The Elite 8 is here, and we've definitely have some great matchups for today.  We thought we had some good matchups yesterday, but it was blowout city for most of the games, which is quite disappointing as a fan.  However, the spreads are only 6.5 for each of the games tonight, so let's find out who will cover.  On to the matchups...

Xavier (+6.5) vs UCLA
The X-Men have been beating me down all tournament long.  It started with a late comeback against Georgia, and then they somehow managed to avoid a loss to West Virginia, even though WVU had a free throw at the end of regulation that probably would have won it for them.  UCLA on the other hand has been impressive, even though they got flustered by the Hilltoppers (great name by the way) in the their last outing.  I'm thinking the X-Men will take some lessons from that crazy 2nd half when Western Kentucky pressured the ball non-stop, and got a 21 point halftime lead down to just 4 points.  Xavier has the personnel to pull it off, and I think it will make the difference tonight.  Shipp and Collison have been struggling and have to start helping Love, but I think it will be too little too late tonight.  Go with the X-men.

Louisville vs North Carolina (-6.5)
There is not much to say about these two teams other than they have been dominant.  UNC is blowing teams out hand over fist, and Louisville has done the same.  The closest game either one of these two has had is 18 points.  Roy Williams and Rick Pitino are in their element, so now it is just a matter of whether the kids will execute, and who will crack under the pressure.  UNC has been consistent all year, and I don't expect that to change tonight.  Louisville started off rough, got going in the middle of the season, and then lost a couple near the end.  With the spread, as it should be, this game is a coin flip and should be close.  I'll be going with UNC though as I think Hansbrough will be too much for Louisville down low.