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NCAA Tournament Preview: #7 Texas vs #10 Michigan
East Regional Matchup
Thursday
No. 7 Texas (22-11) vs. No. 10 Minnesota (22-10)
Time/Site: 7:10 EDT/Greensboro, N.C.
The winner gets: The winner of Duke-Binghamton
Summary: After being ranked as high as No. 5 in the country, the Longhorns slipped to finish in a four-way tie for fourth in the Big 12. They have made the NCAA tournament in each of coach Rick Barnes’ 11 seasons. The Golden Gophers have strung consecutive 20-win seasons under coach Tubby Smith are making their second appearance in the NCAA tournament this decade.
Key Players: Texas – A.J. Abrams (16.3 ppg), G; Damion James (15.4 ppg, 9.4 rpg), F. Minnesota – Lawrence Westbrook (12.4 ppg), G; Al Nolen (4.3 apg), G
Key Stat: Texas – The Longhorns are shooting 32 percent from 3-point range. Minnesota – The Golden Gophers have more turnovers (465) than assists (454).
Texas will win: If the Longhorns control the paint with James and emerging center Dexter Pittman and get enough shooting from A.J. Abrams. Longhorn point guards have to control the offense.
Minnesota will win: If Nolen can distribute the ball effectively and this young group can handle the awe-factor of the tournament. Guard Damian Johnson has to come through with a big game
Prediction: Texas 67, Minnesota 58
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By: Kevin Lonnquist
DFN Sports Staff Writer
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