Originally posted by Chuck Murray
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I think if UMass does get bitten by inexperience it will likely happen further down the line - the first round of league playoffs (the only round that isn't a one-off, giving them a margin for error) against an eight-seed doesn't look like much of a speed bump to me...
More importantly I hate the match-up - they'll lure UNH into the Wildcats preferred style of play (offensive and up-tempo) and they're just far better playing that style right now. NU brings the same nightmare match-up but they're not as talented as UMass...
UML and PC are much more likely to keep the score down and give UNH a chance to hang around in games. PC has been so much better than UNH the last few years - but UNH is always playing close games with the Friars. I also think that up until last weekend, PC has underachieved its talent much of the year...
With the standings so jumbled any combination of first round match-ups seems possible. I like UNH's chances as at least a toss-up against BU, BC or ME. Right now, I think they have a shot (though a longer shot) versus PC and NU. I don't think they can beat UML (who should recover fine from this weekend) or UMass...
But we'll learn a lot about UNH and potential match-ups over the next three weeks. UNH has been playing weak competition for much of the second half. Finally, we'll see them against legit measuring stick competition. They'll have a chance to both prove their surge is for real and to set themselves up for a favorable post-season match-up...
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