USC - Kansas State Preview

Midwest- Round One
USC Trojans (6) Vs. Kansas State Wildcats (11)
Thursday, March 20 @ 7:10 pm
Betting Line From Bookmaker: USC -3

The USC Trojans (11- 7 PAC-10, 21- 11 overall) finished tied for third in the PAC-10 this season. The team had their ups and downs, including losing their first game to Mercer 96- 81. The Trojans’ head coach, Tim Floyd, is noted for creating unique schemes for individual games. His planning and strong sense of strategy could help USC go deep into the tournament.

Guard O.J. Mayo (20.8 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.3 APG) is the team’s leading point producer with a 41% success rate from downtown. Forward Taj Gibson (10.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG) leads the Trojans in rebounds and has the most accurate shot from the field (59%). He’s also a fine defender, blocking an average of 2.7 shots per game. Davon Jefferson (12.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG), another forward, is a rebound hound and a 57% shooter.

The Kansas State Wildcats (10- 6 Big 12, 20- 11 overall) were third in the Big 12, finishing three games behind the front running Kansas and Texas. The Wildcats focus on interior play, grabbing rebounds at both ends of the court. However, their perimeter “D” often leaves teams plenty of open opportunities to score.

Kansas State’s Michael Beasley (26.5 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 1.2 APG) was the Big 12’s Player of the Year. He’s often unstoppable in the paint and a master at chocking up double doubles. He averaged 1.3 SPG and 1.7 BPG, while hitting 55% of his shots. Supporting Beasley is forward Bill Walker (15.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.0 APG). Freshman forward Dominique Sutton (3.2 PPG, 2.5 RPG) possesses sure defensive hands. The backcourt features three accomplished guards, including Clent Stewart (7.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.2 APG) and Blake Young (6.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.9 APG).

Mayo versus Beasely may be one way to bill this meeting. The battle of the outside and the inside may be another way to think of this game. Look for lots of tough inside play in this one.

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