We are an underdog so coming in we know we have to play lights out and give it absolutely everything. Nothing to take for granted.
We play a similar style and are familiar with their top player Love.
Love has his sights set on UNC due to the disharmony and wanting to stick one to them. We aren't UNC, but the path to get there. Oops.
Tip-off will be 4pm local time so we won't be sitting around all day for a late start, which apparently isn't our thing.
Brad and the boys are showing an elevated confidence level and energy in this tournament that hasn't been our norm. If it comes down to the wire and it's a one possession game, which is an area we have consistently fallen short in, this recent mojo could tip the scales in our favor.
Brad's a lock for a renewal so it's all gravy from here on out.
While AZ will likely have the crowd on its side early, that may change later as UNC fans start filling in the stands for their game and rooting against Love and AZ.
Cons:
AZ is a solid team this season and deserving of their #2 spot by virtue of their strength of schedule and consistent performances.
They are talented in all areas and fairly deep and balanced with scorers, so not dependent too heavily on one or two that may not deliver up to par.
The similar style of play offers them an opportunity as well.
They haven't had to travel as far nor adjust to time changes.
They will have more energy in the stands at tip off and for the first half. If they capitalize on that and feed off the energy and get a decent lead, despite the crowd energy likely shifting our way in the 2nd we are not a great comeback team as Brad has acknowledged.
Brad's a lock for renewal. We don't exactly perform all that well as locks.
I have 7 Pros to 6 Cons, thus a slight edge according to the Ben Franklin scale sales approach.