Feast Week continues Thursday when The Wooden Legacy (aka the tournament formerly known as the Anaheim Classic) tips off on the west coast. The field features a pair of Big East teams in Marquette and Creighton along with unbeaten Arizona State and the always dangerous San Diego State. Here is my preview and predictions for the 2013 Wooden Legacy.
THURSDAY
Miami FL vs. George Washington, 1:00 PM (all times CST), ESPNU
Since the Hurricanes lost six key contributors from last year’s ACC Championship team, a down year was expected and that’s been the case early on. Miami lost their opener to St. Francis (NY), needed overtime to beat Georgia Southern by one, and dropped a home game last week to Central Florida. They have gotten decent contributions from veterans like Rion Brown, Donovan Kirk, and Garrius Adams but the rest of the puzzle is still trying to figure itself out.
GW has gotten off to a 4-0 start including a solid road win at CAA contender Manhattan and is putting up more than 90 points per night. Indiana transfer Maurice Creek leads the Colonials in scoring with former Villanova transfer Isaiah Armwood putting up a productive 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. If George Washington can push the pace and not allow Miami to keep this a half-court game, I like the Colonials.
Prediction: George Washington 77, Miami FL 69
Marquette vs. CS-Fullerton, 3:30 PM, ESPN2
This is ultimately a road game for the Golden Eagles since the first two rounds of this tournament are being played on Fullerton’s home floor. Marquette looked pathetic by only scoring 35 points in a home loss to Ohio State earlier this month and just lost a tight affair at Arizona State on Monday night in which they showed improvement on the offensive end. The Achilles heel for Buzz Williams’ team thus far has been their outside shooting and guard play, although their starting backcourt of Derrick Wilson and Jake Thomas combined for 30 points, 12 assists, and just one turnovers in the loss versus ASU. Even if they don’t shoot it well from deep on Thursday, the Titans don’t pose much of a threat for the Golden Eagles.
Prediction: Marquette 68, CS-Fullerton 55
San Diego State vs. Charleston, 7:30 PM, ESPNU
Talk about a contrast of styles… The Aztecs are long and athletic and have thrived in recent years getting up and down the floor. The Cougars are a grind-it-out team as they averaging just 66 points per game. SDSU will look to create turnovers in the halfcourt and get out in transition as much as possible, and the fact that they should have a noticeable homecourt advantage won’t hurt either.
Prediction: San Diego State 65, Charleston 59
Creighton vs. Arizona State, 10:00 PM, ESPN2
This should probably be the championship game at the Wooden Legacy since the Bluejays and Sun Devils are the best two teams in the field but instead they meet in the opening round. Go figure. Expect to see plenty of offense in this one as both teams can light up the scoreboard in a hurry. Creighton has the shooters to stretch the floor and pull rim protecting big man Jordan Bachynski away from the bucket. If the Bluejays can prevent Jahii Carson from going off like he did at UNLV when he dropped 40 points, they should head to the Semifinals.
Prediction: Creighton 87, Arizona State 85
FRIDAY
SEMIFINALS
George Washington vs. Marquette, 2:30 PM, ESPN/ESPN2
Even though the Golden Eagles lost at Arizona State earlier this week, the light bulb seemed to come on in terms of finding their identity. It will probably be the case in every game this season, but if Marquette struggles shooting it from deep, they will struggle with the Colonials. This will be their third game in five days so fatigue may be a factor but even so, MU should be able to grind out a win.
Prediction: Marquette 65, George Washington 60
San Diego State vs. Creighton, 8:30 PM, ESPN2
If the Aztecs are going to pull off the upset, they need to get Tulane transfer forward Josh Davis going since he’s gotten off to a slow start with his new squad. His aggressiveness on the inside could cause problems for McDermott and the Bluejays. Both teams will try and play at an accelerated pace but due to their experience and chemistry, Creighton is more sound in their decision-making as well as outside shooting which definitely gives them the edge.
Prediction: Creighton 81, San Diego State 69
SUNDAY
FIFTH PLACE GAME
Miami FL vs. Arizona State, 3:30, ESPNU
It’s unfortunate that the ASU/Creighton loser is forced into the consolation bracket which either team should breeze through. What I really like about this ASU team is Carson’s quickness and drive and kick ability is complemented by capable shooters on the perimeter and the 7-2 Bachynski inside. The ‘Canes aren’t experienced or talented enough to make any noise this season so the Sun Devils will roll.
Prediction: Arizona State 79, Miami FL 62
THIRD PLACE GAME
George Washington vs. San Diego State, 6:00 PM, ESPNU
This should be an entertaining game between two teams who are long, have plenty of versatility, and like to get up and down the floor. The Aztecs have the talent advantage so I’ll give them the edge.
Prediction: San Diego State 80, George Washington 72
CHAMPIONSHIP
Marquette vs. Creighton, 8:30 PM, ESPN2
This could be the first of potentially four times the Golden Eagles and Bluejays will play this season since they play twice during conference action and could meet again in the Big East Tournament (it could be five times if they somehow meet up in the NCAA Tournament.) If Marquette tries to match this high-scoring Creighton team bucket for bucket, they will get blown out of the gym.
The Golden Eagles must get after it on the defensive end and limit the amount of open looks the Bluejays’ get from deep. They also need to establish Davante Gardner and Chris Otule inside since Creighton doesn’t have the size or physicality to match up with Marquette’s bigs since their outside shooting has primarily been a disaster so far.
Prediction: Creighton 73, Marquette 71