Because we can’t get enough of Jay Bilas, here’s what the ESPN analyst had to say about two compelling games Friday:
Ohio State vs. Kentucky » It should be the best matchup of the day as both teams feature talented freshmen — and have combined for 61 victories. The Wildcats have history; the Buckeyes have an ascending program.
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“Ohio State is the better of the two because they’re a lot older and they’re really balanced,” Bilas said. “Kentucky has terrific talent, but it’s inexperienced. There’s an adage, ‘Freshmen aren’t freshmen anymore at this time of the year.’ I [disagree]. I think they’re freshmen more so now than at any time of the year because they’ve never been in this situation before.”
Marquette vs. North Carolina » One number stands out for Bilas when it comes to 11th-seeded Marquette: The Golden Eagles have made 33 more foul shots than their opponents have taken. And they made more foul shots than five other Big East teams attempted.
“They really attack the lane,” Bilas said. “The more touches in the paint, the more free throws, the better your chance to win.”
But the Tar Heels’ size could be too much for Marquette. Not to mention North Carolina’s ability to fast break.
“Their big guys run, and [Carolina guard] Kendall Marshall is every bit as fast as Ty Lawson was,” Bilas said. “Ty was faster than anybody with the ball in his hands. But Kendall passes the ball ahead so he can play faster in a way than Lawson did.”
