The UC-Irvine Anteaters won the Big West last night and enter the big dance on a 16-game winning streak. When they tip-off their first round game, it’ll be two months since they last lost. They finished the year 30-5 and have a win over St. Mary’s on their resume and a win over KenPom top-100, Texas A&M. They are currently 75th in KenPom.
The Anteaters are a slow paced team, 296th in tempo built on defense. If they steal a game, it’ll be on the defensive end. They are only 107th in offensive efficiency and not a very good 3-pt shooting team. The best thing they do on offense is rebound, so they can lengthen already slow possessions.
They are 6th nationally in effective fg%. They are number 1 in 2pt FG% defense. They defend quite well and they will make whoever they play, earn their buckets. A bad shooting opponent, ahem, Wisconsin could have to grind hard against them.
Like New Mexico State, this team has depth and spread their minutes out. Only two players averaged double digits scoring. Diminutive guard Max Hazzard lead the way at 12.5ppg and shot 39% from 3. G Evan Leonard averages 11ppg and shoots 40% from 3. SR. big man Jonathon Galloway is their leading rebounder.
This is a winning squad and if they get a weak offensive team, can definitely steal a game
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