It seems like an eternity since the last games were played on Sunday. Many articles have been written analyzing the why and how some teams won (Western Kentucky, Davidson, Villanova) and how some teams lost (Duke, Pitt, Georgetown). All in all, it doesn't really matter, as what matters is what you do on the court. And if the games from last week (Stanford, UCLA, WKU) are any indication of what is going to happen this weekend, then we are set for a fun ride. On to the matchups...
West Virginia (-1) vs Xavier
I picked against WVU last weekend against Duke, expecting Coach K to somehow fire up his team and pull out the W. Unfortunately, WVU blew up in the first half with a big lead, which ended up being too much for Duke to overcome. I won't be making the same mistake in this matchup, which may be most equally matched matchup of the night. Both WVU and the X-men score about 75 points per game, both have...count 'em...5 players that average in double figures, and both are playing extremely well right now. The advantage, however, is that WVU has been here before, having made the Sweet 3 of the last 4 years. It was 4 years ago that Xavier made it thus far, so the players will be a little more nervous. Expect the nerves to be a factor, and bet on the Mountaineers of West Virginia.
Washington State (+9) vs. North Carolina
These two teams have one thing in common into tonight's game and that is they have looked invincible in their first two opening round games. UNC has scored over a 100 points in their first two games, and WSU has only given up 81 points in their first two. North Carolina is the second-highest scoring team in
the nation, while Washington State is second nationally in scoring
defense. Something has to give, and I'm going to go with the defense in this one. UNC needs a tough challenge in order to win it all, and I think this is their first true test. WSU will scrap and claw and make Hansbrough work for everything. I think UNC will eventually get the win, but I'm going to take the points. Take Washington State.
Western Kentucky vs. UCLA (-12)
UCLA squeaked by last week against Texas A&M thanks in large part to their outstanding freshman Kevin Love. He looks big and slow, but Love can play...banging the boards then stepping out for 3. Tough to stop, and going to be even tougher to keep from going into the NBA draft next year. WKU squeaked out a win in the first round thanks to a long ball 3 with no time, and then got the benefit of facing a weak San Diego team that got the automatic bid from winning the WCC, which just so happened to have 3 teams in the tournament, two of which were at-large berths, of which both lost in the opening round. Note to selection committee...I know you want to include the smaller conferences, but if the teams you are selecting are only good in their conference, it doesn't mean they are actually good. Gonzaga or St. Mary's should have made it, but not both. Anyways, I digress...back to this game. UCLA will dominate from the opening tip, and another Cinderella will go home without the glass slipper. Give up the points and go with UCLA.
Louisville vs Tennessee (+3.5)
This could be best matchup in the round of Sweet 16, and I think Tennessee is the best bet in this one. Tennessee has looked less than impressive thus far, especially in their last matchup as they had to go to Overtime to get the win. However, they still covered...or at least pushed. Louisville, on the other hand, has been overly impressive, especially in their last matchup where they blew out Oklahoma by 30. Louisville and Tennessee haven't played against each other for a few years, and the last time out UL blew out Tennessee, but that won't happen tonight. This is going to be a run and gun game with two teams that have a balanced offense attack. With both teams being equally matched, I am going to take the points and Tennessee.
