I come in peace.

[Harpo Marxist]

these "who is the best point guard we've faced" comparisons are silly and laughable. On any given day....Middle Tennessee State, Stephen F. Austin, Arkansas Little-Rock.....anything can happen. Duke dam near lost to Yale..and yet Duke's PG is the next Hondo Havlicek.

So much is who is ready mentally for 40 minutes...not 38 or 39....but 40. Who can come off the bench and contribute bigtime production? Who can stay out of foul trouble? Who is shooting the ball well? Focusing on the point guard is well......pointless.

 

[mikeirbyusa]

You should have said "it's a TEAM game".

 

[IUBtown]

Reading all you IU fans write ups, how did y'all lose a single game with the Greatest PG to ever play the game?

Because you play 5 . But honestly I think he's just been playing so good lately we're pleased to see it. He and the team have come a long way since the beginning of the season, just good to see them play to their potential. Should be an interesting game with the best PG in the game vs the best front court in the game, shhh don't let Purdue fans hear you say that. Keys to me after looking at some numbers will be offensive rebounding, our 3 point shooting, and turnovers. Both rebound offensively very well, both top 15, we're 3rd in 3pt%, you're 223rd against the 3, and we can tend to turn it over, especially with Troy handling the ball.

 

[Spacegrass]

My prediction is 82-75 UNC

 

[GoNtheDistance]

I come in peace from an opposing fan who has never posted here can be translated to mean, I come in peace until I disagree with what you say, then my real feelings come out and I turn into a troll.

 

[Harpo Marxist]

Just read the press.....North Carolina has better talent at every position on the floor. How do you expect IU fans to respond to that? Basically, our point guard is adequate to get the job done. How IU responds as a team will determine if we can hang with UNC. I think you will be surprised at how well we can match up....I don't underestimate UNC's ability to get up and down the floor. If IU can shoot well enough to guard on transition after points...it will be a close game. Could be a nail biter. If we aren't shooting well...UNC will win by about 13.

 

[Carolinadude23]

Here's my 2 cents. Both are good teams! No doubt UNC is the better team overall IMHO. UNC ranked inside the top 10 all year. Pre-season number uno, etc.. Indiana been a little up and down, but playing very well now when it counts the most!! If our bigs play the way they are capable and Jackson doesn't play soft, along with UNC getting on the offensive board, and we play D like we're suppose to, we win!

I believe its close at half with us pulling away in 2nd half winning by 7-11 pts! (Much like IU did to Kentucky) Having said that, it wouldn't surprise me if it goes to the wire. Carolina must hit some threes. not a ton, but hit 5+ three's for the entire game to keep IU honest and make IU guard the perimeter! Now if we all are hitting 3"s(Like we all know we can) then UNC wins by 20. And if MP has waited all year to put these last 4 games together to finish up his career.. THEN LOOK OUT! WE DON'T JUST WIN THIS GAME GOING AWAY, WE WIN IT ALL!! Nobody deserves it more the Paige! Class Kid, Class Act. And something tells me he's got that" last chapter" in his career to unvail!!

Go Heels. Play like you're capable and play with heart and toughness and good things are on the horizon!!

 

[IDUNK4HEELS]

The seniors who get playing time in James, Paige and Johnson have been thru so much garbage in the past 4 years that they will not go down quietly. Kind of like Rocky in Rocky 1 keep giving me your best because I will get up again and again and keep fighting. The seniors know this is it and they will NOT let their teammates down.

 

[mikeirbyusa]

Just read the press.....North Carolina has better talent at every position on the floor. How do you expect IU fans to respond to that?

What we don't expect is y'all coming here all butthurt and flaming. WE did NOT write one word of that press, same press that said we were "to soft".

State facts and enjoy your stay IN OUR HOUSE. That's all we ask.

 

[IUBtown]

What we don't expect is y'all coming here all butthurt and flaming. WE did NOT write one word of that press, same press that said we were "to soft".

State facts and enjoy your stay IN OUR HOUSE. That's all we ask.

All in good fun.

 

[YOTHN]

Indiana and UNC were ranked 9th and 10th prior to the conference tournaments. So the separation here is truly minimal to say the least and certainly not reflected by the gap that our seeds provide us. Vegas is looking at that and it has a heavy influence in peoples decisions. Personally I think it's a coin toss on who would win at a neutral site, I certainly don't look at UNC and say they are more talented, the same goes for IU. UK was the best offense in the nation with the apparent best 2 guard combination and IU gave them their 2nd worst offensive game of the season. Defensively IU was 3rd in the big ten and 3rd in the nation offensively. UNC has great transition offense and a lot of length which makes for a lot of easy buckets. IU has an enormous amount of speed and the ability to get wide open transition 3's as well as highlight dunks (see OG vs Chattanooga). What IU was even a month ago isn't who they are now. OG has become a key contributor (3 blocks vs UK) on defense and offense and gives IU tremendous length and versatility to match UNC.

Either way, it'll be a great game and for UNC's sake, I hope they don't think this is anything other than two completely evenly matched teams facing off or they will have the same view of the Elite 8 as UK will. I know IU respects what UNC is going to bring.....the selection committee made sure of that.

 

[Sk1310]

Just read the press.....North Carolina has better talent at every position on the floor. How do you expect IU fans to respond to that? Basically, our point guard is adequate to get the job done. How IU responds as a team will determine if we can hang with UNC. I think you will be surprised at how well we can match up....I don't underestimate UNC's ability to get up and down the floor. If IU can shoot well enough to guard on transition after points...it will be a close game. Could be a nail biter. If we aren't shooting well...UNC will win by about 13.

Well it is our board.... just sayin

 

[uncfan in ky]

I have a feeling these IU fans are reading a article from the N&O.... Big mistake reading that trash.

 

[Sk1310]

Indiana and UNC were ranked 9th and 10th prior to the conference tournaments. So the separation here is truly minimal to say the least and certainly not reflected by the gap that our seeds provide us. Vegas is looking at that and it has a heavy influence in peoples decisions. Personally I think it's a coin toss on who would win at a neutral site, I certainly don't look at UNC and say they are more talented, the same goes for IU. UK was the best offense in the nation with the apparent best 2 guard combination and IU gave them their 2nd worst offensive game of the season. Defensively IU was 3rd in the big ten and 3rd in the nation offensively. UNC has great transition offense and a lot of length which makes for a lot of easy buckets. IU has an enormous amount of speed and the ability to get wide open transition 3's as well as highlight dunks (see OG vs Chattanooga). What IU was even a month ago isn't who they are now. OG has become a key contributor (3 blocks vs UK) on defense and offense and gives IU tremendous length and versatility to match UNC.

Either way, it'll be a great game and for UNC's sake, I hope they don't think this is anything other than two completely evenly matched teams facing off or they will have the same view of the Elite 8 as UK will. I know IU respects what UNC is going to bring.....the selection committee made sure of that.

They play in the SEC. That skews that ranking big time.

 

[heelbent]

Either way, it'll be a great game and for UNC's sake, I hope they don't think this is anything other than two completely evenly matched teams facing off or they will have the same view of the Elite 8 as UK will. I know IU respects what UNC is going to bring.....the selection committee made sure of that.

Good Lord.

I am absolutely, positively, beyond a shadow of a doubt convinced the mighty, mighty Hoosiers of the God Almighty powerful Big 10/11/12...whatever...are going to wax the floor with the lowly Tar Heels. You powerful mofos are the baddest bunch of ballers on the freakin' planet. UNC doesn't deserve to clean your shoes.

And if YOUR team is as cocky as the sampling of IU fans popping up around here they'll be dragging their whipped arses back to the corn fields and wondering where that that hurricane that just spit them out came from. Geeez.

 

[uncfan in ky]

Good Lord.

I am absolutely, positively, beyond a shadow of a doubt convinced the mighty, mighty Hoosiers of the God Almighty powerful Big 10/11/12...whatever...are going to wax the floor with the lowly Tar Heels. You powerful mofos are the baddest bunch of ballers on the freakin' planet. UNC doesn't deserve to clean your shoes.

And if YOUR team is as cocky as the sampling of IU fans popping up around here they'll be dragging their whipped arses back to the corn fields and wondering where that that hurricane that just spit them out came from. Geeez.

I wonder if they were this cocky when Penn St beat them 11 games ago?

 

[DSouthr]

Indiana and UNC were ranked 9th and 10th prior to the conference tournaments. So the separation here is truly minimal to say the least and certainly not reflected by the gap that our seeds provide us. Vegas is looking at that and it has a heavy influence in peoples decisions. Personally I think it's a coin toss on who would win at a neutral site, I certainly don't look at UNC and say they are more talented, the same goes for IU. UK was the best offense in the nation with the apparent best 2 guard combination and IU gave them their 2nd worst offensive game of the season. Defensively IU was 3rd in the big ten and 3rd in the nation offensively. UNC has great transition offense and a lot of length which makes for a lot of easy buckets. IU has an enormous amount of speed and the ability to get wide open transition 3's as well as highlight dunks (see OG vs Chattanooga). What IU was even a month ago isn't who they are now. OG has become a key contributor (3 blocks vs UK) on defense and offense and gives IU tremendous length and versatility to match UNC.

Either way, it'll be a great game and for UNC's sake, I hope they don't think this is anything other than two completely evenly matched teams facing off or they will have the same view of the Elite 8 as UK will. I know IU respects what UNC is going to bring.....the selection committee made sure of that.

UNC is much better than we were a month ago as well. And the difference is how strong we defend, we actually out defended UVa in the ACCT game, that is saying something actually and I don't think IU fans can understand how big that is.

IU is good, I picked them to beat Ky so I am not surprised at all with this match up. And I understand why IU fans love Yogi so much, he is a really good PG, but in my honest opinion he will not be the best PG on the floor, Joel Berry will be. It will be fun to see those to go at each other but IU fans should not assume Joel is less than a stud.

A really fun match up will be Troy Williams vs either Justin or Theo and I especially can't wait to see Theo match up on him, that could be epic.

I don't know much about this OG guy other than he is a 6'8" frosh but I do know what Brice & Hicks bring to the table, I don't see a stronger 1 & 2 punch from the power forward position on any other team in the country.

 

[Heelicious]

Indiana and UNC were ranked 9th and 10th prior to the conference tournaments. So the separation here is truly minimal to say the least and certainly not reflected by the gap that our seeds provide us.

Either way, it'll be a great game and for UNC's sake, I hope they don't think this is anything other than two completely evenly matched teams facing off or they will have the same view of the Elite 8 as UK will. I know IU respects what UNC is going to bring.....the selection committee made sure of that.

I think most rational people here respect what IU is - and has done - over the year, and in the last month. The Big Ten is a decent conference, but not nearly as good at the top of the conference as ACC, and I'd say the Big Ten has some of the absolute worst teams in the power conferences - Rutgers, Minnesota, Penn State, Illinois - all putrid. But, IU is totally legit in finishing ahead of MSU, Purdue, Maryland.

IU and UNC may have been ranked next to each other going into the conference tourney. I'll take your word for it.

IU lost to a non-tourney team in their first conference tourney first game..... UNC totally embarrassed their first two conference tourney opponents (both NCAA tourney teams BTW), and beat UVA which I believe will be a final four team.

And UNC won the best conference (ACC) outright. UNC had the toughest 10 games measured by RPI / BPI heading into the tourney of any team in the NCAA, and went 8-2, only losing to two current sweet 16 teams.

Point is: Heels are playing their best basketball now, as well. MUCH better than when they lost at home to Dook (one of the losses in last ten games listed above), and had BC take them to the wire a few weeks ago.

I respect IU a lot. I think they may be better than Oregon. certainly deserved a 2 seed or 3 seed at least, but the selection committee does look at BPI / RPI (SOS) and entire year body of work. Doing more in the conference tourney would've helped IU as well. And lets just say IU surely should've been a 3/4 and Dook a 5/6, not the other way around.

The comment "the selection committee assured teams give UNC respect." sounds like you think UNC didn't deserve a 1 seed. They are #1 in BPI, #3 ranking in both polls, and again, won outright the ACC regular season, and ACC tourney, by beating a GREAT UVA team (ie - no cakewalk via upsets in ACC tourney). Are you implying somehow UNC Isn't worthy of a 1 seed?

 

[Bubspub88]

UNC has played 10 games against sweet 16 teams this season and won 7 of them. We have faced every style there is to see offensively and defensively. Indiana will not do anything we haven't played against. some guests here got mad because some posters had a different opinion about Yogi. We have played against some pretty good points and believe we have a good one of our own. The Hoosiers are not the same team that got smoked by dook early but UNC has not exactly regressed since November. Indiana cannot beat Carolina's best game and if both bring their best I still like our chances. This is a UNC board so don't be surprised that most exp ct a Carolina win

 

[uncfan in ky]

Joel Berry is the best kept secret in the country.

 

[JuleZ '02 HEEL]

They never really come in peace, do they?

 

[DSouthr]

Just read the press.....North Carolina has better talent at every position on the floor. How do you expect IU fans to respond to that? Basically, our point guard is adequate to get the job done. How IU responds as a team will determine if we can hang with UNC. I think you will be surprised at how well we can match up....I don't underestimate UNC's ability to get up and down the floor. If IU can shoot well enough to guard on transition after points...it will be a close game. Could be a nail biter. If we aren't shooting well...UNC will win by about 13.

Are you talking about that same press that said UNC would be the 1st one seed booted from this NCAAT?

How well you match up? Do you have a NCAA 1st team AA playing for ya? There are what, 6 ACC teams left in this tourney and guess who not only won the regular season crown but also won the ACCT crown? You thinking you would have done that had IU played in the ACC?

Do you realize we just beat a team that actually had the considered best PG in the nation, the NCAA 1st team AA PG in Kris Dunn?

You guys have Bryant, talented center for sure but he seems to reach a lot and you do that against Brice or Hicks and you find foul trouble quick. WE are not Ky and this years Ky was not last years Ky. Good win by you guys but it doesn't make ya world beaters. Truth is Indiana can beat us but for that to happen a lot has to go wrong for us and pretty much every star will have to line up in your favor. Excuse me if I do not think all that will happen for ya. If we play our A game and IU tries to run on us we win by 20+, don't believe me ask ND fans, they'll tell ya.

 

[IUBtown]

Good Lord.

I am absolutely, positively, beyond a shadow of a doubt convinced the mighty, mighty Hoosiers of the God Almighty powerful Big 10/11/12...whatever...are going to wax the floor with the lowly Tar Heels. You powerful mofos are the baddest bunch of ballers on the freakin' planet. UNC doesn't deserve to clean your shoes.

And if YOUR team is as cocky as the sampling of IU fans popping up around here they'll be dragging their whipped arses back to the corn fields and wondering where that that hurricane that just spit them out came from. Geeez.

I don't think he's claiming IU is an NBA All star team but that they are very much capable of beating UNC IF UNC doesn't come to play their best. UNC plays to their potential and they should win.

 

[Hark_The_Sound_2010]

Joel Berry is the best kept secret in the country.

Yes apparently. I wandered over to the IU board to see what they were saying over there. After reading a thread started by the OP of this thread, in which he was essentially bragging about getting banned here (and I put him in his place on that front), I started reading some of their threads discussing UNC and the matchup with us.

A lot of them were saying the key to beating UNC is to contain Paige. They were saying preventing him from beating them from outside, or feeding the ball down low to the bigs would result in an IU win. I'm not sure if they're watching game film from two years ago or what - but Paige hasn't been lighting it up from 3 this year (granted he's been better in the dance) and he's not even the PG anymore - so I think they're completely missing the Berry factor.

 

[Harpo Marxist]

you are going to have a thumb on the scale on either the IU or the UNC board....Having said that...IU fans have a generally pretty good idea that UNC is a championship level team this year. However, beating Kentucky was a confidence booster....especially after last year's failure in the first round. The general consensus for IU fans is that UNC is beatable...given certain conditions being in place. If those thing don't happen, it will be a solid win for UNC. Our timing for playing UNC is favorable...but we have some injuries that will factor in...with a roster that is already going to be tested severely.

We don't know which IU or UNC team is going to show up. IU has lost seven times, UNC six. So either team can lose this game.

 

[Heelicious]

Yes apparently. I wandered over to the IU board to see what they were saying over there. After reading a thread started by the OP of this thread, in which he was essentially bragging about getting banned here (and I put him in his place on that front), I started reading some of their threads discussing UNC and the matchup with us.

A lot of them were saying the key to beating UNC is to contain Paige. They were saying preventing him from beating them from outside, or feeding the ball down low to the bigs would result in an IU win. I'm not sure if they're watching game film from two years ago or what - but Paige hasn't been lighting it up from 3 this year (granted he's been better in the dance) and he's not even the PG anymore - so I think they're completely missing the Berry factor.

Hark, good one. IU is like "who is this Joe Barry? Is he related to Rick?" I hope and have a sense on Friday night after the game they'll know all they want to and more about him.

 

[Harpo Marxist]

Good Lord.

I am absolutely, positively, beyond a shadow of a doubt convinced the mighty, mighty Hoosiers of the God Almighty powerful Big 10/11/12...whatever...are going to wax the floor with the lowly Tar Heels. You powerful mofos are the baddest bunch of ballers on the freakin' planet. UNC doesn't deserve to clean your shoes.

And if YOUR team is as cocky as the sampling of IU fans popping up around here they'll be dragging their whipped arses back to the corn fields and wondering where that that hurricane that just spit them out came from. Geeez.

that's a lot of drama for a mod.....btw...there are some UNC fans popping up on the IU board...and they are being treated with the respect they should be. These Rivals boards are designed to pop in from over here. If you want a board full of homogeneous yes men...have at it. As far as one idiot who claims to have come over here and gotten himself banned...just take a look at the IU board's response to him...he's earning no support or friends for making an ass out of himself.

 

[Heelicious]

you are going to have a thumb on the scale on either the IU or the UNC board....Having said that...IU fans have a generally pretty good idea that UNC is a championship level team this year. However, beating Kentucky was a confidence booster....especially after last year's failure in the first round. The general consensus for IU fans is that UNC is beatable...given certain conditions being in place. If those thing don't happen, it will be a solid win for UNC. Our timing for playing UNC is favorable...but we have some injuries that will factor in...with a roster that is already going to be tested severely.

We don't know which IU or UNC team is going to show up. IU has lost seven times, UNC six. So either team can lose this game.

Any team can lose any game onviously. Ask MSU. Bit not all losses are equal. We lost 6 games by a TOTAL of 22 points, all to tourney teams, and 3 of those to sweet 16 teams. And we've also avenged / beaten each of those sweet 16 teams we previously lost to. The 22 points is about equal to the amount of your one loss to Dook. I get that you are much better now - as are we.

 

[Hark_The_Sound_2010]

As far as one idiot who claims to have come over here and gotten himself banned...just take a look at the IU board's response to him...he's earning no support or friends for making an ass out of himself.

This is true, and I'm happy the other IU posters have shown they're in general a classier bunch than that guy. One thing I'll say about some posters on that board though, is they're bringing up the academic scandal without even the slightest clue as to what is going on with it, or any of the relevant facts. Granted - that is somewhat to be expected on a message board, but still - it's not the best look. Heck, a lot of UNC fans haven't even taken the time to learn the ins and outs of the whole damn thing, so I don't expect IU fans to, but they should know enough to not talk about stuff they aren't properly informed on.

"cheaters shouldn't even be in the tournament!!!!11!!!11!!1" and the poll on whether UNC's accomplishments this year will be vacated and the resulting conversation - just make it look an NC State board (which, is in no way a compliment).

I do like the majority of the conversation there - and will continue monitoring it up until the game for some good information about the matchup from the Hoosiers perspective.

 

[TARRRRRHEEEEEELS]

IU has the "best point guard in the game"? LMFAO! I'd love to see him play against Dunn so that you can find out how far down the line your "best point guard in the game" really is haha.

 

[Harpo Marxist]

This is true, and I'm happy the other IU posters have shown they're in general a classier bunch than that guy. One thing I'll say about some posters on that board though, is they're bringing up the academic scandal without even the slightest clue as to what is going on with it, or any of the relevant facts. Granted - that is somewhat to be expected on a message board, but still - it's not the best look. Heck, a lot of UNC fans haven't even taken the time to learn the ins and outs of the whole damn thing, so I don't expect IU fans to, but they should know enough to not talk about stuff they aren't properly informed on.

"cheaters shouldn't even be in the tournament!!!!11!!!11!!1" and the poll on whether UNC's accomplishments this year will be vacated and the resulting conversation - just make it look an NC State board (which, is in no way a compliment).

I do like the majority of the conversation there - and will continue monitoring it up until the game for some good information about the matchup from the Hoosiers perspective.

I won't discuss "that matter" on your board. I can only attest to the misery that IU basketball fans endured for years after the hammer was dropped on IU. This followed decades of superior integrity and graduation rates. It was devastating. As I posted on the IU board, IU hired a dirty coach with its eyes wide open...and earned the sanctions...albeit the level of severity is debatable. There is a sentiment, myself included, that there should be no sacred cows with the NCAA....that is the gist of the grumblings on the IU board.

 

[Archer2]

I think most rational people here respect what IU is - and has done - over the year, and in the last month. The Big Ten is a decent conference, but not nearly as good at the top of the conference as ACC, and I'd say the Big Ten has some of the absolute worst teams in the power conferences - Rutgers, Minnesota, Penn State, Illinois - all putrid. But, IU is totally legit in finishing ahead of MSU, Purdue, Maryland.

IU and UNC may have been ranked next to each other going into the conference tourney. I'll take your word for it.

IU lost to a non-tourney team in their first conference tourney first game..... UNC totally embarrassed their first two conference tourney opponents (both NCAA tourney teams BTW), and beat UVA which I believe will be a final four team.

And UNC won the best conference (ACC) outright. UNC had the toughest 10 games measured by RPI / BPI heading into the tourney of any team in the NCAA, and went 8-2, only losing to two current sweet 16 teams.

Point is: Heels are playing their best basketball now, as well. MUCH better than when they lost at home to Dook (one of the losses in last ten games listed above), and had BC take them to the wire a few weeks ago.

I respect IU a lot. I think they may be better than Oregon. certainly deserved a 2 seed or 3 seed at least, but the selection committee does look at BPI / RPI (SOS) and entire year body of work. Doing more in the conference tourney would've helped IU as well. And lets just say IU surely should've been a 3/4 and Dook a 5/6, not the other way around.

The comment "the selection committee assured teams give UNC respect." sounds like you think UNC didn't deserve a 1 seed. They are #1 in BPI, #3 ranking in both polls, and again, won outright the ACC regular season, and ACC tourney, by beating a GREAT UVA team (ie - no cakewalk via upsets in ACC tourney). Are you implying somehow UNC Isn't worthy of a 1 seed?

Best post of the thread.

IU is certainly capable of beating us. Heck, the tourney has been rife with upsets. And when you reach the S16, anything can happen. But I think our best is a little better than IU's. It will depend on which team plays closest to their potential. Should be a great game.

The keys for UNC are usually playing great defense, winning the boards(esp. limiting OR's allowed), and making our FT's.

 

[DSouthr]

This is true, and I'm happy the other IU posters have shown they're in general a classier bunch than that guy. One thing I'll say about some posters on that board though, is they're bringing up the academic scandal without even the slightest clue as to what is going on with it, or any of the relevant facts. Granted - that is somewhat to be expected on a message board, but still - it's not the best look. Heck, a lot of UNC fans haven't even taken the time to learn the ins and outs of the whole damn thing, so I don't expect IU fans to, but they should know enough to not talk about stuff they aren't properly informed on.

"cheaters shouldn't even be in the tournament!!!!11!!!11!!1" and the poll on whether UNC's accomplishments this year will be vacated and the resulting conversation - just make it look an NC State board (which, is in no way a compliment).

I do like the majority of the conversation there - and will continue monitoring it up until the game for some good information about the matchup from the Hoosiers perspective.

Kinda strikes me like those IU fans on that thread on their site are praying the NCAA takes us out sometime between now and 10pm friday night so they will not have to play us? I smell the sweet perfume of fear upon them...

 

[YOTHN]

Good Lord.

I am absolutely, positively, beyond a shadow of a doubt convinced the mighty, mighty Hoosiers of the God Almighty powerful Big 10/11/12...whatever...are going to wax the floor with the lowly Tar Heels. You powerful mofos are the baddest bunch of ballers on the freakin' planet. UNC doesn't deserve to clean your shoes.

And if YOUR team is as cocky as the sampling of IU fans popping up around here they'll be dragging their whipped arses back to the corn fields and wondering where that that hurricane that just spit them out came from. Geeez.

Huh? I didn't say we were mighty mighty. I was responding to the many posts that say "IU will be a tough opponent" then go on to say all 5 starters are better than IU's. I mean give me a break. My entire post was stating that we are on equal footing and any thought to the contrary is false. Not sure where in my post I said we are going to wax anyone or are the "most powerful mofos on the freakin planet". Not sure why so much anger?

 

[YOTHN]

I think most rational people here respect what IU is - and has done - over the year, and in the last month. The Big Ten is a decent conference, but not nearly as good at the top of the conference as ACC, and I'd say the Big Ten has some of the absolute worst teams in the power conferences - Rutgers, Minnesota, Penn State, Illinois - all putrid. But, IU is totally legit in finishing ahead of MSU, Purdue, Maryland.

IU and UNC may have been ranked next to each other going into the conference tourney. I'll take your word for it.

IU lost to a non-tourney team in their first conference tourney first game..... UNC totally embarrassed their first two conference tourney opponents (both NCAA tourney teams BTW), and beat UVA which I believe will be a final four team.

And UNC won the best conference (ACC) outright. UNC had the toughest 10 games measured by RPI / BPI heading into the tourney of any team in the NCAA, and went 8-2, only losing to two current sweet 16 teams.

Point is: Heels are playing their best basketball now, as well. MUCH better than when they lost at home to Dook (one of the losses in last ten games listed above), and had BC take them to the wire a few weeks ago.

I respect IU a lot. I think they may be better than Oregon. certainly deserved a 2 seed or 3 seed at least, but the selection committee does look at BPI / RPI (SOS) and entire year body of work. Doing more in the conference tourney would've helped IU as well. And lets just say IU surely should've been a 3/4 and Dook a 5/6, not the other way around.

The comment "the selection committee assured teams give UNC respect." sounds like you think UNC didn't deserve a 1 seed. They are #1 in BPI, #3 ranking in both polls, and again, won outright the ACC regular season, and ACC tourney, by beating a GREAT UVA team (ie - no cakewalk via upsets in ACC tourney). Are you implying somehow UNC Isn't worthy of a 1 seed?

No, UNC was definitely worthy of a 1. I was referring to IU getting put at a 5 and giving teams (enter UK here) the idea that we are barely a top 20 team. The notion that we have to have an amazing game to beat a top 5 team just isn't true. We just have to play better.

Look, to quote the great Dennis Green, UNC "is who we thought they were." I'm just hoping we don't let you off the hook is all.

 

[Deacon Jim]

Can`t for the life of me figure out why other fans can`t come over here and discuss basketball like mature adults. Like ours does !!!!

 

[GoNtheDistance]

To all IU fans who can't seem to read and come here with an agenda: We respect your program and the talent you have on your team this year. You have had a great year. You have some kids who will present problems for our team. I would hope you could objectively say the same. In saying that, are we scared of IU? No. Bottom line, our good beats your good. Our great beats your great. Anything other than that is a toss up. Let's see how it plays out later in the week.

 

[HOOSIERGUY]

Paige is still a stud and certainly better than anyone on IU's roster. Including Yogi. He is shooting 45% from 3 in the tourney. We'll take that. And Paige is a better defender and passer than Yogi. They are probably about equal at driving and finishing. Marcus has struggled shooting, to be sure, but he has been clutch in all aspects of the game over the last two weeks.... plus he just has way more options on this team to help with the load vs. Yogi on IU.

Beyond the Yogi / Paige comparison, the Heels have an even larger advantage at other positions. Brice Johnson - first team AA: nobody for IU can stop him. Same for Hicks. Too much size and skill for IU.

Joel Berry is the heart and soul of this team. He will do whatever it takes to get this team to win.

Justin Jackson - who from IU has the size and speed to guard him? Or to score over him, consistently?

Shutting down Paige AND Berry AND Jackson will be a load for you guys

That doesn't even get to our bench with quick smart guys like Pinson and Britt. I'll leave Meeks out of the equation for now - anything we get from him is a bonus at this point.

I know you guys are good and won the Big 10 by two games, and have nice players beyond Yogi. I just don't see the depth or the skill at other positions to stop us.

I hope and pray you try to run with us. Game over for you.

The main way I see you winning is by you being great from three - and I hope that we stay home and guard the three. We just beat pretty handily a team with better scorers than you have - in Dunn and Bentil.

Plus - if the game is called like the Big Ten games often are.... allowing obscene amount of physical contact (ie - FOULING) with no calls, to compensate for lack of quickness and basketball skill.... then that might give you guys an advantage, too.

Peace, out.

You need to put in your glasses. In no way, shape, or form is Marcus Paige better than Yogi Ferrell. If those two were standing in front of Roy Williams and didn't know anything about them except how they play, he picks Yogi every time. I've watched almost every UNC game and IU all season. I'm an IU fan, but my entire family in my house are Carolina fans. I am a Hoosier transplant that lives in Raleigh. It will be an interesting day in my house to say the least. I agree, Carolina should win this game, but you're drunk if you think Paige is better than Yogi...not even close.

 

[Hark_The_Sound_2010]

My entire post was stating that we are on equal footing and any thought to the contrary is false.

Well, not quite equal footing, but I see where you were going. Vegas has the line at UNC -6.5, which I think is fair indication that UNC should win the game. However underdogs win games in which they were 6.5 point dogs occasionally, so it's important for UNC to not overlook the Hoosiers.

 

[Heelicious]

You need to put in your glasses. In no way, shape, or form is Marcus Paige better than Yogi Ferrell. If those two were standing in front of Roy Williams and didn't know anything about them except how they play, he picks Yogi every time. I've watched almost every UNC game and IU all season. I'm an IU fan, but my entire family in my house are Carolina fans. I am a Hoosier transplant that lives in Raleigh. It will be an interesting day in my house to say the least. I agree, Carolina should win this game, but you're drunk if you think Paige is better than Yogi...not even close.

I think they are probably close to each other in terms of overall game. I guarantee you that even given Marcus shooting woes roy wouldn't trade out Marcus or for any guard that I can think of. Are there bigger more athletic skllled guards than Marcus? Better shooters? For sure. Bit Marcus knows the complex UNC offense at both guard spots on the floor. Can't replace that and it doesn't show up on the stats. Marcus is a seasoned very smart coach on the floor. He'll be a great coach someday.

And - with an ACC title on the line he shut down Malcom Brogdon to lead Heels to the win. Again that doesn't show in stat sheet but it was widely regarded as the best defensive effort all year on the consensus POY of the best conference in basketball. Not being a smart ace bit could yogi have done that to Malcom with a championship on the line?

I'm not saying marcus is way better but if you think yogi is way better - "not even close" - then maybe you should consider the whole game, both ends of the court, leadership, and supporting cast. Ie Marcus would put up bigger numbers if he didn't have so many supporting very good offense options around him.