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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 eight games and give you my picks to make it to the round of eight.
1. Ohio State vs 4. Kentucky.
My pick: Ohio State.
In this match the Buckeyes of Ohio State aim to show why they are the number one 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: North Carolina.
Expect the Tar Heels to advance to the eight after this one. The Golden Eagles of Marquette won’t be able to match it with the skill of Harrison Barnes, the athleticism of John Henson and the experience of Tyler Zeller. Expect North Carolina 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. Duke is my pick to win the tournament.
2. San Diego State vs 3. Connecticut (UCONN).
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 one seed Pittsburgh by one point last round, the Bulldogs are going to be confident. 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 four.
There you have it, my breakdown of the Sweet 16.
Check back next weekend for my final four breakdown.
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