After a weekend of exciting action the NCAA college basketball tournament has cut down its ranks to just 16 teams. In this article I’ll break down the 8 games and give you my picks to make it to the round of 8.
1 Ohio State vs 4. Kebntucky
My Pick: Ohio State
In this one the Buckeyes of Ohio State aim to show why they are the number 1 overall seed against John Callipari’s Kentucky Wildcats. The game will be won or lost in the post with Buckeyes freshman Jared Sullinger the man to watch. If the Wildcats are to have any hope they would need their guards to fire with Brandon Knight looming as a big threat after a 30 point outburst against West Virginia in the second round.
2 North Carolina vs 11 Marquette
My Pick: UNC
Expect the Tar Heels to advance to the great eight after this one. The Golden Eagles of Marquette won’t be able to match with the skill of Harrison Barnes, the athleticism of John Henson and the experience of Tyler Zeller. Expect UNC to face Ohio State in the round of eight.
1 Duke vs 5 Arizona
My Pick: Duke
Mike Krzyzewski’s Blue Devils should come away with the victory in this one. Arizona will bring it to Duke but the more experienced team should prevail. Arizona forward Derrick Williams is a player to watch in this one. The team will rely heavily on the potential lottery pick in this matchup. Duke is my pick to win the tournament.
2 San Diego State vs 3.Connecticut
My Pick: UCONN
The talent of sophomore point guard Kemba Walker should just get UCONN across the line. The Huskies will have to be weary of the Aztecs forward Kawhi Leonard. Leonard is having a stellar year and is projected to be drafted in the lottery next year. This is the closest game of the round and could swing either way.
1 Kansas vs 12 Richmond
My Pick: Kansas
The Jayhawks should get across the line comfortably in this one. 12 seeded Richmond have made a fairytale run but it will likely come to an end here. The Kansas talent level and depth is just too good.
11 Virginia Commonwealth vs 10 Florida State
My Pick: Florida State
Both of these tams have made fairytale runs so far with VCU topping Purdue and FSU topping Notre Dame in the last round. A very close game, I'm tipping Florida State in a nail biter.
8 Butler vs 4 Wisconsin
My Pick: Butler
After shocking number 1 seed Pittsburgh by one point last round, the Bulldogs are going to be confidant. I could see them pulling off another upset and advancing at least one more round.
3 Brigham Young vs 2 Florida
My Pick: BYU
Lead by nation player of the year candidate Jimmer Fredette, BYU have a shot at going all the way. Capable of dropping 40 every game, Jimmer’s play is a huge advantage for BYU. Should the Gators have a shot they’re going to need a good game from forward Chandler Parsons. I have BYU winning this and advancing all the way to the final 4.
There you have it, my breakdown of the Sweet Sixteen. Check back next weekend for my Final Four breakdown.
No comments:
Post a Comment