NCAA Tournament 2011: North Carolina's Size Could Be the Key Against Marquette

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NCAA Tournament 2011 Sweet 16 Preview: North Carolina Tar Heels (2) vs. Marquette Golden Eagles (11)

Like many people, I imagine, I'm still trying to figure out just what the hell John Henson was doing at the end of North Carolina's game against Washington on Sunday. Then again, maybe it's not worth getting a headache over. After all, the Tar Heels won the game anyway.

Instead, maybe I should be trying to figure out what's gotten into Marquette. They've dispatched two big-name programs in a row, and are now in the Sweet 16 for the first time since Dwyane Wade took them to the Final Four back in 2003.

If the Golden Eagles are to make it to the Elite 8, they will have to beat yet another traditional powerhouse. But make no mistake, the Tar Heels represent an entirely different challenge, and Marquette has their work cut out for them if they are to pull off yet another upset.

The biggest advantage North Carolina has over Marquette is their size. The Golden Eagles aren't going to be able to come up with much of an argument for Henson or Tyler Zeller, so it seems reasonable to expect them to take quite a few jumpers. If they're falling, then they could be on their way. If they're not falling, there's no way the Golden Eagles are going to be able to out-rebound the Tar Heels, who are the best rebounding team in the country.

On the other side of the ball, nobody ever accused the Golden Eagles of playing suffocating defense. In particular, it wouldn't be at all surprising if Carolina's superior frontcourt had themselves a field day against Marquette. If they do, then this one could turn into a laugher.

Prediction: I'll take North Carolina. Hands down.

For more on the NCAA Tournament, check out our 2011 March Madness Home Page.

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