San Francisco vs. Murray State Prediction: Don't Doubt the Dons
San Francisco vs. Murray State Prediction: Don't Doubt the Dons
The San Francisco Dons were once the best program in college basketball. In 1955 and 1956, USF won back-to-back titles thanks to some guy named Bill Russell. But, San Francisco is a long way away from its glory days as this is just their 2nd tournament berth in the last 37 seasons.
Meanwhile, the Murray State Racers are making their third appearance in the last four NCAA tournaments (you may remember their 2019 appearance, led by Ja Morant). Murray State's 20-game win streak is the 2nd-longest active streak in the country, behind only South Dakota State. So, do the Dons have what it takes to get back to their winning ways against the red-hot Racers?
March Madness: Bet $5, Win $150 - Even if your wager loses
San Francisco Moneyline @ +120 (Bet $100 to win $120)
*Odds Available at DraftKings at Time of Publishing*
San Francisco is one of the most well-rounded teams competing in the 2022 edition of March Madness. They can shoot and defend at a high level, they have size, and a senior guard waiting to be selected in the 2022 NBA Draft.
The Dons played well against their toughest opponents this season. They took down tournament teams Davidson and UAB early on and lost to Loyola Chicago by only five points. They weren't able to steal a win from either St. Mary's or Gonzaga, the other West Coast Conference teams to qualify for the tournament. However, they only lost to Gonzaga by 10 points in the WCC tournament and lost to St. Mary's by two and five points in their two meetings. San Francisco is battle-tested heading into Thursday night's contest. Murray State, on the other hand, faced only two tournament teams all season. They beat 9-seed Memphis by two points and lost to 2-seed Auburn by 13 points. If you care about strength of schedule, USF has an edge here.
San Francisco is led by Jamaree Bouyea, a program lifer. USF was Bouyea's only Division I scholarship offer coming out of high school, and he's currently wrapping up his 5th season playing for the Dons. He averaged 16.7 points per game this season and was selected to the All-WCC First Team. Bouyea leads an offensive attack that ranks second among all teams in the tournament field in threes made per game. 6'1" guard Khalil Shabazz and 6'10" big man Yauhen Massalski complete USF's trio of seniors, which can match the tournament experience that the Racers offer.
This 7-10 matchup profiles as one of the best, most competitive games of the first round. It's undoubtedly a must-watch contest and I have the San Francisco Dons edging out Murray State in a close one.