Sweet 16. Some interesting matchups this Saturday, and some lopsided ones also. I don't see the top 8 advancing. Explanations below:
Cairo vs. Mombasa: As Malik mentioned, big story line in this game: Goldberg grudge match. There was speculation that Goldberg's divorce from Mombasa was not on very good terms. Look for Cairo's bigman to come out hungry and aggressive. On the other side, you got Mombasa, and assuming a full squad shows up, they are a complete team. A good blend of shooting, slashing, leadership and size. Reza is cool as a cucumber in cruch time. AMP will also be hungry after being snubbed in the All MB teams and MVP discussion. Look for him to take 25+ shots and hit at least half of them. Pete Brown will try to hold his own against Goldberg. Adrian Perry should guard Mo Masri and NOT GIVE HIM ROOM. If Cairo can hold Masri to under 10, they have a chance. Otherwise, Mombasa will win.
Tehran vs. Beirut: Mo Amin + Yaqob vs. Mingo + Hart will be a great matchup. Which Marquez will show up? The one that made it rain vs. Dhaka in last years' playoffs, or the one that shoots 3-18? Tehran has some nice role players that may be the difference come Saturday. This game is a tossup but I'm going with my gut and Tehran.
Mecca vs. Islamabad: Mecca has been an anomaly all season. On paper, they have a top team, with 3 dynamic guards and a couple of solid bigs. I guess their attendance issues have plagued them, but in a 10 game season that's not an excuse. On the other hand, Islamabad has overachieved in my opinion. Their lack of a second big may haunt them, but how soon? I see them and their cohesive offense getting by Mecca this week.
Timbuktu vs. Kazan: If both teams show up at full strength, this will be a great game. Timbuktu is the best perimeter team in my opinion, and Khalied is the x factor. Kazan will bring the fire and intensity, along with the consistent play of MVP candidate Patrick. How can you stop Patrick? You can't. You can only try to slow him down. I would put Basel Aljawhary (word is that he's very strong) on Patrick and try ball denial. I would give the ball to Khalied at the high post and make him go to work. As for Kazan, I would put Cody on Muj and have him harass Muj all game with his on-ball defense. This will be a close game with Kazan coming out victorious.
Sana vs. Suba: Aytac and Aymen are rightfully getting all the forum time, but I'd like to feature another solid player, the rookie, Salim Laib. This guy attacks the rim like Russel Westbrook and keeps the defense on its heels. It shows in the boxscore with his freethrow attempts. Whoever put together this Suba team is a genius. Along with Faraz, Sasa, Carlos, Aymen and Aytac, you've got some of the strongest and aggressive players in MB. It also helps that they're all in their upper 20s and 30s. Sana has some very good pieces in the Imran brothers and Hamza Yusuf. However, Suba has too much fire power. Suba by 30+.
Jakarta vs. Dhaka: Jakarta has a size advantage over Dhaka, but Dhaka has better guard play. This is an intriguing matchup. We all know what Dhaka can do in the playoffs, they should never be counted out. Netty and Weiss will give Koyas and Salman a handful. Speaking of Koyas, he's had a down season. Not sure what's up, but look for him to have a breakout performance. This game is also a tossup.
Granada vs. Kabul: Anwar is warming up, and that's not a good sign for the rest of the league. Last season, Anwar and Granada defeated Kazan and Pat not once but twice. These guys are giant killers. And they are perhaps the perfect storm for Mo Abdelhadi and Kabul. Anwar and Mo shabazz should alternate guarding Abdelhadi. I heard Hamza Abdelhadi will be missing which makes this matchup even more intriguing. Waqas needs to step up with a big double double. Another great game that will be close. Kabul will pull away at the end.
Sarajevo vs. Baghdad: Another anomaly: Sarajevo. They have yet to reach their potential. Will they do it against Baghdad? I think so. The big 3 of Baghdad will show up and ball, but I think Sarajevo matchup well against Baghdad. Rawls vs. Charrkas. Timmy vs. Mullaney. Leonard Lee will be the x factor. I see a Sarajevo victory.
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