Elon, Duke, Georgia Tech among this week’s favorites

Tim Rink / Reporter

Even after stumbling against NC State, Duke is playing well enough to win the tournament.  There are several teams who are playing well enough at this point, but recent losses show that they all have weaknesses.  Duke relies heavily on guard J.J. Redick to give them an outside presence.  North Carolina’s starting five are excellent, but they have no bench.  This will plague them to no end come time for the Sweet 16.  St. Joseph’s is an excellent team, but they just don’t have the experience necessary to overcome their lack of a front court. UConn is inconsistent.  With only one true center on the roster, Stanford is going to have trouble with bigger teams going inside in March. This year’s NCAA tournament is going to be filled with upsets and shockers, sleepers and underachievers, and that’s why we love it.

Elon Men v. WCU

In junior guard Kevin Martin, Western Carolina has the NCAA’s leading scorer.  Martin is averaging more than 27 points a game and has completely dominated the Southern Conference.  Martin is seemingly unstoppable, but fortunately for the Phoenix, the other Catamounts are very stoppable.  WCU has only one other player averaging double-digits, and has no one grabbing more than 8 boards a game.  The Phoenix have been on a tear lately, winning four of their last five and their defense has been steadily improving.  The X factor in this game will be whether or not Elon can hold Martin under 25. If they do it, they win.

Elon 78, WCU 70

Elon Women v. Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Mocs have been a force this year.  Losing only twice in 23 contests, and running the table in the SoCon, UTC has already locked up their fifth straight conference title.  Elon was thoroughly trounced in the last match up, losing by 26.  With the loss of Holly Andrews, Elon’s leading scorer in the last game, there is just no way the Phoenix can hang with UTC this year.

Elon 50, UTC 75

UNC v. FSU

A struggling Carolina team getting a less-than-friendly visit from the Cardiac Kids is a formula for trouble in Chapel Hill.  Florida State already beat Carolina once this year, to go with wins against Wake Forest and Georgia Tech.  FSU has stumbled though, losing two of their last three.  The difference here should be Carolina’s home court.  If Carolina’s big four play up to their potential, the Tarheels should survive.

UNC 89, FSU 85

Duke v.  Maryland

Duke went up to College Park earlier this year and escaped with a No. 1 ranking for the first time in three years, resisting a late charge by the resurgent Terps. There isn’t a team in the country playing better than the Devils right now; JJ Redick is on fire, Chris Duhon has reached his full leadership potential and Shelden Williams has been a juggernaut in the paint.   The Terps are going to have trouble matching up at a few positions.  It shouldn’t be forgotten that Cameron isn’t exactly a friendly place to visit either.

Duke 75, Maryland 68

Georgia Tech at Wake Forest

These two teams are very evenly matched and it’s tough to find a real weakness in either one.  Georgia Tech has slowed down from its quick start where they knocked off No. 1 UConn on their way to a 12-0 record.  Since then, the team has lost a few games, including a recent loss to Virginia.  Georgia Tech thrives on excellent guard play, the high-flying antics of junior forward Isma’il Muhammad, the inside presence of Luke Schenscher and their athleticism and quick tempo.  The Demon Deacons won their first 11, and then dropped four in a row.  They’ve evened themselves out now and are playing consistently. Chris Paul has been Wake’s star and will be vital to their success, but I think Tech guard B.J. Elder, a tough defender, should be able to hang with him.

GT 95, Wake 88

Photo courtesy of KRT Campus