Thursday Sweet 16 Picks

Washington State vs. North Carolina

Why Washington State Could Win: Defense, defending well, and not letting North Carolina score. The Cougars just held Notre Dame, one of the highest scoring teams in the nation to 41 points (1 point per minute to put it in another perspective), and under 25% shooting. That outstanding defensive performance against the Irish happened after they walloped popular upset pick Winthrop and held the to 40. The 81 points they’ve given up in 2 games is the lowest in NCAA Tournament History since 1949. If they can shut down Tyler Hansbrough and Wayne Ellington North Carolina could be a very weak team.

Why North Carolina Could Win: Because no one has stopped Hansbrough, Ellington, or any one of those guys all season.

Verdict: It will be a good game, but North Carolina prevails 76-66.

West Virginia vs. Xavier

Why West Virginia Could Win: Well they just beat Duke right? Shut down defense, to go along with the strong play from Joe Alexander would almost certainly send them to the elite 8. And note that Xavier has twice gone off to very slow starts against Purdue and Georgia.

Why Xavier Could Win: Drew Lavender is a tremendous player. In my opinion, Lavender is very underrated, and was the key in their comebacks against Georgia and Purdue. Xavier also has great free throw shooting, which will be key down the stretch as I think this will be a close game.

Verdict: Tough pick, but the #7 seed makes it as your Cinderella. 64-59.

Darn computer….now I have to rush this in.

Tennessee 79 Louisville 72 (OT) 

UCLA 86 Western Kentucky 75  

 

Update: I just read the news about the sudden death of NFL OL prospect Heath Benedict. RIP to him, and hopefully the police and coroners are right in ruling out drugs, alcohol, or any other foul play.