NCAA Bracket 2011 Predictions: Long Island Top Cinderella in East Region?

NCAA Bracket 2011 Gives LIU an Opportunity to Wear Cinderella?s Slipper

It seems recently Long Island University has been all over sports news. They finished the season with a remarkable 27-5 record, averaging over 82.6 points and 41.8 rebounds per game.

They have just one loss since December 13.

Although a very good all-around team, they are led by sophomore Julian Boyd. He averages 12.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, one steal and just shy of one block per contest.

According to Yahoo Sports? Mike Huguenin?s fantastic analysis, ?LIU has to have a fast pace. LIU?s big guys can run the court, but they?re not bulky and can be overpowered in the halfcourt. The Blackbirds? lack of bulk is going to hurt in the tourney. LIU has been able to force the pace all season, but when the Blackbirds are slowed down, they struggle. They were held under 70 points just four times all season, and lost three of those games; in addition, they averaged 69.8 points in their five losses, almost 13 points under their season average. If they are allowed to play at their pace, LIU can make things interesting against a ?major? opponent, though, especially if the 3-pointers are falling.?

North Carolina may be my second favorite team in this region, but the Tar Heels can not underestimate LIU, who are more deserving than a No. 15 seed.

Still, LIU is more than thrilled to be in the Tournament, but they believe they will make a ton of noise. They are accepting the underdog role and disrespect of the No. 15 seed.

?Ferry said he walked into his locker room Monday and began scribbling on his blackboard. First he wrote one of his favorite sayings, ?David can beat Goliath by being tougher, smarter and better prepared,?? according to Sean Brennan on NYDailyNews.com.

The Blackbirds are determined to bring the house down against the Tar Heels. They will give everything they have to pull of the mammoth upset, and they have the intensity, drive and talent to come close.

 

For all of your up-to-date March Madness information, check out Bleacher Report?s immense March Madness 2011 dedicated section.

And don?t be left out of the exciting Madness! After checking out our thorough analysis, fill out your very own printable March Madness 2011 Bracket presented by Bleacher Report!

Looking for this year's Cinderella? Check out what Northern Colorado head coach B.J. Hill has to say about his Bears' chances in this Bleacher Report exclusive!

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