Dayton vs. Stanford
Statistically speaking, these two teams are about as even of a matchup as one can be. Don’t be fooled, however, as Dayton and Stanford are marginally different from one another in how they find success. Dayton is a perimeter-oriented team that tends to use its athleticism to run up and down the court. Stanford, on the other hand, is comprised of big, physical players that use their length to disrupt teams.
The key to Thursday’s game will be whether or not Dayton’s shooters can get open and find the bottom of the bucket consistently. If they cannot, expect the size of Stanford to be too much for Dayton’s Elite Eight hopes.
Prediction: Stanford 75, Dayton 67
Tennessee vs. Michigan
On paper, Tennessee can be compared to Michigan’s last opponent of Texas. They’re big and they like to show it. However, this Tennessee group has the height up front with three 6-foot-6-inch guards, who can play tenacious perimeter defense to stop the hot, streaky shooters of Michigan, unlike the Longhorns last weekend.
However, Michigan has the experience and the consistency of all five starters to slip by Tennessee Friday en route to the Elite Eight.
Prediction: Michigan 74, Tennessee 71
