Overview:
Make that two Big South titles in a row for the
Eagles, who outlasted Winthrop in a low-scoring
tourney final before prevailing by a 51-50 count.
This is the sixth NCAA bid for Winthrop, a program
that is still looking for its first taste of victory
in the Big Dance. Don't count them out, though,
because as a 14th seed last year, the Eagles took
Gonzaga to the limit before losing 74-64.
Potential Difference Maker: Center Craig
Bradshaw, the big Kiwi import, has to come up big if
the Eagles have any hope of grabbing that elusive
first NCAA tourney win. His jump hook provided the
winning points in the Big South final, and he's
shown a penchant for stepping up his game against
tougher opposition. He managed to drop in 19 against
both Marquette and South Carolina this season to go
with a 15-point effort against Memphis.
On Offense: They do a great job of being
patient and taking what you give them. They can beat
you in a transition game and they can beat you in
the halfcourt. They do a really good job running
their sets and they have a nice inside-outside game
with Bradshaw.
On Defense: They will play zone and man.
Their halfcourt man-to-man is very good and they
will press after made baskets.
Strength: Experience. Many of these kids have
been here before. They have been through the battles
so they know what to expect and they are certainly
not going to be intimidated by anyone. They have a
lot of options on the offensive end and they are
extremely adaptable. They are just very well-coached
and well-prepared.
Weakness: They will struggle from the
perimeter at times.
Key to Success: Bradshaw seems to raise his
game when facing a big time opponent. They will need
a big effort from him. And get off to a good start
and settle into a rhythm. That sounds so simple, but
they are not a prolific scoring team. They can put
up points, but they are not the type of team that is
going to overcome a big deficit. And continue with
the good balance on offense.
How to Beat Them: Pound them inside. Their
depth in the post is questionable. And don’t let
them dictate tempo.
