irish luck shooting above their season average. Yet it seems that it is only a matter of time before they run out and when this happens their fairy tale story will end.
 
Butler Bulldogs
Seed: 8
Key Players: Matt Howard, (16.7 ppg), Shelvin Mack (15.9)
Strengths: Experience. Butler is a two-time competitor in the Final Four making it to the National Championship game in 2010. They are familiar with the hype surrounding the tournament and will be able to handle the distractions on and off the court with ease.
Weaknesses: Position as the favorite. No longer is Butler the underdog of the Final Four as they were last year. VCU, their first round match up, is the lowest seed in the semi-finals. The expectations are different than Butler has previously been accustomed to which could potentially go against them.
 
My Predictions:
            Firstly, UConn will beat Kentucky in a close game. Kemba Walker is no match for the Wildcats who will be unable to defend someone of his ability. UConn wins 68-62.
            Although VCU has the adrenaline advantage and will come out strong in the beginning, in the end Bulter will take home the victory and meet UConn for the 2011 National Championship.
            This year, Butler will be your Division 1 basketball national champion. A risky choice but this team knows what is needed to win and has worked hard as a unit this far. Although Kemba Walker seems unstoppable, there might be a little more to a team than one player. Butler’s heart and hustle will lead them to the victory. Score- 65-63.