Sweet 16 Predictions
East
UNC vs. Washington St.
Don't expect another blowout by UNC in this game. Washington St. could put up a fight with the Heels, they play great defense, their guards are big and they will pressure you. The Cougars are also deep and they'll make you earn everything you get. UNC is looking better than ever, Tywon Lawson is 100%, Hansbrough is his same old self. When UNC is out running that's when they're at their best. I see Wazzou taking a little bit of the transition game away from UNC which is why many will be surprised at how close this game will actually be.
Don't expect another blowout by UNC in this game. Washington St. could put up a fight with the Heels, they play great defense, their guards are big and they will pressure you. The Cougars are also deep and they'll make you earn everything you get. UNC is looking better than ever, Tywon Lawson is 100%, Hansbrough is his same old self. When UNC is out running that's when they're at their best. I see Wazzou taking a little bit of the transition game away from UNC which is why many will be surprised at how close this game will actually be.
The Pick: UNC is little more talented and they're playing in Charlotte
Tennessee vs. Louisville
Some of you may already know this, but I am very high on Louisville right now. Their first two games of the tourney are a great indicator of that. I love how they play; Their guards will pressure you and they're also deep at that position. Plus, David Padgett is a solid big man. Tennessee has somewhat struggled in it's two first games, but Butler is no walk in the park. Chris Lofton and the 3 Smith's always seem to get the job done.
Some of you may already know this, but I am very high on Louisville right now. Their first two games of the tourney are a great indicator of that. I love how they play; Their guards will pressure you and they're also deep at that position. Plus, David Padgett is a solid big man. Tennessee has somewhat struggled in it's two first games, but Butler is no walk in the park. Chris Lofton and the 3 Smith's always seem to get the job done.
The Pick: Louisville's guard depth will prevail and their front court will wear down the Vols'.
Midwest
Kansas vs. Villanova
Kansas vs. Villanova
KU is playing great as well. Both of these teams are here because of their guard play. KU is one of the most talented teams in the country. Their guard play is just so stellar plus the front court of Darrell Arthur, Darnell Jackson, and Sasha Kaun is one of the best in the nation. Meanwhile, Scottie Reynolds better have the game of his life or else Nova is going to get stomped on.
The Pick: Kansas is just too talented and fast for the Cats.
Wisconsin vs, Davidson
Stephen Curry (who has the best pronounced first name in the country) has been a stud lately. It will be interesting to see how Wisconsin plays him on defense. Wisconsin has one of the best defenses in the country, they make you play their game, they box out, they rebound, they do all the little things which is why they win and are in a lot of games. Davidson better be on fire from the outside once again or else their is no way they will get past the Badgers.
Wisconsin vs, Davidson
Stephen Curry (who has the best pronounced first name in the country) has been a stud lately. It will be interesting to see how Wisconsin plays him on defense. Wisconsin has one of the best defenses in the country, they make you play their game, they box out, they rebound, they do all the little things which is why they win and are in a lot of games. Davidson better be on fire from the outside once again or else their is no way they will get past the Badgers.
The Pick: Wisconsin's Defense is just too stingy and Stephen Curry will be held in check
South
Memphis vs. Michigan St.
Memphis vs. Michigan St.
I see a lot of people will underestimate the Tigers once again. Michigan St. is playing well now and their front court is great. They need Drew Neitzel to step up and play his game. Memphis needs to make free throws down the stretch in order to win, plus they need consistent play from the inside with Joey Dorsey and Robert Dozier. I really like the Neitzel-Derrick Rose matchup here.
The Pick: Memphis's guards are just too much for the Spartans to handle. Too many mismatch problems.
Texas vs. Stanford
Stanford's guard play almost caught up to them. If you watched the Stanford-Quette game, then you saw how easily the Cardinal can be exposed in the back court. Brook and Robin Lopez can cause havoc in the front court for Texas. Texas's guards are some of the best in country, plus their big men will force the Lopez twins to have to play D outside of the paint, creating room for DJ Augustin and AJ Abrams to drive.
Stanford's guard play almost caught up to them. If you watched the Stanford-Quette game, then you saw how easily the Cardinal can be exposed in the back court. Brook and Robin Lopez can cause havoc in the front court for Texas. Texas's guards are some of the best in country, plus their big men will force the Lopez twins to have to play D outside of the paint, creating room for DJ Augustin and AJ Abrams to drive.
The Pick: Texas's guard play gets it done
West
UCLA vs. Western Kentucky
UCLA seems to always get the job done. Darren Collison and Kevin Love are getting it done for the Bruins. They have it all, guard play, depth, front court, experience, and stellar defense. WKU may have something to say about that. Courtney Lee is a future NBA player plus Tyrone Brazelton is a stud as well.
UCLA seems to always get the job done. Darren Collison and Kevin Love are getting it done for the Bruins. They have it all, guard play, depth, front court, experience, and stellar defense. WKU may have something to say about that. Courtney Lee is a future NBA player plus Tyrone Brazelton is a stud as well.
The Pick: UCLA, sorry WKU but this isn't 12 seed territory anymore
Xavier vs. West Virginia
Xavier has depth and experience. They have an underrated starting five in Drew Lavender, Stanley Burrell, CJ Anderson, Josh Duncan, and Derrick Brown. They're so balanced on offense and you never know who's going to be their main scorer on any given night. West Virginia has been very impressive recently. Joe Alexander completely exploited Duke's lack of an inside presence. Da'Sean Butler, Alex Ruoff, and Joe Mazzula, were impressive as well.
Xavier has depth and experience. They have an underrated starting five in Drew Lavender, Stanley Burrell, CJ Anderson, Josh Duncan, and Derrick Brown. They're so balanced on offense and you never know who's going to be their main scorer on any given night. West Virginia has been very impressive recently. Joe Alexander completely exploited Duke's lack of an inside presence. Da'Sean Butler, Alex Ruoff, and Joe Mazzula, were impressive as well.
The Pick: West Virginia. Bob Huggins has been here before.
2 comments:
Good stuff... I agree with all except that I like Xavier to beat WVU. I have a hard time seeing them shutting down Josh Duncan.
I think Davidson will go 40 minutes with Wisconsin though. The badgers play the Wildcats style of basketball and until Curry is held in check (averaging 35 points this tournament) I am gonna say he is gonna go off.
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