With that said and done, bring on the SWEET SIXTEEN !!!
I've been debating on how to go about with this post, and have decided to pretty much just go over the sweet sixteen matchups, look at a few numbers, some odds, a spread or two, and then give a couple of futures.
Despite being the overall number one seed going into the tournament, the Cardinals have been less than stellar in their first two tournament games. Defence has been an issue all season long, and it really started to show in the later half of the Sienna game. Luckily enough, Louisville has had the luxury of playing #16 and #9 to get into the sweet sixteen. 
One of the most scrutinized bubble teams in recent history, the Arizona Wildcats have definately made the most of their time in the tournament this year. With an upset win over Utah, and being the surprise favourite against Cleveland St., the Wildcats are proving to all the nay-sayers with their tough defence that they definately belong in this year's tournament.---
LINE: Louisville -9.0
PICK: Arizona +9.0
Despite winning the Big Ten, Michigan St. has managed to stay off the radar, while quietly putting together a remarkable season. They have proven to be clutch performers, who at any given time can take the game to the next level and completely dominate on the score board.
After losing nearly its entire starting lineup from last years championship team to the NBA draft this year, many (including myself) thought that Kansas would be running the NIT tournament this year. Not the case. This young group, have proven themselves not only capable of getting to the big dance, but also worthy. Although i still personally feel they are playing way over their heads, and will come crashing down to earth, i have to give them credit for making an almost believer out of me.---
LINE: Michigan St. -1.5
PICK: Michigan St. -1.5
While they have completely dominated the competition thus far. I'm still not completely sold on the Huskies. The main reason being Hasheem Thabeet. As dominant a shot blocker as he is... he is not a basketball player. Teams have had success when they challenge Thabeet inside and get him into foul trouble. Maybe the Huskies make it to the elite eight, but i do not see a final four in their future.
I have enjoyed watching this team play all season long. A stingy defence, and a fast paced run-and-gun offence, taking only high percentage shots. When they do manage to slow it down to their half court, it seems that everyone on the team gets a touch, and helps create a lane or an open jumper. I like them coming from the Big Ten, because (like Michigan St.) they aren't being overly examined on a regular basis.---
LINE: UConn -6.5
PICK: Purdue +6.5 (+240)
2 Memphis Vs. 3 Mizzou
Two of the best defences will go head to head. I have two possible outcomes for this game. The first one being that Memphis continues to roll, and finds the holes in the Missouri defence winning by 10+. The second is that we see somewhat of a repeat of last years final where the Tigers get stuck at the line, and let Mizzou back into the game. Regardless of the outcome, this is one of the must see games this round.
---
LINE: Memphis -4.5
Pick: Memphis -4.5
1 Pitt Vs. 4 Xavier
The Panthers are flat, coming on late in the game, and doing only enough to get by, while the Musketeers are white hot. I'm going to have to go against my bracket here and say that Xavier is the play. Especially with with 7 points.
+7.0
(+260)
2 Duke/3 Nova: Villanova is the better team, and despite a shaky opening round, the Wildcats got it together for the second round and showed why they are a 3-seed.NOVA +2.0 (+115)
1 UNC/4 Gonzaga: With Ty Lawson back, and almost at 100%, the Tar Heels are looking like the hype at the beginning of the season might have just been worthy. Coming into the tournament i really liked Gonzaga as a 4, and thought that they could be the team to derail this Juggernaut. However, i am once again going to have to go against my bracket and jump on this UNC band wagon.PICK: UNC -8.5
BLAKE GRIFFIN, BLAKE GRIFFIN, BLAKE GRIFFIN... He has been beaten up. He has been knocked around. He has been concussed, and concussed. He continues to average 24 and 15. I don't know if the Sooners would even be considered for the tournament this year if it wasn't for this guy, so if he can stay out of foul trouble, watch out for this Oklahoma team.
DEFEND, DEFEND, DEFEND. Get the open looks that you got against Arizona St. and we might have ourselves a classic on our hands here. Being completely biased, i would love nothing more than to see the Orangemen take it to Oklahoma. Do i think that they can??? YOU BET YOUR ASS I DO. Syracuse was ranked in the top 10 all yeah for defending the post, and if you can take Blake Griffin out of the equation early with some opportune fouls, this could be the year for the ORANGE!!!---
LINE: Oklahoma -1.0
PICK: Syracuse (+105)
2 comments:
Very thorough yet concise and to the point, 9.5/10. Also, my picks don't resemble your's. I just randomly clicked the teams I liked without doing any research though, so you might have a leg up on me.
at a first glance it would appear that way, but sometimes following college ball is more detrimental to your brackets than not following it... hence my pitiful sweet 16 and elite 8.
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