A ticket to the Elite Eight is up for grabs Sunday at 7:15 p.m. ET on TBS from Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis as Alabama faces UCLA. Entering one of the East Region's two Sweet 16 games, ESPN's College GameDay set up an intriguing 11-2 matchup.
"Yeah, this team has tremendous balance on the offensive and defensive end," ESPN analyst LaPhonso Ellis said of second-seeded Alabama (26-6). "They're the third-most efficient defense in the country. (senior wing) Herbert Jones is one of the most versatile defensive players in the country, can guard one through five, runs the floor, rebounds, assists. You're talking about a team that shoots 47% of their shots from the three-point line.
"When they make 11 (threes), that's going to put immense pressure on UCLA's defense and (sophomore guard) Jaden Shackelford, going to have to track him down — terrific, shooting it from the outside. (Senior guard) John Petty — not just a shooter anymore, can put it on the floor and make plays. So UCLA's going to have their hands full with the offensive firepower that Alabama possesses today."
Against the 11th-seeded Bruins (20-9), Alabama eyes a first Elite Eight since 2004 after last Monday's 96-77 rout of No. 10 seed Maryland. UCLA — which has clawed its way to the Sweet 16 on a three-game winning streak versus First Four opponent Michigan State (86-80 overtime, March 18), No. 6 seed BYU (73-62, March 20) and No. 14 seed Abilene Christian (67-47, March 22) — could put up a fight against the Tide, though.
"Only because I'm feeling internal pressure from Bill Walton, I'm going with UCLA," Ellis said. "Five guys averaging double figures, scoring, and their defense has improved tremendously over the last three weeks."
While the Bruins have been on a hot streak under second-year head coach Mick Cronin, led by sophomore wing Jaime Jaquez Jr. and sophomore guard Johnny Juzang, ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg stuck with Alabama.
"Yeah, I'm going with Alabama," Greenberg said. "Their defense is just so good. Everyone talks about their style of play and they talk about three-point shooting and the speed they play with, but I think on the defensive end is where they're going to impact this game. UCLA, not enough guys that could beat you off the bounce. I've got Alabama."
ESPN analyst Jay Bilas, who shared earlier this week that he believed the Tide were worthy of becoming a Final Four team, agreed with his colleague.
"I like Alabama, and I think (sophomore guard) Jahvon Quinerly has played," Bilas said, echoing Greenberg. "And against Maryland, he had 14 points, 11 assists. I think he's going to continue to play well. Alabama's going to win it."
Sports - Latest - Google News
March 29, 2021 at 12:56AM
https://ift.tt/3rvJ5WM
College GameDay crew predicts winner of Sweet 16 game between Alabama, UCLA - 247Sports
Sports - Latest - Google News
https://ift.tt/2Mbsnt7
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "College GameDay crew predicts winner of Sweet 16 game between Alabama, UCLA - 247Sports"
Post a Comment