The Battle 4 Atlantis will be action-packed this season with teams from every corner of the country.
Teams
- Arkansas (3-1)
- Memphis (3-0)
- Michigan (3-1)
- North Carolina (3-0)
- Northern Iowa (1-2)
- Stanford (3-1)
- Texas Tech (3-0)
- Villanova (3-1)
Tournament Schedule
First Round (Wednesday, Nov. 22)
- North Carolina vs. Northern Iowa – Noon (ESPN)
- Villanova vs. Texas Tech – 2:30 p.m. (ESPN/ESPN2)
- Michigan vs. Memphis – 5 p.m. (ESPN2)
- Arkansas vs. Stanford – 7:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
Team Breakdown
Arkansas
Arkansas had a pretty successful season last season. Their run was cut short with a loss to UConn in the Sweet 16, but the aftermath of that seems plausible. Although their 22-14 record may seem appealing, they struggled when facing teams in their conference, only going 8-10. They shined against non-conference opponents however, beating San Diego State and Kansas
The Razorbacks have a record of 3-1 this season so far. The one loss comes to UNC Greensboro, a close game, but fans still might be concerned about such a loss. Khalif Battle, El Ellis, Tramon Mark and Trevon Brazile all average points in double-digits, but missed buckets rarely receive a second chance. Offensive rebounds are this team’s main struggle.
Memphis
Memphis had a great season last season, but unfortunately lost in the Sweet 16 to FAU. They still managed to finish 24 in the final AP Poll of the season, and with a record of 26-9 overall they deserve it. Head coach Penny Hardaway is ready to take his team further this season and get past the Sweet 16.
So far, Memphis has had a successful season. They’ve gone 3-0, including a win against a tough Missouri team. David Jones, Jaykwon Walton, Jahvon Quinerly and Jordan Brown all average double-digit points per game, proving their offense is a powerhouse. Unfortunately, the Tigers average 14 turnovers per game, which won’t fly when playing more competitive teams.
Michigan
The Wolverines were a little bit of a letdown last season. The previous season they were dancing through much of March and it was believed they would come back stronger the next season. Instead they went 18-16 overall and appeared in no post season tournament. This season, Coach Juwan Howard could be on the hot seat if things don’t improve.
Michigan has played well this season, starting out 3-0 overall. One of those wins comes against St. John’s and their new legendary head coach Rick Pitino. Guard Dug McDaniel leads the team in scoring with 21 points per game. Offensively, they’re a great team but on defense they lack intensity. This could be an issue if they can’t get any offense going at some point.
North Carolina
Last year the Tar Heels struggled against ACC opponents in the regular season. They gave up games to teams like Virginia Tech, NC State and Pitt who they should have easily beaten. This caused them to miss any post season tournament, which is very unlike UNC who are known for their storied basketball program.
This season is looking far more promising for the Tar Heels. They’ve started out 3-0 so far, but the competition hasn’t been great so far. They are led by Armando Bacot who averages a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds per game. RJ Davis and Harrison Ingram both chip in double figure points on average, but this team isn’t without their flaws. They’ve only shot 31% from beyond the three point line, which could be an issue in the near future.
Northern Iowa
The true underdog of the tournament, UNI has struggled, going 1-2 in their first three games. The Panthers did keep it close with North Texas and South Florida, but North Carolina is a much bigger challenge. They will need to catch fire from deep to have any chance.
Stanford
Last season, Stanford had a pretty lackluster showing. Their overall record was 14-19 and finished 10th in the Pac 12 Conference. They did manage to win some impressive games against teams such as Florida State and Arizona. Overall, it doesn’t seem that Stanford was pleased with how their season went.
This season has fared well for the Cardinals, with a 3-1 start to the year. Their field goal average comes in at 50%, but a big man from across the pond is tearing it up inside for them. Paris native Maxime Raynaud averages 19 points per game and nine rebounds, leading the team in both categories. Their three-point percentage clocks in at 38%; a number that might cause problems later on.
Texas Tech
Texas Tech has seen better seasons than last year. They faced some adversity late in the season with the departure of their former head coach Mark Adams, but the damage was already done. The Red Raiders went 16-16 overall and failed to make a postseason tournament. What once was an up and coming program fell through the cracks.
This season has went well so far for the Red Raiders as they start with a 3-0 record. Pop Isaacs, who was their main guy last season, has reprised his role and leads the team with 11 points per game. He is followed by Joe Toussaint, a West Virginia transfer who is more than familiar with Big 12 play and Darrion Williams. They only shoot 20% from three, which could hurt them in coming games.
Villanova
Kyle Neptune had the odds against him last season as his first year as Villanova’s head coach. Replacing someone as legendary as Jay Wright isn’t easy, and we were able to see that last season. The Wildcats went 17-17 overall and failed to appear in any post season tournaments. While their loss column seems large, they didn’t lose in many blowout games. Their main issue was slamming the door shut on their opponent and finishing strong.
Villanova has played well so far and starts this season with a 3-1 overall record. Their one loss came against Penn in a close game decided by four points. While this might seem reminiscent of last year’s issue of finishing games, Villanova fans should feel more positive this season. Guard Justin Moore leads the team with 16 points per game and is helped by TJ Bamba and Tyler Burton who average 11 points per game.
Battle 4 Atlantis Predictions
First Round: North Carolina vs. Northern Iowa
The Tar Heels are facing another team that isn’t great competition for the fourth time this season. The Northern Iowa Panthers are currently 1-2 on the season. This should be an easy win for the Tar Heels, especially with the dominance of Armando Bacot. Expect to see some players come off the bench if the game gets too far gone.
The only issue that could prevent them from a win is their three point shooting. It’s a possibility that Northern Iowa (who has nothing to lose) comes in and plays lockdown defense, preventing anything from going in for North Carolina. I find this unlikely, and therefore choose an easy UNC victory.
North Carolina wins
First Round: Villanova vs. Texas Tech
Both of these teams are pretty even, making this an interesting matchup. Each team is led in scoring by guards, both struggle from the three point line and both had similar seasons last year. This could really be a toss up, making it hard to predict. However, the one defining factor could come down to coaching.
Grant McCasland is in his first year at Texas Tech, a year that is full of transitions and challenges. Kyle Neptune on the other hand is in his second year with Villanova and has a year of straightening out those kinks under his belt. Neptune is more familiar with his team, has a culture set in stone and appears more likely to come away with the victory.
Villanova wins
First Round: Michigan vs. Memphis
Two teams that have the same record and are looking to keep their undefeated streak alive. Michigan already has that win against Pitino and St. John’s under their belt, but Memphis will be their first real test of the season. Something tells me that they won’t come out of this test with a passing grade.
Memphis has a ton of depth with four of their players averaging double-digit points per game. This is also a team that made it pretty far in the NCAA Tournament last season. They’re experienced and know what it takes to win against tough opponents. I’m not sure if Michigan and their lacking defense will be able to combat that.
Memphis wins
First Round: Arkansas vs. Stanford
Another matchup between two teams with the same record. We all know that Arkansas is easily the winner on paper, but Stanford could give them a run for their money if they aren’t careful. The Cardinals have performed well on the boards, something that the Razorbacks lack. If they can’t win in the rebound column, it could be an upset.
However, Arkansas has an uber talented team with lots of contributing scorers. They have experience, they have depth and they’re ranked in the A.P. poll unlike Stanford. I feel that Arkansas wants to show the country that they’re the real deal and will refuse to back down in this tournament. They should be able to take care of business.
Arkansas wins
Semifinals: North Carolina vs. Villanova
It’s worth noting the one loss that Villanova has on their record to a team they could’ve easily beat. North Carolina has so much depth that I fear will be too much for the Wildcats to handle. The Tar Heels know how to score and have guys that are very skilled when it comes to making shots. They have a great leader in Hubert Davis who won’t let them lose this game.
Villanova has a chance to defensively beat the Heels, but their offense alone won’t get the job done. Their main goal should be not letting North Carolina get any big runs that could put them into a hole that would be hard to dig themselves out from.
North Carolina wins
Semifinals: Memphis vs. Arkansas
This should be a great matchup considering how even these teams are. Even though they don’t have a ranking to show for it, Memphis is a very talented that has been ignored this season. They’ve already beat a pretty talented Missouri team. Arkansas has yet to play an opponent as talented as they are.
I feel that Memphis will come out victorious in this matchup. They’ve already faced hard teams this season and know what it takes to beat those teams. Their only flaw is the turnovers, which could be an issue if not nipped in the bud before this game. Memphis is still mad about last season’s ending and this game will be a showing of why they believe they should’ve gone further.
Memphis wins
Championship Game: North Carolina vs. Memphis
Memphis has a lot to prove in this game. Going up against a blue blood and winning would be the perfect statement to prove why they deserve more respect. They have the depth, the talent and the fight to get the job done. Unfortunately, North Carolina is just more talented and seems to be the clear victor.
If North Carolina can make shots, this game is theirs for the taking. Memphis will be their toughest opponent so far this season and not making shots won’t go over as easily as it has earlier this season. We’ve seen Coach Davis take teams and make them great, and this year he has the opportunity to do just that.
North Carolina wins