Here's Part II of the Bracket Buster Recap
Nevada 79, Northern Iowa 64 - I was really close with the point spread of this game (I had Nevada winning by 16). After a competitive first half that had the Panthers up by one at halftime, the Wolfpack went on a 10-0 run and never looked back. What was really impressive was the balance the Wolfpack had in scoring as Marcellus Kemp had 18 points , Nick Fazekas 17, Kyle Shiloh 16 and Ramon Sessions 14 as Northern Iowa could not key on one Nevada player. The Wolfpack shot 51 percent from the field including 9 of 18 from three.
Impact - Nevada 3 - The Wolfpack showed the country that they are more than just than Nick Fazekas. They look like a legitimate Sweet 16/Elite 8 team with great balance when they come to play, which may be their only question. My guess is that will go away come conference tournament time. They are a solid #3, potentially a #2 seed for the tournament.
Impact- Northern Iowa 1 - The Panthers were already out of an at large bid hope before the game, the second half against the Wolfpack just reinforced it. The Panthers did rebound with a solid win on the road vs. Bradley, damaging the Braves chances for an at large.
Wright State 77 Cal State Fullerton 62 - The Raiders used a huge second half to defeat the Titans. DaShaun Wood led the way with 19 points, but it was the Wright State bench scoring 38 points that led the Raiders to victory. Another impressive win in Brad Brownell's first year coaching the Raiders.
Impact - Wright State 2 - The Raiders have no realistic shot an at large bid. However, the Raiders showed that they are a legitimate threat to beat Butler in the Horizon tournament, which would give the Horizon two teams in the tournament (Butler is a lock for the dance), which will keep another team out.
Impact- Cal State Fullerton 1 - The Titans have to win the Big West tournament to get in. That was the case before this game and obviously after this game.
I will finish the bracket buster recaps tonight.
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