Sweet 16 Predictions

Let's see if a few rounds has helped my prognosticating skills at all...

(3) Marquette vs (2) Miami (FL)     
    
Jim Laranaga hopes to continue the magic in his first season as Miami's head coach. He strikes me as a wonderful coach to play for where there is no ego and he just wants his players to do well. Their post-game antics are very similar to that of Florida Gulf Coast.They are missing Reggie Johnson, but I think they'll still be too much for Marquette even with the stellar play of Vander Blue.

(6) Arizona vs (2) Ohio State

The Wildcats are a historically athletic team since the days of Lute Olson and now under Sean Miller. They get out fast and play a furious pace with a defense that pressures the ball with their sheer size and tenacity. The Buckeyes got past Iowa State by the skin of their teeth, but 'Zona will provide for a very tough foe.

(4) Syracuse vs (1) Indiana

I thought Indiana would lose a round earlier, whether it was to my NC State pick, or even the upset-minded Temple Owls. The Orange don't have their best team this year, but with all of these upsets so far, all you need is a chance. Their length, transition offense and three-point shooting could prove tough for the Hoosiers. If Michael Carter-Williams can spread the wealth as he is very capable of doing, the Orange will give Hoosier fans reason to be worried. Syracuse's only enemy is themselves when they turn the ball over.

(13) La Salle vs (9) Wichita State

This is a toss-up of two teams that were not supposed to be in it. Both teams aim to prove they are no fluke. Based on the effort both schools have shown, neither is a clear-cut favorite. Heads says the La Salle Explorers continue their journey.

(12) Oregon vs (1) Louisville 

While the Cardinals experienced a three-game losing streak earlier this year, that team is nowhere to be found. Replacing them is one that is running on all cylinders and the heavy favorite in many brackets to become National Champs. Oregon has had a fun and surprising run, but the luck runs out for the Ducks in the Sweet Sixteen.

(4) Michigan vs (1) Kansas  

In a meeting of two  college basketball powerhouses, Michigan is coming off an impressive manhandling of VCU, while Kansas beat UNC soundly. This will be a tight game, but I have a feeling the Wolverines ability to shoot the three will be to their advantage over a team led by freshman phenom Ben McLemore.
  
(3) Michigan State vs (2) Duke

Never go against Tom Izzo in March. If he tells you 2+2=81, you nod your head and agree. He's a wizard when it comes to coaching and always has teams led by strong veteran players. There is no rebuilding for the Spartans, just reloading. On the flip side, Duke is as potent as ever and a threat to go deep...but I feel strongly that the Spartans will win this one with their stingy defense and superb rebounding.

(15) Florida Gulf Coast vs (3) Florida

And the most intriguing match-up award goes to....this game. The schools are seperated by a few hundred miles, and FGCU plays with a joyfulness not seen in a while. Their coach has a loose leash on a young, happy and unorthodox team- but that's not a bad thing. Their post-game celebrations come in second only to their style of play with fast break dunks and alley oops galore. Their style of play might catch the Gators off guard defensively. I pegged the Gators to make the Final Four, but now that my bracket is busted and for the sake of the Cinderella, I'm pulling for the Eagles here.

After looking them over, I realize I picked only  two higher seeds. Upset happy? Could be. Michigan State (3) over Duke (2) would not be considered an upset at all based on how even thes teams are. If there's one thing this year's tournament has proven, it's that seeds don't matter. What matters is the level of basketball played on the hardwood, not on paper.