Interpretive Dance: Little giant Northern Iowa a legit Final Four contender

Still recuperating from your midweek bar crawl? Are you nostril deep in term paper research? Have no fear, fellow bracketeers. As a companion to the Bracket Big Board, the I.D. is here to highlight all the college hardwood action from the week that was and preview the most pivotal matchups of the weekend. 

On March 20, 2010, college basketball fans were struck by sudden wonderment.

Transfixed on a NCAA Tournament second-round game in Oklahoma City, they watched as a classic David vs. Goliath story unfolded.

Northern Iowa, a No. 9 seed and heavy underdog, waged war against top-ranked Kansas. After falling behind double digits midway through the second half, the Jayhawks, knowing their Final Four hopes were quickly fading, mounted a furious comeback. Within minutes the Panthers’ cushion deflated to one. Momentum swung. For Cinderella, midnight was fast approaching.

However, with roughly 35 seconds to go, a grind-it-out guard sporting a champion’s name caught a pass from Kwadzo Ahelegbe, toed the arc and, instead of eating clock, let loose, levying a knockout blow of epic proportions.

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In the blink of an eye, Ali Farokhmanesh became a household name. His ballsy game-clinching three, described by colleague Pat Forde as “one of the greatest early-round shots in NCAA Tournament history,” marched the Panthers, a program with little to no historical reputation, onto their first Sweet 16 appearance.

Five years later, the small school from Cedar Falls is again on the verge of something special.

When Ben Jacobson accepted the UNI gig in 2006, he inherited a program on the rise. His predecessor, Greg McDermott, now head honcho at Creighton, transformed a whipping boy, which had only reached the NCAA Tournament once prior to 2003, into a feared force.

But under Jacobsen’s guidance Northern Iowa has reached greater heights. In his nine years amid the corn and soybean fields, he’s won a remarkable 65.2 percent of his games, grabbed two Missouri Valley titles and walked away with conference Coach of the Year honors twice.

Jacobson is the embodiment of John Mellancamp’s “Small Town.” Raised in sparsely populated North Dakota, he exhibited the characteristics of a future head coach at a young age. The Mayville-Portland High School product was named the state’s Mr. Basketball in 1989. In college at North Dakota University, he ran point, displaying remarkable poise, leadership and dishing skills. When the final buzzer sounded on his four years in Grand Forks, the school’s career assists record had fallen.

Similar to Gonzaga’s Mark Few and VCU’s Shaka Smart, Jacobson is comfortable with his surroundings. Instead of chasing the big dollars and bright lights of high-major institutions, he’s chosen to plant deep roots in Cedar Falls, calling the city of 40,000 “just about perfect.”

Outside road stumbles against VCU and Evansville, UNI’s season has been equally impeccable. It’s notched pivotal wins against Stephen F. Austin, Iowa and Valley-nemesis Wichita State. At 16-1 in league play (27-2 overall), it has emerged victorious by an average margin of 12.6 points per game. No matter the outcome in Saturday’s rematch against the Shockers, its impressive domination in a multi-bid conference shouldn’t be overlooked.

It shouldn’t be ignored on your pool sheet either.

Akin to their coach’s mild-mannered attitude, the Panthers play calm, cool and collected. They are, in many ways, the Virginia of the Midwest – experienced, efficient and stifling.

Jacobson, who educated himself on the pack-line defense by watching DVD teachings from legend Dick Bennett, Virginia head coach Tony Bennett’s father, stresses a deliberate, pedestrian style. Northern Iowa, more like corpulent sloths than Panthers, relishes the half-court setting. It has registered just 58.6 possessions per game and a whopping 21.1 seconds per possession. Suffice it to say, Seth Tuttle and Co. aren’t interested in speed dating. That snail’s pace combined with its crisp ball movement and tenacity on D, explain why they rank inside the top-35 nationally in offensive and defensive efficiency.

Tuttle’s impact is another reason.

The 6-foot-8 senior is the Russell Wilson of the MVC. He’s selfless, tireless and a well-known film-room grunt. Like David Padgett from the Louisville teams of the mid-2000s, Tuttle is the consummate point-forward. The offense runs through him. Given his exceptional passing, improved outside shot and presence on the glass, he’s a matchup nightmare. He’s logged a double-double four times. More impressive, he’s recorded four or more assists in a game 12 times. His well-rounded game has enhanced the efforts of those around him, particularly guards Wes Washpun, Nate Buss and Matt Bohannon. UNI tallies nearly 40 percent of its points from distance. In what shouldn’t be a surprise Tuttle trails only Frank Kaminsky and Delon Wright in Ken Pomeroy’s most-valuable player standings. The guy is a Terminator.

Despite a top-10 national ranking, the highest in school history, many believe Northern Iowa’s odds of racing to Indy are long. That’s pure poppycock. Due to its veteran savvy, depth, methodical execution and Tuttle, the projected No. 4 seed has the appearance of a legitimate Final Four contender.

For UNI, another March magic show is right around the corner.

Rehearse your choreographed moves one last time. Get into costume. And press "play" on your boombox. It's time for an Interpretive Dance …

MARKET MOVERS

Here are this week's bracket bulls and bears:

DA BULLS (MOVING UP)

Oregon Ducks (21-8, RPI: 39, SOS: 58, Current Seed: 11)

Not long ago the Ducks were being prepped for the dinner table. In late January, they were 4-4 in a down Pac-12 and owned only one noteworthy W, a seven-point takedown of Illinois in Chicago before Christmas. Now, Dana Atlman has his young bunch quacking. Triumphant in seven of its past eight, Oregon is on the right side of the bubble. Recent home wins against UCLA and Utah beautified an otherwise homely profile. The young Ducks boast a high-powered offense. In their last seven wins, they’ve blazed the nets to the tune of 1.178 points per possession. Senior Joseph Young, an exceptional scorer, has tormented opponents whether from outside, off the dribble or on short jumpers. Interior contributors Elgin Cook, Dwayne Benjamin and Dillon Brooks have also flourished, chipping in valuable production. Defense, usually a hallmark of Altman-coached teams, has been a luxury item in Eugene, but the Ducks have guarded better of late. Against Colorado, Utah and Cal it surrendered a combined 0.964 points per possession. With road games at Stanford and Oregon State left a split is needed. Drop both and a strong run in the Pac-12 tourney becomes vital. But, as of now, the Ducks are dancing.

N.C. State Wolfpack (17-11, RPI: 40, SOS: 3, Current Seed: 9)

The Wolfpack, fresh off an impressive win at North Carolina, have fangs bared. Including their upending of the Tar Heels and dispatching of Louisville, they’ve reeled off three straight wins, lifting their heads above water in ACC play (8-7 record). That string of successes, combined with a top-five strength of schedule and other standout wins over Duke and Boise State, and N.C. State is trending toward at least a No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament. One of the loosest defensive teams in college basketball weeks back, Mark Gottfried’s kids have ratcheted up the stinginess. In their past four contests, they’ve surrendered a sparkling 0.922 points per possession. Ralston Turner’s hot hand from outside has also sparked N.C. State. During its current win streak, he’s nailed 10-of-20 attempts from three. Toss in contributions from fellow gunners Trevor Lacey and Anthony Barber and block party MC BeeJay Anya, who swatted six shots against Carolina, and the Wolfpack are shaping up to be a difficult "out" come tourney time. Given their rather favorable rest of season slate (at BC, at Clemson, Syracuse), a single-digit seed is attainable.

Pittsburgh Panthers (19-10, RPI: 37, SOS: 32, Current Seed: NA)

The Panthers' complicated résumé fosters a question that's racked the brains of bracketologists for decades. When examining a team's profile what weighs more, quality wins or bad losses? Under-cuttings of Notre Dame and North Carolina shine, but inexplicable flops against Hawaii and Virginia Tech left spots. Still, with five wins against the RPI top 100, the same amount as fellow bubblers Dayton, Illinois and UCLA, the Panthers are very much in the at-large conversation. Their top-40 ranking in RPI and strength of schedule and strong finish (Winners in six of their last eight) also check boxes. Pitt is still deplorable defensively giving up an unacceptable 1.041 points per possession. However, its often prolific offense spearheaded by Jamel Artis and James Robinson and inerrancy with the basketball (No. 9 in offensive turnover percentage) are why it's charged hard. Based on its somewhat favorable rest of season schedule (at Wake Forest, Miami and at Florida State), it could wind up with 11 ACC wins. Achieve that and grab a game or two in their conference tournament and the Panthers may just sneak into the field.

Others Flaming: Davidson

DA BEARS (MOVING DOWN)

Illinois Fighting Illini

(17-11, RPI: 59, SOS: 47, Current Seed: NA)
The tournament temperature in Champaign resembles Star Wars' Hoth, minus the tauntauns. Illinois spoiled a prime opportunity to shore up its at-large standing Sunday night. Michigan State, playing with a chip on its shoulder since the Illini knocked it off in East Lansing on Feb. 7, kicked open the State Farm Center doors, locked down on defense and captured its 10th Big Ten win. In a precarious position just weeks ago, Tom Izzo has his team humming, a tell-tale sign spring is near. The Illini, however, aren’t nearly as fortunate. During the nine games leading scorer Rayvonte Rice was sidelined by a broken hand/suspension, John Groce’s group discovered its identity. Over that stretch it recorded a respectable 6-3 mark, ramping up its defensive game while benefiting from an uptick in production from sophomore Kendrick Nunn. However, in the four games since Rice’s return, Illinois has scored a bland 0.983 points per possession. Though it has quality triumphs over Baylor, Maryland, Purdue and Michigan State, it better bring a hardhat and lunch pail down the stretch if it wants to make a NCAA tourney appearance. Ten conference wins and the Illini are IN. A 2-2 finish (9-9 in B1G) and additional Ws in the Big Ten tourney become a necessity. After they came up short in Iowa City, the stakes in their last regular-season game at Purdue are now stratospheric.

Texas Longhorns (17-11, RPI: 44, SOS: 16, Current Seed: NA)

Just what the hell should the Selection Committee do with Texas? Let it in? Banish it to the NIT? Grind up Bevo for Taco Tuesday? That is the $64,000 question. When the committee engages in the arduous task of sorting through at-large candidates in a little over two weeks heated discussions about the Longhorns are sure to take place. Texas does own a couple attractive qualities. Computer-generated rankings think of it appreciably. The Massey Ratings, which aggregates 53 different measurements, has the Longhorns at No. 29, ahead of sure-fire tournament teams Xavier, Mississippi and Indiana. No egregious Ls and an extremely difficult strength of schedule (16) explain the infatuation. However, their 6-9 Big 12 mark and month-long tumble – they’ve dropped seven of 10 – paints a darker picture. Worse yet, UT is a wretched 1-10 against the RPI top 50. It’s played meaningful competition, but not delivered enough suitable wins. Due to the ‘Horns numerous big bodies, they’ve often executed well in the paint, snagging offensive boards and creating second-chance opportunities. Sadly, though, they’ve rarely taken advantage. Most disappointingly, they’ve unhinged defensively (1.146 points per possession allowed in their last three). Teams with confident outside shooters have buried them, evident in losses to Iowa State and West Virginia. Texas could right the ship in short order with wins at Kansas and home versus Baylor. However, based on how zombie-like they’ve been, even a split doesn’t seem likely. Rick Barnes’ tushy is scalding.

Kansas Jayhawks (22-6, RPI: 2, SOS: 1, Current Seed: 2)

KU is another Big 12 team heading south in the late winter. The Jayhawks, which couldn't escape Manhattan with a victory, have dropped three of their last six games. The last time they weren't crowned Big 12 regular-season champs, 11 years ago, flip phones were still popular. That streak, however, is in serious jeopardy. Iowa State, only a game behind in league play, split the season series with Kansas and is now breathing down its neck. Perry Ellis has thrown this team on his back and Kelly Oubre has contributed solidly of late, but inconsistencies at the guard position continue to plague the Jayhawks. In the loss at Kansas State, Wayne Seldon and Frank Mason combined for 11 points and five turnovers. Unless the backcourt reverses course soon, it could be a rough March for Bill Self. Kansas finishes the regular season against Texas, West Virginia and Oklahoma. Overall, its profile is terrific. Ranking top-three in RPI and strength of schedule and 10-6 vs. the RPI top 50, it possesses few flaws. However, drop two of its last three and have a mediocre showing in the Big 12 Tournament and KU could slide to a No. 4 seed. Right now, Big Jay is ripe for the picking.

Others Laming: Indiana

SOWING THE SEEDS

This segment sifts through the bountiful weekend slate to highlight five titanic games that will bear the greatest impact on a team's "Bracket Big Board" standing.

1. Oregon at Stanford – Late Wednesday, Altman exorcised a demon. Entering the night he was an inglourious 0-7 against Cal in his career. But circumventing a potential pitfall, his Ducks rolled their way to an 11-point win. Rocketing up the Bracket Big Board, Oregon could rubber stamp a NCAA tourney appearance with another critical road win. Stanford, likely sans versatile junior Rosco Allen (bad back) for the fourth-straight game, has its hands full. Anthony Brown and Chasson Randle can fill the cup, but defensive inadequacies have hampered the Cardinal greatly. Given Oregon's plethora of scorers and stout interior presence, it poses serious matchup problems for Stanford. In arguably the most bubblicious game of the weekend, the Ducks deliver.

Prediction: Oregon 77 Stanford 71

2. Northern Iowa at Wichita State – As discussed above, the Panthers are a well-oiled machine on both ends of the floor. They are white-on-rice defensively and bludgeon the competition with smooth ball rotations, three-point shooting and Tuttle. Wichita State hasn't received a ton of national press. Ron Baker and Fred Van Vleet have had tremendous seasons. Collectively, the Shockers rank inside the top-20 nationally in offensive and defensive efficiency. UNI housed Wichita at the McLeod Center by 16 in late January. Tuttle was an uncontainable animal in that game totaling 29 points and seven boards. To prevent a similar outcome, the Shockers' Darius Carter and Shaquille Morris must step up, a very tall order.

Prediction: Northern Iowa 59 Wichita State 57

3. Villanova at Xavier – The Wildcats are one Gonzaga or Virginia tanking away from jumping up a line. Tuesday they dismantled a good Providence team with impeccable passing and relentless defense. 'Nova is still a guard-oriented offense, but unlike previous 'versions, Daniel Ochefu and JayVaughn Pinkston provide options in the post. They'll need to bring their 'A' game against interior loads Matt Stainbrook and Jalen Reynolds who are averaging a combined 21 points and 13 rebounds per game. If the Wildcats execute at a level similar as the Providence crushing, they should capture their 10th RPI top-50 win.

Prediction: Villanova 74 Xavier 68

4. Arizona at Utah – If the Wildcats have any thoughts of earning No. 1 seed respectability, they must escape Salt Lake City with a win. That assignment is rather difficult. The Utes haven't dropped a game at the Huntsman Center since, coincidentally enough, Arizona topped them in OT nearly a year ago to the day. That stinging loss is still fresh in Utah's mind. A much better product compared to last season, the Utes feature an elite defense (0.883 points per possession allowed) and one of the nation's best all-around point guards in Wright. However, they're at a major size disadvantage. Stanley Johnson, Rhondae Hollis-Jefferson, Brandon Ashely and Kaleb Tarczewski are terrific rebounders. Seven-footer Jakob Poeltl must stay out of foul trouble for Utah to exact revenge.

Prediction: Utah 61 Arizona 60

5. Ole Miss at LSU – The Tigers are the Purdue of the SEC. They have laudable wins (e.g. at West Virginia and at Ole Miss) and a few laughable ones (at Missouri, at Mississippi St and Auburn). Sweeping the Rebels would favorably tip the scale. Jarell Martin and Jordan Mickey are sure to inflict their usual damage, but if x-factor Keith Hornsby is lights out again from outside – he rained 23 points on five made threes in the first matchup – the Tigers will protect their home floor.  However, they must extend defensively to prevent sharpshooter Stefan Moody from overtaking.

Prediction: LSU 75 Ole Miss 70

Season Record (Straight up): 10-5

Other Notable Games: BYU at Gonzaga, Georgetown at St. John's, North Carolina at Miami (FL), West Virginia at Baylor, Texas at Kansas, Dayton at VCU, Boise State at San Diego State, Arkansas at Kentucky, Michigan State at Wisconsin, Purdue at Ohio State.

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