2K Sports Classic 2014: TV Schedule, Live Stream Info and Updated Predictions
After a pair of blowouts in the semifinals, fans at Madison Square Garden are hoping for some better action from Day 2 of the 2K Sports Classic.
Texas got off to a slow start against Iowa in the first matchup, but a dominant second half helped the Longhorns pull away and win, 71-57. They will face California in the finals after the Bears earned an easy 73-59 win over Syracuse.
With the way each of these teams can play, no outcome would truly be surprising in either the consolation or championship rounds. That being said, here are predictions for the final two games of the tournament Friday.
Third-Place Game
Matchup: Syracuse vs. Iowa
When: Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. ET
Where:ย Madison Square Garden, New York City
Watch: ESPN2
Live Stream: ESPN3
Syracuse is known for its 2-3 zone, usually capable of squeezing opponents into forcing turnovers and bad shots throughout the game. That simply was not the case against California, as Pete Thamel of Sports Illustrated noted:
While the length and the athleticism is still there for Jim Boeheim, there is a severe lacking of experience with two freshman starters and a rotation with few players who have spent a great deal of time on the floor.
As a result, Cal was able to move the ball well and finished with 20 assists on 26 field goals. The squad created a blueprint for a team that can pass well and shoot from the outside.
Unfortunately for the Orange, Iowa fits this description as well and is perfectly built to beat the zone. The Hawkeyes are an unselfish team that is loaded with guys who can hit three-point shotsโusually at least four on the floor at a time.
Although the shooting went cold in the second half against Texas, Aaron White should be able to lead a talented group back into form against Syracuse.
Meanwhile, the other end of the floor was just as much of a problem for the Orange against California, as no one seemed capable of creating offense. Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports gave some harsh criticism during the game:
Syracuse has the ability to be a much better team once March rolls around, but the current squad does not appear ready to compete at this level just yet.
Prediction: Iowa 72, Syracuse 65
Championship Game
Matchup: Texas vs. California
When: Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. ET
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City
Watch: ESPN2
Live Stream: ESPN3
After being down 30-24 at the half, Texas looked like a different team after intermission. The squad used its size to shut down Iowa offensively before using its athleticism to get down the floor in a hurry and scoring in transition.
While the Longhorns are known for their frontcourt, they got a lot of their scoring done from the perimeter with Isaiah Taylor, Jonathan Holmes and Javan Felix. The only question at this time is the health of Taylor after injuring his wrist late in the game.
Head coach Rick Barnes wanted to make sure his point guard was all right before the next game:
The good news is even if Taylor is unable to play, Texas has a huge advantage in this game in the paint. Holmes, Cameron Ridley and Myles Turner should be able to get easy buckets with limited resistance from Cal down low.
Outside of David Kravish, the Bears do not have much size and will end up struggling on both ends of the court.
California's elite backcourt of Jabari Bird, Jordan Matthews and Tyrone Wallace should be able to help the team keep up on the scoreboard for a majority of the game, but it will take some incredible outside shooting to make up for a lack of production inside.
Eventually, the shots will stop falling, and Texas will be able to take advantage to earn an important early-season win.
Prediction: Texas 68, California 63
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