ATS: 26-18
SU: 28-16
Saturday's games held to form, as the favorite came away winning each game. Sunday could provide a different story as potential Cinderellas in Xavier, South Florida, Ohio, Lehigh, and Norfolk State will all play. After Sunday we should know who is being fitted for the glass slipper. Here is a look at who I expect to see in the Sweet 16.
Midwest Regional at Columbus
3 Georgetown (-4.5) vs. 11 NC State
Georgetown showed that they are still a team to be reckoned with as they blew past an experienced Belmont squad in the Round of 64. NC State was able to hold off San Diego State to advance. The team that dictates the pace of the game will come out on top. The Hoyas will want to slow the game down and force the Wolfpack to eat up the shot clock. Georgetown will get big games out of Jason Clark and Henry Sims and march on.
Prediction - Georgetown 65 NC State 56
West Regional at Columbus
1 Michigan St. (-6.5) vs. 9 St. Louis
Michigan State knows how to play in March, and Tom Izzo knows how to coach in March. Saint Louis does not have that reputation, but their coach Rick Majerus does. Both teams were impressive in their opening round victories. Michigan State's victory was never in doubt against LIU-Brooklyn. Saint Louis used their defensive prowess to take down a hot Memphis team. This one should be a grinder for each. The Spartans have much more talent and experience that will pave the way for a W.
Prediction - Michigan St. 62 St. Louis 50
Midwest Regional at Greensboro
1 North Carolina (-8.5) vs. 8 Creighton
North Carolina won their opener easily over Vermont. Creighton used a late rally to knock off Alabama. The crowd usually loves an upset during the NCAA Tournament, but I don;t think that will be the case here. The folks in Greensboro will be heavily skewed towards Tar Heel nation. Creighton may hang around for a half, but Carolina has far too much talent and athleticism to lose this one.
Prediction - North Carolina 86 Creighton 69
West Regional at Omaha
7 Florida (-14.5) vs. 15 Norfolk St.
The Florida Gators was dominant in their Round of 64 romp of Virginia. Norfolk State shocked the world, becoming just the 5th team to ever be seeded 15 and advance in the NCAA Tournament. Florida has been up and down throughout the year, but could be on an upswing based off of their performance on Friday. They will need to be focused and ready to play and should be able to overwhelm Norfolk State on shear talent alone and end their Cinderella story.
Prediction - Florida 83 Norfolk St. 68
Midwest Regional at Nashville
12 South Florida (-2.5) vs. 13 Ohio
South Florida is vying to become this year's edition of VCU. Last year the Rams went from the First Four to the Final Four. The Bulls are on a mission to duplicate that this year. They have already won 2 games versus the likes of Cal and Temple. Now they get an Ohio squad that has won a game in their last 2 NCAA Tournament appearances. DJ Cooper leads the way for the Bobcats and will need to play great against a stout South Florida D. I look for Cooper to do enough to lead Ohio to another upset.
Prediction - Ohio 61 South Florida 50
South Regional at Greensboro
10 Xavier (-3.5) vs. 15 Lehigh
This is the 2nd game featuring a 15 seed. Lehigh pulled off an all-time shocker by defeating the mighty Duke Blue Devils in the Round of 64. CJ McCollum was spectacular in leading the Mountain Hawks to their 1st NCAA Tournament win ever. Xavier won a hard fought battle with Notre Dame and they are now in position to get to a point that many thought they would earlier in the season. The X-Men become the 2nd double digit seed to advance to the Sweet 16.
Prediction - Xavier 75 Lehigh 71
West Regional at Omaha
2 Kansas (-8) vs. 10 Purdue
Bill Self gets another opportunity to coach against a Big Ten school. They struggled throughout the 1st Half of their game with Detroit, but eventually proved too strong for the Titans. Purdue is looking to send Robbie Hummel off on a high note. The Senior has had a promising career derailed by injuries, which cost some of the best squads Purdue has ever had. Beating the Jayhawks may make everything worth it for Hummel. Unfortunately, I don't think he gets the swan song he's searching for.
Prediction - Kansas 77 Purdue 70
East Regional at Nashville
3 Florida St. (-2) vs. 6 Cincinnati
Cincinnati seemed to have control throughout their entire game with Texas, but could never seem to pull away. They did continue their recent string of strong play and pull out the victory. Florida State looked like they were going to be the 1st victim of a major upset, but they dominated Saint Bonaventure down the stretch and advanced. This game is going to be tenacious defensively. the team that can knock down more jumpers should prevail. I like the Seminoles to be that team.
Prediction - Florida St. 65 Cincinnati 62
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