Conference USA Semifinals Preview | |||
Preview by Zach Van Hart No. 1 DePaul versus No. 4 UAB Not only do the Blazers pressure the ball and force turnovers, they are very careful with the ball on their end. They led C-USA in turnover margin (6.8) and were second in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.3). In the backcourt, the Blue Demons will have a considerable height advantage, as Sammy Meija (6-foot-6) and Drake Diener (6-foot-5) each own seven inches on their counterparts, Carldrell Johnson and Morris Finley. Inside, it should be a heated contest between DePaul’s Andre Brown, Delonte Holland and Quemont Greer and UAB’s Demario Eddins, Sidney Ball and Gabe Kennedy. The Blazers like usual have the deeper bench, which came into play against Charlotte. DePaul will try to slow down the game and if it does, will be in good shape. With both teams playing its best basketball, this game is too close to call. Look for an unsung hero on one of the two squads to be the difference. No. 3 Cincinnati versus No. 7 Saint Louis The Bearcats have the look of a team destined to win the conference title in its home city. Playing in front of a raucous crowd, Cincinnati squeaked out a 64-62 win against Louisville during the quarters. They will also sport a look different from what the Billikens saw just two weeks ago, a bigger lineup. James White and Armein Kirkland are starting at the same time now and it is paying off for Bob Huggins. Kirkland had his best game of the season Thursday, scoring twelve points, including the game-winning basket, along with handing out seven assists. Like the first semifinal match, tempo will be crucial. If Saint Louis slows the game down, it has a good shot at pulling off another upset. But if the game is up and down, the Billikens will not be able to compete with the athleticism of Cincinnati. Expect the Bearcats to play off the home crowd and into Saturday’s finals.
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