Can Oregon Follow Miami’s Example to Beat North Carolina?
The Jayhawks shot 35 percent from the floor, shot 5-25 on three-point attempts and were outrebounded 33-25 by Oregon. Kansas star guard Frank Mason scored 21 points but was 8-20 from the floor and 2-8 from three playing all 40 minutes.
Freshman Josh Jackson of Kansas who many predict will go first in the draft was held relatively in check by the Ducks. He finished with ten points on 3-8 from the floor with 12 rebounds.
Turnovers should not play as a big of a factor as what happens with the turnovers. Both Oregon and North Carolina commit a relatively high amount of turnovers but also force a lot. With both teams utilizing a high octane offense the possessions and turnovers are frequent.
The game’s biggest matchup will occur at the forward spots. Both teams boast their Conference Player of the Year at the Position. Junior Justin Jackson from North Carolina was ACC Player of the Year and Brooks was the Pac 12 Player of the Year.
Bell earned the Pac 12 Defensive Player of the Year. The Ducks won’t be able to match up with Berry as well as the Hurricanes did, but they have far more depth of scoring and a front line that is equal to UNC.
Berry has not had a good tournament. He is averaging 12.5 points per game, but shooting just 32.6 percent from the floor. He did almost all of his damage in the NCAA’s in the Sweet 16 win over Butler.
Berry scored 26 points on 8-13 from the floor and 5-6 on threes. In the other three games, he had just 24 points combined. Jackson has carried the Tar Heels since their season-ending win over Duke to clinch the outright ACC Title.