By Kellan King
The San Francisco Dons came into Selection Sunday feeling comfortably in the field. They were a 9 seed on Bracket Matrix, and had a very solid resume. However, as the teams started being announced, the Dons weren’t among them. Once it got down to the last couple teams, the nerves started kicking in. Speaking after the show, Coach Todd Golden joked “CBS wouldn’t send all these cameras here just for us not to get in.” Golden would prove to be right, as the Dons would be one of the last for teams picked, getting drawn as the 10 seed in the East Region.
USF’s opponent will be the Murray State Racers of the OVC. Murray State is another mid major, and possibly the best mid major out there. The Racers lost just 2 games all year, one of which was to Auburn in a competitive game. Murray State is led by big man KJ Williams, a junior who averages 18 ppg. Their backcourt is also dynamic, with Tevin Brown and Justice Hill combining for over 30 a night. The Racers have not lost in nearly 3 months, and will prove to be a tough out in the tournament for anybody.
The Dons will be led by their stellar backcourt of Jamaree Bouyea and Khalil Shabazz. The dynamic duo for nearly 31 ppg. USF will also need strong contributions from Gabe Stefanini and Julian Rishwain, and solid post defense from Patrick Tape and Yauhen Massalski.
The showdown will take place in Indianapolis on Thursday, and draws a desirable 6:40 PM start time on CBS.
insider-institute.com 