Texas vs. Stanford
Houston, Tx.
6:27 pm cst

When Texas takes on the Stanford Cardinal this Friday at Reliant Stadium in Houston, they will no doubt have to be on their A-game if they want to advance to the round of 8. Stanford's forte is their inside game, anchored by their two twin 7-footers, Brook and Robin Lopez.

Texas will have to shoot the ball extremely well in order to force Stanford out of their 2-3 zone defense. Once facing man-to-man defense, Texas' big men must play on the perimiter and force the Lopez brothers to play extended basketball to the 3 point line. Texas' front like is more athletic than Stanford's big men, and there is a definate advantage in the backcourt, with DJ Agustin and AJ Abrams. In order to be effective offensively, Texas must look to push the ball up the court and create easy baskets in transition in order to get Stanford out of rhythm.

On the defensive side of the ball, Texas will almost certainly need to play zone in order to neutralize Stanford's size. Dexter Pittman will play huge minutes for the Horns in trying to wear down the Lopez twins. What Texas lacks in size, they make up for in athleticism. Texas' guards will need to keep Stanford's guards under wraps.

As long as the Horns can push the tempo and keep Stanford out of their half court sets for most of the game, Texas will be playing again on Sunday with a chance to go to the Final Four.

Prediction- Texas 73 Stanford 64