#1 Male vs. #14 Collins (Sweet 16® Rd. 1) Predictions/Updates

The top ranked Male Bulldogs (31-4) will take on the Collins Titans (27-7) in the seventh game of the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys Sweet Sixteen® Basketball Tournament on Thursday, March 19th at Lexington's Rupp Arena.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30pm.

Male was impressive last night beating Ballard. If they give that effort each night they will be tough to beat. Howard Fleming's return has elevated them to whole new level.

Looking forward to this game.

Male has the entire “portfolio”. A Senior PG in Evans who is very effective in running the show and setting tempo. Two high volume scorers in Moore and Fleming who can get it rolling in bunches. A big time athlete in Glenn who can score, defend and board. And 3 or 4 others who are simply really good complimentary pieces in Pope, Priest, etc

This will be the third game between these teams this season. Male won 83-72 in the King of the Bluegrass and then won 81-77 at Collins on January 28. Dayvion McKnight's 35 points were not enough in that second game. Howard Fleming did not play for Male in either game.

Male wins by 6.

Collins will have the best player on the floor. Male might have the next 5. I'm sure both of these teams would like this matchup to have been later in the tournament but it will be fun.

Male wins by 6.

I'm about here -- Male wins, but it won't be easy.

The old adage of "its hard to beat a team 3 times" holds true. Should be a good game. Truth is though with Flemming in the game Male isn't the same team they were the first two times they have met. I see the Dawgs moving on.

The Fleming Factor has been huge for Male. The Bulldogs don't have dominant size, but it will be enough to wear down Collins.

I think Male wins a close one. In the end Collins proved to be the best team in the 8th Region, which was very tough this year. I believe they may be one of the top teams in the tournament this year.

A shame these two have to play each other in the 1st round, but I guess that could be said about most games. I think the 2 big time seniors for Collins will not go down without a fight, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if they found a way to win. But, I'll take Male in a burner, by 5 late.

Male is a very good team. But having played twice before I believe that benefits the underdog. This should be a great opening round game! I look forward to watching this game.

I look forward to watching this game.

I love your optimism.