Just got done writing up a sweet 16 preview on the DTL boards, figured i'd post it here as well:
NTT Sweet 16 Preview
Philadelphia(1) vs. Bethlehem(12)
In a game in which both teams know each other very well, both being in conference 4, it will come down to how well Bethlehem can contain the overflowing of talent in Philadelphia. In there other two matchups of the season Philly has won by an average of 32 points so they are the obvious choice to win this battle. Harlan Stokes will have to play the game of his life to keep this one close, and he should play well, but in the end it won't be enough as Otto Davidson and crew get the W.
Philadelphia 92 Bethlehem 73
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Syracuse(14) vs. Springfield(2)
In this matchup we have the cinderella 14 seed in Syracuse going up against the undefeated, 20-0 2 seed in Springfied. Springfield brings a ton of balance to the party with 4 starters averaging in double figures, lead by 6'11 senior Ivan Dawson. Syracuse counters with it's three-headed monster junior class of Reed, Gomez, and Amaral. I really like the 3 guys from Syracuse but I just don't think they have enough talent AS A TEAM to take out a great squad in Springfield. I predict Dawson doing what he wants and leading Springfield to a closer than most would think victory.
Springfield 78 Syracuse 69
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Bismarck(8) vs. Jackson(4)
Featured Game C
Fresh off a big win over Duluth, Bismarck looks posed for a run at the elite 8. In their way stands the 4 seed Jackson, fresh off a big win against Dearborn. Bismarck brings a senior laden starting squad up against a little fresher Jackson squad. I don't know if Jackson has been tested enough during the regular season to be ready for this stage and thats why i'm going with the senior squad of Bismarck to keep trucking towards a possible Final Four birth.
Bismarck 65 Jackosn 60
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Norman(11) vs. Long Beach(2)
In another Cinderella vs. typical power team we have Norman and its two star juniors Robles and Edwards matched up against the very well rounded Long Beach squad. Both teams played a relatively weak conference schedule (not much you can do about that) and for that reason i'm having problems picking a winner here. I really like Robles and Edwards but in the end I just feel the size and talent of Long Beach down low with stud freshman Earl Doucette and his senior mentor Brent Basel will propel Long Beach to the W.
Long Beach 79 Norman 72
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Frankfort(1) vs. Nashville(5)
Featured Game B
In a matchup of two DeACCon Invitational teams, and two teams that have gotten to know each other through the years, we should see one of the best games of the evening. Everyone knows of Frankfort and all the success Coach awaken has had in the NTT, he's recruited well and coached even better, by this point he is nearing John Wooden air. He brings yet another extremely talent Frankfort squad, led by matchup nightmare Bernard Tuttle as well as Rodrigo Lott and the emerging Jared Eveland at PG. Not to be outdone Nashville has plenty of talent of it's own. Juniors Quent Carey and Charles Robinson have put together fantastic seasons at the 1 and 2 and are one of the best backcourts in america. While Frankfort took the first game of the season from Nashville by a score of 84-57 I see this game being much closer. In the end, the machine moves on though, being just to big and talented inside.
Frankfort 82 Nashville 70
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Louisville(6) vs. Carnegie(2)
Featured Game D
In this matchup we see two of the best scorers in the country in Francisco Holden of Louisville and Alvin Flynn of Carnegie. While Carnegie comes in as the higher seed I just don't see them having the horses to compete with a team as full with talent as Louisville. Carnegie comes at you offensively with really only 2 guys while Louisville has a multitude of scoring options. I feel Flynn will play extremely well, using all of his senior tricks to get buckets on the talented youngster Ed Higgs of Louisville, but in the end he and stud Jesse Ross doesn't have the help around them to get Louisville to the Elite 8.
Louisville 82 Carnegie 79
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Fort Worth(1) vs. Flagstaff(4)
Feature Game A
As not to jynx my team in any shape form or fashion, I am not going to comment on my matchup, although I will say it should be a fantastic battle with Flagstaff having an edge in the paint while Fort Worth has an advantage on the perimeter. Someone else feel free to comment for me!
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Casper(6) vs. Pierre(15)
In the evenings last matchup we possibly the most balanced starting 5 in the country with Casper compared to the biggest surprise of the tournament in Pierre. According to the recruiting magazines this is the closest matchup, talent wise, of any game of the night with both teams being separated in overall recruit talent by only 1 point! This game should be fast paced and back and forth the whole time. Pierre brings one of the toughest regular season schedules in the country while Casper only has 3 losses on the season, all to juggernaut Fort Worth. Should be a great contest, probably coming down to the last minute.
Casper 81 Pierre 80