One criteria I look for when making out my bracket is a team that has won 6 straight against tougher competition with at least two road games thrown in that mix. As of now, we haven’t proven that. This team always comes out lays a head scratching egg after a big win. They can’t keep up the intensity needed to get over the hump (yet). If they win out and they’re able to knock off TN in Knoxville, then I’ll be a believer. But we can’t come out and lose to a team like Mississippi St, a team we’ve already blown out once, and expect to be a contender.
That’s what is so frustrating about yesterdays game! If we can play with that kind of intensity, attention to detail, and even 80% of that execution level, we are the best team in the country. That is what this team is capable of. But then you also watch them go brain dead and give up a 15 point second half lead within 3 minutes just two days before that. Hopefully that loss was the final straw and the freshman have decided that was the last bitter taste of defeat they want to experience. If this team can stay focused for a whole 40 minutes, there aren’t many teams that can beat us.
I also really like the lineup of Shep, Dilly, Reeves, Edwards/Thiero, and Z. Idk where Mitchell falls into the rotation when he comes back from injury. I just think Thiero gives us so much more in terms of physicality, defense, and play making ability. But I have no doubt that Cal will force Mitchell back into the lineup with 25 mins per game and screw up the rotation that gives us the most versatility. I think this team can get to a final four, but I still expect to lose in the first weekend unfortunately.
