Final Four 2017: 5 bold predictions

Mar 24, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; The basketball court for the NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. The court is made from 397 4’ x 7’ panels of Northern Hard Maple, weighing approximately 188 pounds each. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK /

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Mar 25, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Tyler Dorsey (5) reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the finals of the Midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Oregon defeated Kansas 74-60. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Oregon Hoists 30-Plus Threes

As hinted at when talking about Luke Maye, the Ducks come into this matchup with North Carolina having a distinct disadvantage when it comes to size. Jordan Bell is the biggest player that they’ll put on the court for a large chunk of time and he’s only 6-9. He’s phenomenal, without question. However, that doesn’t bode well against the host of big trees that North Carolina has on the interior.

Subsequently, the guards and perimeter play for Oregon are going to have to carry them. To the best of their abilities, they’re going to have to stretch the Tar Heels defense and, perhaps most importantly, they’re going to have to fill it up for long range. Working in their favor is the fact that UNC has long been susceptible to 3-point shooting teams under Roy Williams. Thus, Oregon will look to attack that in this Final Four matchup—in droves.

To this point in March Madness, the most 3s that the Ducks have taken as a team is 25, which came in the win over Kansas. Against North Carolina, I think they belittle that number and put up at least 30 attempts from 3-point range. That’s a dangerous strategy as “living and dying by the 3” isn’t just a dumb phrase, but rather something that holds true. However, it also might be the Ducks’ best chance at a victory.

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