The "Fire" Four - 2/2

This week I will be starting a weekly post called the "Fire" Four, which marks teams that have had the most successful last couple of weeks  Here are my "Fire" Four for this week:

1. Texas - The Longhorns are absolutely rolling right now and are going into every game, taking care of business.   Their last loss was on January 8th, and was a 1 point loss to UConn in overtime.  Since then, they have won 7 straight, and have defeated Kansas, Texas A&M twice, and Missouri all by double digits.  In fact the closest game they've played since the UConn loss was their 11 point victory IN Kansas.

2. Ohio State- Despite a few close scares, Ohio State is still undefeated and winning all of the close matchups. They are 22-0 and have won big games on the road already.  Jared Sullinger is having an unbelievable season, and even as a freshman, is one of the leading candidates as Player of The Year.  This team isn't all about Sullinger though, as David Lighty and William Buford have had successful years and are good perimeter shooters.

3. Georgetown - You can't forget about the Big East.  The Hoyas already have 5 losses, but this team is finally showing its potential.  They have won 5 straight after a loss to Pitt and in that time, Georgetown has beaten St. Johns, Villanova, and Louisville.  Georgetown seems to be one of those teams that, if playing well, has the ability to win the tournament.  They have a good post presence in Julian Vaughn, solid perimeter shooting with Chris Wright and Jason Clark, star power in Austin Freeman, and a great defense, led by Head Coach John Thompson III.

4. Kansas- This was probably the toughest team to select, due to the fact they lost to Texas just two weeks ago, but this team is so talented and only has one loss.  Kansas stands at 21-1, with their only loss to the hottest team in the country.  Led by Marcus Morris, Markieff Morris and Josh Selby, this team has a three person scoring attack that can't be matched elsewhere in the country.  They can score with the best of them, inside or outside, transition or half-court.  This team has won three straight since losing to Texas, but it'll be interesting if they can put together a long run in the NCAA tournament.



An addition to the "Fire" Four, I will add a team that is in a bit of a slump.

Syracuse: This was a no doubter, as they have lost 4 straight since winning its first 18 games.  It started with a loss at Pittsburgh, but then two home losses to Villanova and Seton Hall followed.  All of this was highlighted with another loss to Marquette, to put the Orangemen at 5-4 in the Big East.  As a young team, this sort of losing streak can kill their confidence and put them in a hole.  They have the opportunity to turn that around tonight vs. UConn, but it will be played in Connecticut.  This game is crucial for Syracuse, since they do not want to be stuck in a 5 game losing streak, falling fast in the Big East.