SOUTH
Florida over UCLA: The Gators’ defense has been outstanding. Florida held each of its first two tourney foes (Albany and Pittsburgh) below 60 points. Scottie Wilbekin has shown great leadership all season long. Patric Young is a force inside. The Bruins counter with Jordan Adams, who averaged 20 PPG in the first two tourney games, and Kyle Anderson.—-
My take—Definitely Florida but UCLA will be ready as Steve Alford might be one of the best defensive coaches in the country.
Dayton over Stanford: Points may come at a premium in this matchup. Neither team has allowed even 60 points in the tournament so far. Archie Miller and Johnny Dawkins have gotten the most out of their talent. The Cardinal has size up front, and that could be a factor. But players like Jordan Sibert will find a way to get the Flyers to the winner’s circle.
My take—-It’s midnight for Cinderella. Stanford is way too poised and too big for the Flyers.
EAST
Michigan State over Virginia: What a game for the fans at Madison Square Garden. Adreian Payne vs. Akil Mitchell. Joe Harris vs. Gary Harris. I think that Keith Appling has to step up and have a better performance for the Spartans than he did in the first two games of the tournament. His confidence is down right now. Branden Dawson needs to have another big game as Virginia will throw a variety of defenders at him. I give the slightest of edges to the Spartans.
My take—-No one gives UVA a chance. I do. Tony Bennett has put together one of most well balanced squads in the land. It pains me to say that but that’s the way it is. London Perrantes is a spectacular point guard. UVA wins.
Iowa State over Connecticut: DeAndre Kane and Shabazz Napier will put up a lot of points in this one. How much will the Cyclones miss Georges Niang, who is out for the rest of the season with a fractured foot? Connecticut figures to have the crowd at Madison Square Garden in its favor. Do the Huskies have an answer for Melvin Ejim?
My take–It’s the Garden and it’s UConn. UConn has the best player in Shabazz Napier. I like the Huskies.
WEST
Arizona over San Diego State: The Wildcats beat the Aztecs earlier this season, but it was a nail-biter. Steve Fisher has been the Frank Lloyd Wright of San Diego State — a real architect.Xavier Thames and Nick Johnson should have a great showdown and both played well in the first meeting. I’m giving the edge to Sean Miller’s team, thanks to Aaron Gordon.
My take—San Diego State should have won the first game and will find a way to win this one. The only problem with Zona is you must hit your shots because there are very few offensive rebounds. Steve Fisher works his magic and both Millers go down.
Wisconsin over Baylor: Ben Brust‘s long-range shooting could be a factor here. Bo Ryan’s defense gets the nod over Baylor’s offense as the Big Ten beats the Big 12.
My take—Two teams I haven’t watched that much so I will stay with experience and take Wisconsin
MIDWEST
Louisville over Kentucky: Rick Pitino vs. John Calipari, Act 2. Kentucky won 73-66 in the first meeting this season, as Julius Randle hit seven of eight shots from the field and the Harrison twins combined for 28 points. Louisville needs Russ Smith to get back on track after he shot 6-for-19 from the field in the Cardinals’ first two NCAA tournament games. Montrezl Harrell is a different player than he was in the first meeting, showing more aggressiveness.
My take—-Calipari wasted the entire season forcing the ball into Randle when he might have had 2 of the best guards in the nation not doing their thing. The Harrisons will not handle Louisville’s pressure and will say goodbye to Coach Cal within 2 weeks.
Michigan over Tennessee: The Vols are a surprise team that was on the bubble a month ago. Cuonzo Martin’s squad averaged more than 80 PPG in three tourney wins so far. Jarnell Stokeshas been a rebounding machine, averaging 15 per game in the tournament. Can Tennessee slow down Nik Stauskas, Glenn Robinson III and company?
My take—Michigan was in the final last year and has been rising of late. Nik Stauskas is the best guy on the floor and will take Michigan to victory.
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