Idaho women know it will take heroic effort to knock off Oklahoma on home court
Mar. 19—The Basketball Power Index gives 13th-seeded Idaho a 1. 9% chance to advance to the round of 32 against fourth-seeded Oklahoma on the Sooners' home court Friday.
One point nine percent. It is certainly true that based on the seeding the Vandals are only potential Cinderellas in the NCAA Tournament. But the BPI calculation is akin to Cinderella's slipper being sealed in amber.
Advancing to the second round, while visible, is virtually untouchable. However, UI coach Arthur Moreira said there are two ways to approach this game, and he covered both of them with the team before it left Moscow. The Vandals could play conservatively, limit possessions and play for a respectable 15-point defeat.
"We were very honest in our prep," he said. Or they could go for the upset. Guess what the Vandals are planning.
"The kids love it," he said. "The kids realize it is so hard to make the tournament. Now they want to swing for the fences.