“The Student Section Supports” highlights one game each weekend that is under the national radar and/or has high upset potential. Last week’s preview was Texas A&M at Baylor, a game Baylor won, 72-68.
When: Sunday, 10 ET (FSN).
ARIZONA (18-8): The Wildcats have reeled off seven straight and are one of the hottest out there right now. Just when you thought that better-than-a-quarter-century streak of making The Dance would end this year, it seems the Wildcats are pace to get back — again.
Could win because … Jordan Hill has become a man. Hill seemed to mimic teammate Chase Budinger’s soft play the past two year. Now? No more. Hill is averaging 11.3 rebounds per game and is a strong — dare I say dominating? — presence inside. The Wildcats are a much better team with Hill finally playing up to his potential.
Could lose because … The team might be playing over its skis. Are the Wildcats this good? You have to hesitate just a little with this team, who has underperformed more than any other in the past decade. Is it the reverse effect this year? 1997 to a much smaller degree?
ARIZONA STATE (20-5): The Sun Devils swept the season series last year against Arizona, but it didn’t matter: ASU was left out of The Dance, while Arizona got an invite (and a predictiable first-round loss). ASU won the first game, 53-47.
Could win because … The Sun Devils play better in the second half. In the few games I’ve seen ASU this year, it seems, to me, that it takes more than a few possessions for this team to get in its groove. ‘Zona isn’t the type of team capable of distancing itself by the third TV timeout. Also: they have been shooting very well as of late.
Could lose because … Well, it’s hard to figure here. I think a detriment for ASU is a lack of help off the bench. Arizona can still run well, so if Harden and Pendergraph get in foul trouble, Sendek will sweat when reserves are relied upon.
