2013 NCAA Tournament - Elite 8 Preview

Ringer's Tournament Record
ATS: 26-36
SU: 39-21

My record ATS may not be too great this season, but I still have three of my four Final Four teams alive and that is more than most can say. Louisville, Ohio State, and Florida can all make me look good by winning this weekend. The one team that I missed is Indiana, who was upended by Syracuse in the Sweet 16.

East Regional - Washington, DC

      
3 Marquette (+4.5) vs. 4 Syracuse

How they got here:
Marquette beat: Davidson 59-58, Butler 74-72, Miami 71-61
Syracuse beat: Montana 81-34, Cal 66-60, Indiana 61-50

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Marquette: 9-7
Syracuse: 10-8

Marquette and Syracuse have guaranteed that the Big East will be represented in the Final Four. These conference rivals (well at least for a couple more weeks) will play for the second time this year. There will obviously be a lot more on the line this time. Marquette beat Syracuse 74-71 in Milwaukee during the regular season. Marquette played their best game of the tournament in their Sweet 16 victory over Miami. They hope to carry that momentum into the Elite 8. Syracuse has been up and down all year. Luckily for them, they have been at a season best high over the last few weeks. They dominated the nation's most talented team (Indiana) in the Sweet 16 and are now just one game away from leaving the Big East with a trip to the Final Four.

Prediction - Syracuse 65 Marquette 64

West Regional - Los Angeles

      
2 Ohio St. (-4.5) vs. 9 Wichita St.

How they got here:
Ohio St. beat: Iona 95-70, Iowa St. 78-75, Arizona 73-70
Wichita St. beat: Pittsburgh 73-55, Gonzaga 76-70, LaSalle 72-54

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Ohio St.: 12-7
Wichita St.: 5-2

Ohio State has been living on the edge. In back-to-back games they have gotten a game-winning three in the final seconds. Aaron Craft was the hero in the Round of 32, and it was LaQuinton Ross delivering in the clutch to beat Arizona on the Sweet 16. The Buckeyes are beginning to look like Destiny's Child. They will face Wichita State. The Shockers are living up to their name and shocking the college basketball world with this deep run. They are trying to become the latest George Mason or VCU and march on to the Final Four as a mid-major. This will be a closer game than some expect. Buckeyes fans should expect to be sitting at the edge of their seats once again.

Prediction - Ohio St. 75 Wichita St. 70

South Regional - Arlington

      
3 Florida (-1.5) vs. 4 Michigan

How they got here:
Florida beat: Northwestern St. 79-47, Minnesota 78-64, Florida Gulf Coast 62-50
Michigan beat: South Dakota St. 71-56, VCU 78-53, Kansas 87-85 OT

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Florida: 8-4
Michigan: 11-6

Not many people were talking about these teams coming into the tournament. Both teams were ranked #1 at some point this season, but did not play their best basketball down the stretch. They have found their way in the Big Dance. Florida has won all of its games by double digits. In fact, all 29 of their wins this season have come by double digits. Michigan was very impressive in wins over South Dakota State and VCU. On Friday night they trailed Kansas by 10 with just 2 minutes remaining. Trey Burke capped off the comeback by draining a 30-footer that forced OT. The Wolverines went on to win and reach their first Elite 8 since the mid 90s.

Prediction - Florida 69 Michigan 66

Midwest Regional - Indianapolis

      
1 Louisville (-3.5) vs. 2 Duke

How they got here:
Louisville beat: North Carolina A&T 79-48, Colorado St. 82-56, Oregon 77-69
Duke beat: Albany 73-61, Creighton 66-50, Michigan St. 71-61

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Louisville: 14-5
Duke: 14-2

This should be the most entertaining of all the Elite 8 matchups. Louisville has been dominant over the last month and a half and have clearly been the top team in the country. Duke was considered to be the top team in the country earlier in the year. They used a 76-71 win over Louisville in The Bahamas to catapult themselves to the top spot. The Cardinals cans end themselves to back to back Final Fours by avenging that loss.

Prediction - Louisville 71 Duke 67

2013 NCAA Tournament - Sweet 16 Preview

Ringer's Tournament Record
ATS: 22-30
SU: 33-19

The weekend was every bit as wild as the opening days of the 2013 NCAA Tournament. Cinderella kept dancing as Florida Gulf Coast became the first 15 seed to advance to the Sweet 16. Aaron Craft hit the shot of the tournament thus far with a game-winning three versus Iowa State. And Wichita State knocked off 1 seed Gonzaga. Did I miss anything? Well there is plenty more we could discuss, but I'd rather look ahead into the future. Here is a look at how I expect the Sweet 16 to shake out.

East Regional - Washington, DC

        
1 Indiana (-5.5) vs. 4 Syracuse

How they got here:
Indiana beat: James Madison 83-62, Temple 58-52
Syracuse beat: Montana 81-34, Cal 66-60

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Indiana: 11-6
Syracuse: 9-8

Indiana and Syracuse rarely play each other, but when they do there is always going to be memories of the 1987 National Championship Game in which Keith Smart hit a late jumper to give the Hoosiers the title. Hopefully we can get a game that is half as intense as that. Indiana was pushed to the brink of elimination against Temple but used a 10-0 run to close the game to advance to the Sweet 16. Syracuse has advanced with relative ease.

Prediction - Indiana 73 Syracuse 65

      
2 Miami (-5.5) vs. 3 Marquette

How they got here:
Miami beat: Pacific 78-49, Illinois 63-59
Marquette beat: Davidson 59-58, Butler 74-72

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Miami: 10-3
Marquette: 8-7

If there is a team of destiny in this tournament it could be Marquette. The Golden Eagles had no business winning against Davidson, but did. Then the Golden Eagles survived a scare against Butler. Miami's dream season is still alive as well. After crushing Pacific, the U battled Illinois to the end and advanced to their second Sweet 16 in school history.

Prediction - Marquette 60 Miami 58

West Regional - Los Angeles

      
9 Wichita St. (-4) vs. 13 LaSalle

How they got here:
Wichita St. beat: Pittsburgh 73-55, Gonzaga 76-70
LaSalle beat: Boise St. 80-71, Kansas St. 63-61, Ole Miss 76-74

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Wichita St.: 4-2
LaSalle: 6-5

This is far and away the most unlikely of matchups in the Sweet 16. Before the season began, neither of these teams were expected to even be in the Big Dance. Now we are assured of seeing one of them in the Elite 8. There are only three teams from "mid-majors" still remaining, these are two of them. Only one can keep the dream alive.

Prediction - Wichita St. 83 LaSalle 66

      
2 Ohio St. (-3.5) vs. 6 Arizona

How they got here:
Ohio St. beat: Iona 95-70, Iowa St. 78-75
Arizona beat: Belmont 81-64, Harvard 74-51

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Ohio St.: 11-7
Arizona: 7-5

Aaron Craft hit the shot of the tournament so far. His three with less than a second playing against Iowa State sent the Buckeyes to their fourth consecutive Sweet 16. They will get Arizona. The Wildcats are lead by a mix of youth and experience. This will be their first true test of the tournament. Are their youngsters ready to get a passing grade?

Prediction - Ohio St. 61 Arizona 59

South Regional - Arlington

      
1 Kansas (-2) vs. 4 Michigan

How they got here:
Kansas beat: Western Kentucky 64-57, North Carolina 70-58
Michigan beat: South Dakota St. 71-56, VCU 78-53

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Kansas: 14-3
Michigan: 10-6

Kansas has struggled in three of the four halves of basketball they have played in the tourney. Michigan has looked tremendous in three of the four halves they have played. Will those trends continue? This should be one of the best games of the Sweet 16. Kansas' Ben McLemore could be the top pick in the NBA Draft. Michigan's Trey Burke could be the best player in the country.

Prediction - Kansas 75 Michigan 65

      
3 Florida (-13) vs. 15 Florida Gulf Coast

How they got here:
Florida beat: Northwestern St. 79-47, Minnesota 78-64
Florida Gulf Coast beat: Georgetown 78-68, San Diego St. 81-71

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Florida: 7-4
Florida Gulf Coast: 3-3

For the first time ever, there will be a 15 seed playing in the Sweet 16. Cinderella has arrived to the dance, and she hails from Florida's Gulf Coast. The Eagles will take on their state's biggest basketball factory in the Florida Gators. The state's power and a trip to the Elite 8 are on the line.

Prediction - Florida 76 Florida Gulf Coast 61

Midwest Regional - Indianapolis

      
1 Louisville (-10) vs. 12 Oregon

How they got here:
Louisville beat: North Carolina A&T 79-48, Colorado St. 82-56
Oregon beat: Oklahoma St. 68-55, St. Louis 74-57

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Louisville: 13-5
Oregon: 6-5

Not many teams have been able to handle the pressure defense of Louisville this season. They have been smothering in the tournament so far. Throw is the magnificent play of Russ Smith, and the Cardinals have been clicking on all cylinders. Oregon is a deep team, which can come in handy when facing a team like Louisville. They will need to get contributions from all over of they want to pull the upset.

Prediction - Louisville 73 Oregon 58

      
2 Duke (-1.5) vs. 3 Michigan St.

How they got here:
Duke beat: Albany 73-61, Creighton 66-50
Michigan St. beat: Valpo 65-54, Memphis 70-48

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Duke: 13-2
Michigan St.: 10-7

This is probably the most anticipated matchup of the Sweet 16. Two traditional powers go at it to see who has the better squad in 2013. Both teams have been ranked in or near the top 10 all season long. Only one can reach elite status though. Duke is known as a finesse team, and will have to show a bit of toughness if they expect to get past Sparty.

Prediction - Duke 69 Michigan St. 67

2013 NCAA Tournament - Round of 32 Preview

Ringer's Tournament Record
ATS: 15-21
SU: 23-13

The Round of 32 will begin on Saturday afternoon, leaving us one step closer to the Final Four in Atlanta. There was not a whole lot of drama on the opening day, until one of the last games of the day. Harvard shocked New Mexico to get their first tournament win in school history. The second day brought more as Florida Gulf Coast, LaSalle, and Ole Miss became the latest low seeds to advance. There have been no buzzer beating shots, though Marquette's Vander Blue did hit a layup with 1 second left to finish off an improbable comeback against Davidson and avoid the upset. I'm sure there is plenty more drama to come over the weekend. Here is a look at who I expect to see advance to the Sweet 16.

South Regional - Auburn Hills
      
4 Michigan (-3) vs. 5 VCU

How they got here:
Michigan beat: South Dakota St. 71-56
VCU beat: Akron 88-42

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Michigan: 9-6
VCU: 6-7

The most intriguing thing about this matchup is definitely Trey Burke going up against VCU's vaunted "havoc" defense. The Rams made Akron look silly in the Round of 64. Trey Burke has abilities that maybe nobody else in the country has though. If Burke can take care of the ball and control the game Michigan should advance.

Prediction - Michigan 65 VCU 63

Midwest Regional - Auburn Hills
      
3 Michigan St. (-5.5) vs. 6 Memphis

How they got here:
Michigan St. beat: Valpo 65-54
Memphis beat: St. Mary's 54-52

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Michigan St.: 9-7
Memphis: 2-3

This is a matchup of strength versus athleticism. Michigan State has dominated opponents on the boards this year with their superior strength and fundamentals. Memphis is one of the most athletic teams in the country. Tom Izzo has been winning games in March for a long time. Josh Pastner just got his first tourney win on Thursday.

Prediction - Michigan St. 74 Memphis 65

Midwest Regional - Lexington
      
1 Louisville (-10.5) vs. 8 Colorado St.

How they got here:
Louisville beat: North Carolina A&T 79-48
Colorado St. beat: Missouri 84-72

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Louisville: 12-5
Colorado St.: 5-7

Louisville's pressure defense was overwhelming for North Carolina A&T. Colorado State hasn't seen anything like that all season either. The Cardinals want to force the tempo and make the Rams play quicker than they used to. If Colorado State can make it a half court game, then they could pull the upset.

Prediction - Louisville 72 Colorado St. 64

West Regional - Salt Lake City
      
6 Arizona (-10) vs. 14 Harvard

How they got here:
Arizona beat: Belmont 81-64
Harvard beat: New Mexico 68-62

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Arizona: 6-5
Harvard: 2-2

Harvard pulled off the upset of the tournament to this point. How well does that slipper fit though? They need another win to truly be pegged as Cinderella. Many thought Arizona could fall to Belmont, but the Wildcats controlled the game from start to finish. Tommy Ammaker will have a gameplan to keep this game close, but Arizona's superior talent comes through in the end.

Prediction - Arizona 64 Harvard 59

Midwest Regional - San Jose
      
4 St. Louis (-4) vs. 12 Oregon

How they got here:
St. Louis beat: New Mexico St. 64-44
Oregon beat: Oklahoma St. 68-55

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
St. Louis: 9-2
Oregon: 5-5

Saint Louis played their steady kind of game in their opener, disposing of New Mexico State by 20. Oregon were out to prove that the selection committee was wrong by seeding them 12, and did so. The Ducks now have a chance to get into the Sweet 16 as a double-digit seed. We usually see one team like this every year.

Prediction - St. Louis 73 Oregon 66

East Regional - Lexington
      
3 Marquette (-2.5) vs. 6 Butler

How they got here:
Marquette beat: Davidson 59-58
Butler beat: Bucknell 68-56

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Marquette: 7-7
Butler: 7-6

Marquette needed a Davidson meltdown and a last second layup by Vander Blue to advance to the weekend. Many expected Bucknell to beat Butler, but Brad Stevens showed once again that he knows how to get the best out of his teams in the tournament. Marquette and Butler played in Maui earlier this year with Butler winning by a point. I expect a similar outcome in Lexington.

Prediction - Butler 72 Marquette 71

West Regional - Salt Lake City
      
1 Gonzaga (-6.5) vs. 9 Wichita St.

How they got here:
Gonzaga beat: Southern 64-58
Wichita St. beat: Pittsburgh 73-55

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Gonzaga: 9-2
Wichita St.: 3-2

Many have questioned whether the Zags had true 1 seed credentials despite finishing the year ranked #1 by the AP. Then they went out and had a nail biter versus 16 seed Southern, furthering those questions. Wichita State left no questions in their thumping of Pitt. This has lead to speculation that the Shockers will put an end to Gonzaga's dream season. I don;t see it that way.

Prediction - Gonzaga 68 Wichita St. 52

East Regional - San Jose
      
4 Syracuse (-7.5) vs. 12 Cal

How they got here:
Syracuse beat: Montana 81-34
Cal beat: UNLV 64-61

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Syracuse: 8-8
Cal: 7-6

Syracuse absolutely thrashed Montana in the opener, winning by 47 points. Cal was very impressive as well, controlling their game versus a good UNLV team. Cal is capable of playing multiple styles, which bodes well when playing the Orange. Syracuse is rolling over the last couple weeks though, and I don't see that changing this weekend.

Prediction - Syracuse 64 Cal 56

West Regional - Dayton

      
2 Ohio St. (-7) vs. 10 Iowa St.

How they got here:
Ohio St. beat: Iona 95-70
Iowa St. beat: Notre Dame 76-58

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Ohio St.: 10-7
Iowa St.: 8-8

Ohio State has been a team known for their defense all season. They are finding their offensive stride at the right time. They out up 95 points in their opener, which is the most of anyone in the 2013 NCAA Tournament. They will need their defense to come through against the Cyclones though. Iowa State is capable of beating anyone of they are stroking it.

Prediction - Ohio St. 83 Iowa St. 66

East Regional - Dayton
      
1 Indiana (-11.5) vs. 9 Temple

How they got here:
Indiana beat: James Madison 83-62
Temple beat: NC State 76-72

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Indiana: 10-6
Temple: 6-3

Temple is no stranger to battling top teams. They beat Syracuse this year, and came close to beating Kansas. Indiana may be a different monster. The Hoosiers gave up a late rally to James Madison, but thoroughly dominated them throughout most of the game. Khalif Wyatt has an injured thumb but says he will play. He will need to play and play well for Temple to have a chance to beat Indiana.

Prediction - Indiana 79 Temple 61

South Regional - Kansas City
      
1 Kansas (-6) vs. 8 North Carolina

How they got here:
Kansas beat: Western Kentucky 64-57
North Carolina beat: Villanova 78-71

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Kansas: 13-3
North Carolina: 3-8

Kansas nearly made history in the Round of 64 - in a bad way. Western Kentucky had them on the ropes and they were close to being the first 1 seed to ever lose to a 16 seed. They survived and advanced though, which is the name of the game. North Carolina was up and down in their game versus Villanova. the Tar Heels lead by as many as 19, let it slip away, and regained control in the end. It's always interesting when Roy Williams faces the school he coached for so many years. This will be no different.

Prediction - Kansas 75 North Carolina 61

South Regional - Austin
      
3 Florida (-8.5) vs. 11 Minnesota

How they got here:
Florida beat: Northwestern St. 79-47
Minnesota beat: UCLA 83-63

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Florida: 6-4
Minnesota: 7-8

Florida and Minnesota both made it look easy in the Round of 64. Florida never gave Northwestern State any hope, and Minnesota lived up to their potential in demolishing UCLA. Each team has been ranked in the Top 10 at different points this season. Neither ended there. This is their time to prove their worth.

Prediction - Florida 64 Minnesota 54

South Regional - Philadelphia
      
7 San Diego St. (-7) vs. 15 Florida Gulf Coast

How they got here:
San Diego St. beat: Oklahoma 70-55
Florida Gulf Coast beat: Georgetown 78-68

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
San Diego St.: 6-8
Florida Gulf Coast: 2-3

I bet you didn't see this East Coast vs. West Coast matchup coming. San Diego State, maybe. Florida Gulf Coast, not so much. The Aztecs have had some tourney success in recent years. This was Florida Gulf Coast's first appearance in the big dance. The Eagles are batting 1.000 at this point and are making the most of their opportunity. Their journey may come to an end Sunday night, but the Eagles have made a name for themselves.

Prediction - San Diego St. 75 Florida Gulf Coast 62

West Regional - Kansas City
      
12 Ole Miss (-3.5) vs. 13 LaSalle

How they got here:
Ole Miss beat: Wisconsin 57-46
LaSalle beat: Boise St. 80-71, Kansas St. 63-61

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Ole Miss: 4-3
LaSalle: 5-5

It seems like there is one matchup of double-digit seeds in the Round of 32 every year. This is the 2013 version. LaSalle is trying to duplicate their A-10 partner, VCU, and make a run from the First Four to the Final Four a la the Rams in 2011. Ole Miss will try to continue riding the hot hand of their outspoken star Marshall Henderson.

Prediction - Ole Miss 71 LaSalle 70

East Regional - Austin
      
2 Miami (-7) vs. 7 Illinois

How they got here:
Miami beat: Pacific 78-49
Illinois beat: Colorado 57-49

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Miami: 9-3
Illinois: 7-9

Miami proved they were ready for the big stage by dominating Pacific from start to finish on Friday. Illinois has been up and down all year, but they were up in their opener versus Colorado. This game presents a new test for both teams. Who will pass?

Prediction - Miami 72 Illinois 69

Midwest Regional - Philadelphia
      
2 Duke (-5.5) vs. 7 Creighton

How they got here:
Duke beat: Albany 73-61
Creighton beat: Cincinnati 67-63

Record vs. Tournament Teams:
Duke: 12-2
Creighton: 6-3

This isn't a traditional battle of blue bloods, but it will do. The Blue Devils and Blue Jays will go at it in Philadelphia on Sunday night. Duke is a regular in the Sweet 16, Creighton is not. If there is a player who can take them there, it is Doug McDermott. He will need help, as Duke's torrential D will undoubtedly be keyed on him.

Prediction - Duke 75 Creighton 70