Oregon vs. St. Joseph’s Prediction – Who’s Got Next
Oregon vs. St. Joseph's prediction and preview. Who’s Got Next analyzes the NCAA Tournament’s second round matchup between the Ducks and Hawks.
Oregon vs. St. Joseph’s prediction and preview. Who’s Got Next analyzes the NCAA Tournament’s second round matchup between the Ducks and Hawks.
How they got here
Oregon beat No. 16 Holy Cross 91-52; St. Joseph’s beat No. 9 Cincinnati 78-76
Why Oregon will win
Oregon’s balance and athleticism are everything for Dana Altman’s club. Forward Elgin Cook enjoyed a huge game in the first round, and he needs to be assertive in the second round as well. When Cook is playing with an edge, the Ducks are tough to stop. Guards Tyler Dorsey and Casey Benson are steady and love to run the floor, and forward Dillon Brooks does a great job of getting to the bucket. The Ducks are tough defensively, and if they can create turnovers, Oregon will be flying to the Sweet 16.
Why St. Joseph’s will win
The Hawks’ frontline is a killer, and it’s led by 6-6 DeAndre Bembry, who hits the glass and loves to go to the bucket. Bembry’s quickness makes him a tough defender, and he can hit the big shot. Forward Isaiah Miles provides balance inside, and the senior is a strong finisher at the rim. St. Joe’s isn’t blessed with great size, and it will need to take care of the basketball to avoid giving up easy buckets in transition. Look for guard Aaron Brown to be a catalyst on the perimeter, and if he can make some open shots while also leading the defense, St. Joe’s can pull off the upset.
Oregon vs. St. Joseph’s Prediction
Oregon brings better size and athleticism to the floor, and that’s going to create problems for the Hawks. The Ducks are playing with a lot of confidence right now, and they have a chip on their shoulder. They heard the critics who said they shouldn’t be a No. 1 seed, and they’ll bring a lot of energy to the floor for the win.
Oregon vs. St. Joseph’s Final Score Prediction: Oregon 81, St. Joseph’s 73
