The first weekend of the NCAA tournament was not short on entertainment or drama, and I expect that the sweet 16 games will in-turn follow the same pattern. In the east region specifically, the two matchups are highly intriguing as each team playing mirrors the other quite well. Let’s dive in quick and analyze the…
Sweet Sixteen – Midwest Region
Virginia vs Iowa State These two could not have more of a contrast in style of play, with Virginia slowing tempo and Iowa State looking to increase it. Virginia’s ability to slow the game down to the pace they want is from their defensive prowess. Being able to control the game from a defensive standpoint allows…
Sweet Sixteen – South Region Quick Hits
A “four-pack” of X’s & O’s from the teams in the Sweet Sixteen in the South Region – Maryland, Kansas, Miami and Villanova. #5 Maryland Terps Double Drag Punch Maryland opened their Big Ten regular season game at Indiana with this double drag screen throwback to get a post isolation for Diamond Stone. #1 Kansas…
Sweet Sixteen – West Region
NCAA Tournament – West Region – Sweet 16 Preview After all of the madness, we are down to the top four seeds in the West Region. This regional bracket was full of great moments in the first weekend: Yale upsetting and out-rebounding Baylor, Northern Iowa’s half court shot, Cincinnati’s almost game tying dunk, Texas A&M’s…
Upset X’s & O’s – Inside the Offense of Stephen F. Austin
Inside the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Offense – Coach Brad Underwood A lot of fans just assume Stephen F. Austin came out of nowhere, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Since 2007, the Lumberjacks are 227-65, they’ve won the Southland Conference regular season 5 times, won the Southland Conference Tournament 4 times, appeared in the…
March Madness – Top Plays of the NCAA Tournament
March Madness is truly the most wonderful time of the year for basketball coaches and fans. The opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament was packed full of great performances, upsets, buzzer beaters, and more than one “One Shining Moment.” This week, our Plays of the Week features the best sets from the first weekend of…
FastDraw #PlayOTD – Wisconsin Game Winner
Play of the Day – Round of 32 – Wisconsin Game Winner Wisconsin won the game on the SLOB play against Xavier. The play starts in a diamond and moves in a circle. The Badgers hit Koenig on the wing for the game winning shot. FastDraw Diagram:
FastDraw #PlayOTD – Miami Hurricane Lob
Play of the Day – Round of 32 – Miami Hurricane Lob Miami used this play against Wichita State to get an open lob at the rim. The wheel action cleared out the lane opening up the lob pass. FastDraw Diagram:
Middle Tennessee State: The Xs&Os of an Upset
Middle Tennessee State came into the NCAA Tournament as a 15 seed facing the number 2 seed Michigan State. Michigan State was on a roll after just clinching the Big Ten tournament title and playing well, and was chosen by most-myself included-to win the tournament. Middle Tennessee State didn’t just beat Michigan State, they outplayed…
FastDraw #PlayOTD – Butler Double Drag 3
Play of the Day – Butler Double Drag 3 Butler ran this set when they needed a score against Texas Tech in their first round matchup of the NCAA Tournament. Designed for a stretch 4 to catch and go, the big man sealing really makes this play work. FastDraw Diagram: