#1 Ohio State 67, #2 Georgetown 60 (Final)

[Boilers Fan]

Here's how I see the game playing out from Georgetown's standpoint. I think they need to key on 2 guys...Oden and Lewis. If Oden scores 18+ points, OSU wins. If GT allows Lewis to hit dagger-threes like he has all tournament, OSU wins. If he's out on the perimeter and someone is not in his face, they are playing with fire. I would actually let Conley shoot the ball from deep in order to key on Lewis. If Conley gets hot, then that's a problem GT will have to figure out. Hibbert will be the tallest player Oden has had to face in this tourney, it will be interesting to see that matchup. But I agree with an earlier post, get Oden the ball early and see what he draw some fouls.

OSU 78
GT 71

Go Big Ten!

[7Brutus7]

now im not trying to be a bitch or anything, just hear me out on this...

but in Bill Simmons column on espn.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2...t&lid=tab1pos1) Simmons completely disses Thad Matta. When talking about what amazing things this final four has to offer he says this about the coaching situation...three superb coaches (Thompson, Florida's Billy Donovan and UCLA's Ben Howland, who pulled Bill Self's pants down on Saturday)

so I'm pretty this counts as calling Thad out...


and we all remember what happened the last time someone from this team was called out, just ask Joey Dorsey

[SanAntonioBuck]

Jared in Arizona: "I am a firm believer that Thad Matta intentionally designed his offense specifically so Greg Oden wouldn't develop his game and thus he stays for a year, maybe more. Think about it. The only time that Oden has been involved this year is on the offensive glass. He'll either go out and set the high pick and then roll, looking for the offensive rebound, or he will have single coverage on the block and won't get the ball. He'll just try and get the offensive rebound after another 3-point shot. Greg Oden has even said he's not ready to make the jump because he can't post up as good as he thinks he should. Well how is he going to improve when nobody's giving him the ball? This is what Matta wanted to happen and Greg Oden has paid the price for it. Actually we all paid the price for it. How does Thad Matta explain not giving the ball to Greg Oden when he's being guarded by one 6-7 guy? Thad Matta has lost serious karma points for this ingenious trick he has put on Oden."

Come up with a new sandwich, Jared!

[cwise]

I'd like to jump in on this if I may:


Oden will eat Hibbert alive. Hib's biggest advantage is that no one else is his size. That makes it possible for him to play his low-agression type game and succeed in the post. Well, GO's close enough to his size and MUCH more physical. I think he dominates in this one.

As for Green, he's a heck of a player, but his jumper is suspect at times. I think if Lewis, Lighty, or Cook can keep him away from the bucket, you hold him fairly well. I was tempted to say you shut him down, but he's prolly too good for that.

Now, G'Town plays good D, but I saw first hand Saturday how good Conley is at penetrating and making things happen, for himself or others. GTown will have to help to him (as does everyone) and it will be up to Lewis and Butler to make them pay.

I think the core of Green/Hibbert vs Oden/Conley is almost even, but I would much rather have the "supporting cast" of tOSU.

Buckeyes 71
G'Town 63

Good luck Buckeyes!

[HabaneroBuck]

I think too many people in the media are giving Oden more credit than he deserves. I'm sorry, but constantly dumping the ball down to Oden in the post is NOT that great of a strategy. His hands are not that good, and he still has some lingering effects from his injury. He's much better getting the ball in the post on occasion, getting the ball within the framework of the perimeter offense, or getting offensive rebounds. Intentionally going at Hibbert by feeding Oden is not a recipe for success. JMHO. I think the Bucks will continue to play as they normally play, with the majority of the possessions being guided by Conley and Lewis.

[Yertle]

Actually, I tend to agree with you. Oden is a force, but he's not quite the player that the press makes him out to be. His most valuable role is on defense, and the offensive glass comes in at #2. He's starting to get the hook shot, but he tends to take it from too far away from the basket.

However, in saying that, the most impressed I've ever been with Hibbert is last year's tourney game. Dials was just too small. Oden will do just fine if he stays out of foul trouble. If Twigs or Hunter are forced to guard Hibbert, it will be trouble. I'm also not overly impressed with Green. I think we have the talent to slow Green down and if Oden stays out of foul trouble, Hibbert and Ewing Jr. will be kept in check. That should leave Conley, Lewis, Butler and the rest to show the nation what they can do.

[rocketman]

Got my ticket, booked my hotel. This Buckeye's going to the Final Four!

[OSU_Buckguy]

Originally Posted by LitlBuck

In addition, the Hoyas offense should not really bother us that much because we have gone up against similar offenses during the season in Northwestern and PSU.