'Cuse Hopes to Send Oklahoma Home Sooner Then They Expect

The Oklahoma Sooners have not gone this deep in the tournament since 2003 when they also faced The Orange and lost on Syracuse's historic run to the championship with freshman prodigy Carmelo Anthony, this year could be a repeat. #2 Oklahoma and #3 Syracuse Face off in the South region for a chance to reach the Elite 8 at 7:27 P.M. tonight. Oklahoma enters the game with a respectable 27-5 record in the Big 12. While The Orange enter the contest with a 26-9 record and 11-7 in the toughest conference in the nation being the Big East, already setting an NCAA record by sending 5 teams to the Sweet 16. Although the Sooners have the potential Naismith winner on their team with Blake Griffin as well as his brother Taylor in the paint Syracuse's back court may be to much for Oklahoma to handle.

Syracuse is led by sensational sophomore PG Jonny Flynn who can do almost anything with the basketball in his hands, and could be considered one of the most versatile all around players in the NCAA. With the four guard rotation Syracuse uses led by experienced lights out shooter Eric Devendorf at shooting guard they will be a tough team to beat tonight. Also complimented by Andy Rautins dead on three ball, and Arinze Onauku underneath shooting towards the highest field goal percentage in the entire NCAA. Not to mention Jonny Flynn's high school team mate at Niagara Falls, JR. Paul Harris's athleticism that helps him step back and pop the 15 footer or take it to the rack and throw it down. The key for Oklahoma to oust the Orange is breaking down Jim Boeheim's legendary 2-3 zone that helped them win the National Championship in '03.

Another crucial part of a Sooners victory will be getting the ball to the Griffin brothers underneath to score points in the paint or work inside out and find open looks from the perimeter. Also it will be important for Oklahoma to get guard Willie Warren as involved as possible and to help him to what he does best handle and shoot the rock.

'Cuse has to find a way to penetrate Oklahoma's physical defense with Flynn and he has to create space to help some of Syracuse's shooters get clear outside shots. Flynn also has to do his usual dribble, drive, and dish to find Onauku, Ogenat, and Jackson for good looks inside.

The key match up in this game could very well be Griffin and Onauku underneath the rim battling for boards. Oklahoma has the best player in the nation yet Syracuse has a much more balanced and experienced cast as a whole and led by a very experienced coach in Jim Boeheim who knows how to win championships and games as he looks for his 800th career win tonight. It should be a tight hard fought game so tune in to CBS at 7:27 P.M. for the tip.