2011 NCAA Tournament - Round of 32

Today we start the Round of 32. I'm sorry but I refuse to refer to this as the 3rd Round. Yesterday's action was far less dramatic than Thursday. There should be much more drama today. Let's take a look at who will be advancing to the Sweet 16.

4 Kentucky -4 vs. 5 West Virginia

Kentucky needed last second heroics from Brandon Knight to get past Princeton in the Round of 64. West Virginia overcame a slow start to beat Clemson. This game should be a slug fest. Both teams defend the ball well, it will come down to who is hitting more shots from the perimeter. Brandon Knight will have a big game for the Wildcats today.

Prediction - Kentucky 68 West Virginia 63

2 Florida -5.5 vs. 7 UCLA

Florida looked like they had a point to prove on Thursday night. UCSB never stood a chance as the Gators blew them out. They get another team from SoCal today in UCLA. The Bruins had control throughout against Michigan St. They nearly blew a 23 point lead and barely hung on for a 2 point win. Florida and UCLA battle for the first time since they met in consecutive Final fours in 2006 and 2007.

Prediction - Florida 71 UCLA 66

12 Richmond -4 vs. 13 Morehead St.

One of these team will win today to ensure that there will be at least one double digit seed advancing to the Sweet 16. Richmond knocked off Vanderbilt to continue their hot streak. Morehead St. pulled off the biggest upset of the Tourney so far. Kenneth Faried will probably be the best player on the floor, but Richmond's duo of Kevin Anderson and Justin Harper will lead the Spiders to victory.

2 San Diego St. -6 vs. 7 Temple

San Diego St. had a slow start versus Northern Colorado but ultimately had too much talent. Temple used a last second shot by Juan Fernandez to beat their in-state rival Penn St. Expect another close one here. The Aztecs are looking for their first ever Sweet 16 appearance, while Temple is looking to reach its first one in a decade. Kawhi Leonard will propel SDSU to unchartered territory.

Prediction - San Diego St. 67 Temple 65

1 Pittsburgh -7.5 vs. 8 Butler

The Pittsburgh Panthers have become regulars in the Sweet 16. The Butler Bulldogs want to be come regulars. Pitt is searching for its 6th Sweet 16 appearance in the last 10 years and Butler its third. Pitt overwhelmed UNC-Asheville in the second half of their Round of 64 game and Butler used a buzzer-beater by Matt Howard to beat Old Dominion. I see another close one, and potential buzzer-beater but Butler will be on the wrong side this time.

Prediction - Pittsburgh 54 Butler 52

3 BYU +1.5 vs. 11 Gonzaga

Despite being a far better seed, BYU enters this game as an underdog. They used Jimmer Fredette's 32 points against Wofford to lead them to an 8 point victory. Gonzaga outplayed St. John's from the opening tip and beat the Red Storm by 15. BYU will miss Brandon Davies, especially against Robert Sacre, but Jimmer Fredette's dream season can't stop here. The Cougars will reach the Sweet 16 for the first time in 30 years.

Prediction - BYU 84 Gonzaga 72

4 Wisconsin -3.5 vs. 5 Kansas St.

Wisconsin and Kansas St. both held off great mid-major teams to advance to today's game. The Badgers beat a Belmont team that many felt would win that game. Kansas St. controlled the game against Utah St. and staved off a late rally to prevail. Jordan Taylor is great for Wisconsin, but K-State's Jacob Pullen is on a mission.

Prediction - Kansas St. 66 Wisconsin 58

3 UConn -3.5 vs. 6 Cincinnati

This is the first of two Big East vs. Big East matchups in the Round of 32. UConn probably likes this matchup, as they are coming off of a Big East Tournament title that included 5 wins in 5 days. Cincinnati has exceeded expectations for this season, and are eyeing their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2001. I don't think it happens this year. Kedmba Walker continues his magnificent run through March.

Prediction - UConn 69 Cincinnati 60

Ringer's NCAA Tournament Record
ATS: 18-18
SU: 25-11