Does anyone else think that the Big East physical play will hurt the Eagles if the game is called tight?
It's a good question really. I feel that we have had a few games called poorly, but since we're not the most physical team it shouldn't hurt us that much. I mean, when we face opposing big east teams we are practically forced to be physical, but with the teams we match up against early I don't see it being a big problem unless we're fortunate enough to possibly match-up with another big east time like Pitt.
Mike Brey noted today on the Mike and Mike show that one of the things teams have to compensate for is the officials in the NCAA's being from a mixture of different conferences which can affect certain styles of play.
Our guards do an excessive amount of reaching for steals. If they are called for fouls and we don't adjust properly, it could be a problem for us.
However...
Kentucky relies pretty much on a 5-man rotation. If the refs are calling it tight, I assume it will be tight both ways. We can afford to get a few guys in foul trouble because we have better depth than Kentucky. If KY loses one of their main guys, their probably more screwed.
Of course, that just applies to the 1st round matchup. We do generally have problems when the games are called tighter.