Muhlenberg County vs. Highlands (Sweet 16® Round 1) Predictions/Updates

[B-Ball-fan]

Who: 3rd Region - Muhlenberg County Mustangs (19-1) vs. 9th Region - Highlands Bluebirds (26-4)

What: Round 1 of the 2021 Sweet 16

Where: Rupp Arena

When: Thursday, April 1 at 11:00 a.m. 

 

The Massey Ratings

7. Highlands Bluebirds

25. Muhlenburg Mustangs 

 

The Bluebirds come into this game with a 17 game winning streak.

The Mustangs pretty much likewise come into this game with a 16 game winning streak. 

 

What are your thoughts on this game?

Who wins?

Why?

 

[throwback32]

I have little knowledge of Muhlenburg, but I would say the larger floor has to favor the Birds, their shooters, and driving lanes for Mr. Vinson.  If the Birds are hitting, and I know the shooting background can take awhile to get used to, they will be tough to beat.

Give me the Birds by 11.  I don’t know why, seems like a good number.

[Bluebird]

Bluebirds; it is Highlands year to make some basketball history.  The 3's will reign and this team can play great defense.

[TheDeuce]

Highlands, comfortably. 

[ColonelMike]

Highlands.    However, first round games in Rupp are often challenging, particularly for teams that love the jump shot.   There's no sure pick here, but I believe Highlands will win comfortably.

 

[THUNDERBIRDS]

Highlands.....

Vinson goes to another level if that's even possible! This kid has been waiting for this for a very long time. And he has the Shooters to make a run...

[FrankNicodemus]

Highlands...

Totally agree with @THUNDERBIRDS Sam is going to love the bigger court at Rupp.  Really looking forward to this one!  

Tickets bought, not going to get denied for this game!

GO BIRDS!!!!

[FrankNicodemus]

Very smart move by FTIS (pending School Board approval) the district is planning on cancelling school on Thursday (Spring Break was going to start Fri anyway).

Looks like a FLOCK of Bluebirds will be flying South to Lexington on Thursday.

I applaud the District (if this passes which I can't imagine it won't) to make this no brainer decision.

A 20 year DROUGHT came to an end.....let's enjoy this!!!

 

[Randy Parker]

I feel like this could be close for a quarter or two, but I see the 'Birds pulling away to win by 14.

[Can'tcoach]

If RPI's mean anything, this game might be closer than many think. 

 

[mcpapa]

On 3/29/2021 at 11:25 AM, Randy Parker said:

I feel like this could be close for a quarter or two, but I see the 'Birds pulling away to win by 14.

Sorry, Highlands fans. 

[addout]

Muhlenberg County will have to keep Highlands score in the 50s to win this game.

[Jack of all Trades]

2 minutes ago, addout said:

Muhlenberg County will have to keep Highlands score in the 50s to win this game.

If Highlands scores in the 50’s they lose for sure.  I know little to nothing about Muhlenberg County, but can say that Sam Vinson will use the bigger court to his advantage.

[addout]

2 minutes ago, Jack of all Trades said:

If Highlands scores in the 50’s they lose for sure.  I know little to nothing about Muhlenberg County, but can say that Sam Vinson will use the bigger court to his advantage.

I've seen Vinson play. He is a really good player. Muhlenberg will have to find a way to limit him to about 20. Can they, I don't know. That's why they play the game. I wish both teams a good game and an injury free game.

[throwback32]

1 hour ago, addout said:

Muhlenberg County will have to keep Highlands score in the 50s to win this game.

They would be only the 2nd team this year to do so, Highlands is averaging 80 plus per game.