Sweet 16 Preview Part 2

Today's Games:

#12 Oregon (28-8, 12-6 Pac-12) vs. #1 Louisville (31-5, 14-4 Big East) @ 7:15 on CBS

Road to the Sweet 16:
Oregon: Defeated #5 Oklahoma State 68-55 and #4 Saint Louis 74-57
Louisville: Defeated #16 North Carolina A&T 79-48 and #8 Colorado State 82-56

Louisville has had many ups and downs all season long and they got hot at the right point in the season. Oregon came into the tournament without receiving much respect from the selection committee. The entire PAC-12 was shafted with their spots and most of the conference has overachieved thus far in the tournament. Whether or not the Ducks will stop or even slow down one player on Louisville will likely decide whether or not they are going back to Oregon tomorrow.

That one player Oregon should be worrying about is point guard Peyton Siva. Siva has been hot and cold all season and the Cardinals record reflects his overall play. His play towards the end of the season as well as during the Big East Tournament is why Louisville ended up with the number one overall seed in the tournament. As long as he plays well the Cardinals should keep advancing.

My Prediction: #1 Louisville win 80-69

#4 Michigan (28-7, 12-6 Big Ten) vs. #1 Kansas (31-5, 14-4 Big 12) @ 7:37 on TBS

Road to the Sweet 16:
Michigan: Defeated #13 South Dakota State 71-56 and #5 Virginia Commonwealth 78-53
Kansas: Defeated #16 Western Kentucky 64-57 and #8 North Carolina 70-58

I picked the Jayhawks to win the national championship early on in the season and stuck with that pick for the tournament. The more and more I watch Michigan play, the more and more I think there might be an upset tonight. The Wolverines have two sons of former NBA players in Glenn Robinson III and Tim Hardaway Jr. and along with Trey Burke the three present a lot of problems for opposing teams.

If the Jayhawks are going to win this game and possibly advance even further in the tournament they are going to need Ben McLemore to step it up on the offensive end. He's been one of the best players in the country all season and has disappeared so far in the tournament. In the first two games of the tournament he only has 13 combined points while not making a shot from the field during the round of 32 game against North Carolina.

Jeff Withey has been consistent all season so you can expect the big-man to get you close to a double double every game to go along with his ability to guard the rim. In the last two games Withey has 12 blocks and has made it so opposing teams aren't getting easy buckets around the rim. If Michigan is going to get past Kansas they are going to have to get Withey in foul trouble early so he's not as much of a factor. This game should be the game to watch on Friday night and the winner will likely move on to the Final Four.

My Prediction: #1 Kansas win 69-66

#3 Michigan State (27-8, 13-5 Big Ten) vs. #2 Duke (29-5, 14-4 ACC) @ 9:45 on CBS

Road to the Sweet 16:
Michigan State: Defeated #14 Valparaiso 65-54 and #6 Memphis 70-48
Duke: Defeated #15 Albany 73-61 and #7 Creighton 66-50

Michigan State vs. Duke just looks so awesome on paper. These teams are arguably two of the best 10 teams of the last 25 years. Coach K and Tom Izzo are two of the greatest college coaches in the history of the sport both could use another championship to add to their trophy cases.

The Blue Devils are led by Seth Curry, Ryan Kelly and Mason Plumlee. Duke has played much better since Kelly has returned and could possibly make a run to the championship as long as everyone stays healthy. Michigan State is one of the most well-rounded teams in the tournament and receives double digit scoring from four players in Keith Appling, Gary Harris, Adreian Payne and Derrick Nix. They are also one of the best defensive teams in the country.

I'm expecting this game to go back and forth for the full 40 minutes. The coaches will more than likely even each other out as they are easily two of the best five coaches in the nation today. I'm expecting either Kelly or Plumlee to be they key player in this game. The Spartans should be able to keep Curry in check and the Blue Devils will need one of their bigs to step up and carry the load. Duke should win this game, but I'm definitely not ruling out any Tom Izzo led team in March.

My Prediction: #2 Duke win 68-66

#15 Florida Gulf Coast (26-10, 13-5 A-Sun) vs. #3 Florida (28-7, 14-4 SEC) @ 9:57 on TBS

Road to the Sweet 16:
Florida Gulf Coast: Defeated #2 Georgetown 78-68 and #7 San Diego State 81-71
Florida: Defeated #14 Northwestern State 79-47 and #11 Minnesota 78-64

Before this year's tournament started I had no idea that Florida Gulf Coast was a real university. It really sounds like one of those fake schools that movies make up. After two upset performances over Georgetown and San Diego State it is now apparent that this team is for real. Now the small Florida school will have to play against a team that they are all so familiar with.

The Florida Gators have been playing scary good up to this point. This team is starting to remind me of the team that won it all in 2006 and repeated in 2007. I'm not saying they are as good as them, or that any of their players will end up being Joakim Noah or Al Horford, I'm just saying the way they are getting hot at the right time in the season makes me think they could get past Kansas or Michigan after FGCU.

As great as it is to see a Cinderella team progress in the tournament I just don't think FGCU will be able to keep this up. If they were playing against any other team I'd give them a better chance, but I think the Gators will be out to prove they are the best team in Florida, including Miami.

My Prediction: #3 Florida win 77-68

NCAA Tourney Round of 64 Day 1 Preview

Today should be considered a national holiday. This is one of the only times of the year that it is completely acceptable to gamble with friends, family and coworkers and most of America takes advantage of it. It's sad how I'd rather watch the Selection Sunday process every year than deal with most other sports. The actual selection show has become just as important as the games due to where teams end up being seeded.

All throughout the this year's tournament I'll be giving my predictions on each of the games in what I hope will be a more successful year than last year for me. The four games that have already been played this week are now considered Round 1 so I'll be referring to this round as just the Round of 64 to make it easier. I don't have any huge upsets for today's games, but look back tomorrow as I feel a couple of high seeds will be going home. Here are today's picks.

Thursday's Games:

#14 Valparaiso (26-7, 13-3 Horizon) vs. #3 Michigan State (25-8, 13-5 BIG 10) @ 12:15 on CBS

The Spartans didn't get any help from the selection committee this year. If they had been thrown in in the West bracket I might have had them actually making it to the Final Four. Instead they are stuck having to play both Louisville and Duke before reaching the Final Four. Today's game shouldn't be too hard for Michigan State as they will be the bigger and more physical team. Valpo will play a decent game but will not have enough as they go against one of the BIG 10 powerhouses.

My Prediction: #3 Michigan State win 73-58

#11 Bucknell (28-5, 12-2 Patriot) vs. #6 Butler (26-8, 11-5 Atlantic 10) @ 12:40 on TRU TV

Bucknell and Butler both come from small conferences and every year seem to see them in the tournament come March. I think Butler will be the better team today, but can they get past a possible match-up with Marquette in the Round of 32?

My Prediction: #6 Butler win 68-61

#9 Wichita State (26-8, 12-6 MWC) vs. #8 Pittsburgh (24-8, 12-6 Big East) @ 1:40 on TBS

Pittsburgh has always been one of those teams that seems to underachieve when they are in the spotlight. I'm thinking that without the added pressure of a high seed this year that they are going to make some noise and possibly move on to the Sweet 16 past Gonzaga. The Panthers should take down the Shockers today.

My Prediction: #8 Pittsburgh win 67-60

#13 New Mexico State (24-10, 14-4 WAC) vs. #4 Saint Louis (27-6, 13-3 Atlantic 10) @ 2:10 on TNT

A lot of ESPN's analysts have been high on Saint Louis for the tournament this year. Former head coach Rick Majerus had to step down due to medical reasons before the Billikens season started and later died of heart failure in December. The Billikens played well all season in their coaches absence and will likely continue that today.

My Prediction: #4 Saint Louis win 71-59

#11 Saint Mary's (28-6, 14-2 WCC) vs. #6 Memphis (30-4, 16-0 Conference USA) @ 2:45 on CBS

The Memphis Tigers aren't the same team that they once were when John Calipari coached there, but they had an excellent year in Conference USA. The Saint Mary's Gaels had to win their play-in game on Tuesday night to get there and that win will likely be there only win.

My Prediction: #6 Memphis win 66-64

#14 Davidson (26-7, 17-1 Southern) vs. #3 Marquette (23-8, 14-4 Big East) @ 3:10 on TRU TV

The Golden Eagles of Marquette didn't seem to get a lot of attention this year even though they finished going 14-4 in conference. Vander Blue will be leading the Golden Eagles today as they will likely get the win over the Davidson Wildcats. As good as Davidson might be, they just don't have another Steph Curry suiting up every game.

My Prediction: #3 Marquette win 69-54

#16 Southern (23-9, 15-3 SWAC) vs. #1 Gonzaga (31-2, 16-0 WCC) @ 4:10 on TBS

The Zags have had their greatest season in school history up to this point in earning a number one seed and being ranked first in the nation for the first time in school history. They coasted through the WCC and should be victorious by a large margin today.

My Prediction: #1 Gonzaga win 80-57

#12 Oregon (26-8, 12-6 Pac-12) vs. #5 Oklahoma State (24-8, 13-5 Big 12) @ 4:40 on TNT

The Pac-12 didn't get any love this year from the selection committee as Oregon was left with a very low 12 seed. They should have been in the 8 or 9 range at least and will likely not have enough to beat the five seed Oklahoma State. Freshman guard Marcus Smart will likely decide how this game ends. Smart has been the Cowboys' best player all season and if they are going to progress it will be because of him.

My Prediction: #5 Oklahoma State win 72-69

#16 North Carolina A&T (20-16, 8-8 MEAC) vs. #1 Louisville (29-5, 14-4 Big East) @ 6:50 on TBS

No 16 seed has ever defeated a 1 seed in tournament history and I don't expect it to happen today. NC A&T would likely not beat any team from the Big East Conference so I'm expecting Peyton Siva and the Cardinals to walk right through them today. This game should be over by halftime.

My Prediction: #1 Louisville win 78-54

#13 South Dakota State (25-9, 13-3 Summit) vs. #4 Michigan (26-7, 12-6 BIG 10) @ 7:15 on CBS

Nate Wolters had a terrific year for the Jackrabbits this year and could have helped them walk away with an upset had they had an easier opponent. The Wolverines have been one of the best teams all year and should be able to slow down Wolters enough avoid the upset.

My Prediction: #4 Michigan win 72-65

#11 Belmont (26-6, 14-2 OVC) vs. #6 Arizona (25-7, 12-6 Pac-12) @ 7:20 on TNT

The Wildcats have been trying to regain the prominence they once had while Lute Olson was manning the sideline and today will be a step in the right direction for them. Belmont have had a successful season, but they will struggle playing with the larger Wildcats.

My Prediction: #6 Arizona win 70-59

#12 California (20-11, 12-6 Pac-12) vs. #5 UNLV (25-9, 10-6 MWC) @ 7:27 on TRU TV

The Running Rebels were one of the best teams in the late 80s and early 90s and haven't been able reach those heights ever since. California didn't have a great season in a weak Pac-12 so I'm going with UNLV in this one.

My Prediction: #5 UNLV win 70-67

#9 Missouri (23-10, 11-7 SEC) vs. #8 Colorado State (25-8, 11-5 MWC) @ 9:20 on TBS

The Missouri Tigers enjoyed limited success in moving to the SEC this year. Colorado State had a very good season in the MWC and this game appears to be a toss up. I'm giving the slight advantage to the Tigers as they had to play in a deeper SEC.

My Prediction: #9 Missouri win 65-64

#12 Akron (26-6, 14-2 MAC) vs. #5 VCU (26-8, 12-4 Atlantic 10) @ 9:45 on CBS

The VCU Rams went from being in the play-in game to the Final Four in 2011 and haven't been overlooked ever since. Coach Shaka Smart has done a lot with a small school that most didn't really know prior to his four years as head coach. This could be the last season we see Smart behind the VCU bench as other schools could try to persuade him to leave the Rams. I'm expecting them to make easy work of the 12 seed Akron Zips.

My Prediction: #5 VCU win 68-63

#14 Harvard (19-9, 11-3 Ivy League) vs. #3 New Mexico (29-5, 13-3 MWC) @ 9:50 on TNT

Harvard might have the smartest basketball team in the tournament, but they definitely aren't one of the best. They will rely on a four-guard lineup that will likely struggle against the Lobos. New Mexico finished first in the MWC this year in what has started to look like a promising basketball conference. Expect the Lobos to win by double digits.

My Prediction: #3 New Mexico win 74-62

#13 Montana (25-6, 19-1 Big Sky) vs. #4 Syracuse (26-9, 11-7 Big East) @ 9:57 on TRU TV

The last game of the night features the Syracuse Orange who could be on upset alert. As much as I dislike the Orange I just don't see them going out this early in the tournament. Between Michael Carter-Williams and Brandon Triche they should have enough to slow down Montana. The Orange should win a close game as they never seem to make it easy for themselves.

My Prediction: #4 Syracuse win 69-66

1/31 NBA & NCAA

Tonight's NBA Games:

Memphis Grizzlies (29-15) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (34-11)

The Grizzlies showed yesterday that business and money are more important than winning basketball games for their organization. The Grizzlies are the fourth best team in the West right now and should have been trying to improve their team rather than saving money. Trading Rudy Gay for basically Tayshaun Prince and Ed Davis will end up hurting the Grizzlies more than helping them.

The Thunder made a move similar to that of the Grizzlies earlier in the year when they got rid of James Harden. I thought back then and still do today that if they don't trade Harden they would end up winning the NBA Championship this year. While they haven't really missed a step all season, come playoff time they will regret getting rid of Harden.

As for tonight's game, the Grizzlies are visiting a Thunder team that has been unstoppable at home. With a 19-3 record on their homecourt most teams won't have much of a chance visiting them. Add that to the Grizzlies bringing in two new guys and losing one of their most important players and expect the Thunder to win this by double figures.

My prediction: Thunder win 104-91

Dallas Mavericks (34-11) @ Golden State Warriors (28-17)

Warriors somehow managed to win the other day without Stephen Curry, Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut. Klay Thompson is quietly become one of the best shooting guards in the NBA and reminds me of the style of play that Brandon Roy had before his knee injuries a few years ago. During the first game of the season between these two teams the Warriors were victorious when visiting the Mavericks.

In the Mavericks last nine games they are currently 6-3. They are showing some signs of life right now but when they are playing teams that are at the top of the West they tend to struggle. A win tonight could do a lot for this team if they want to continue to move in the right direction.

My prediction: Warriors win 102-98

Yesterday's NBA Results: 9-3

Washington Wizards (11-33) @ Philadelphia 76ers (19-26) - 76ers won 92-84
(Original prediction: 76ers win 102-92)

Detroit Pistons (17-29) @ Indiana Pacers (27-19) - Pacers won 98-79
(Original prediction: Pacers win 91-79)

Orlando Magic (14-31) @ New York Knicks (28-15) - Knicks won 113-97
(Original prediction: Knicks win 110-94)

Sacramento Kings (17-30) @ Boston Celtics (22-23) - Celtics won 99-81
(Original prediction: Celtics win 98-94)

Toronto Raptors (16-30) @ Atlanta Hawks (26-19) - Hawks won 93-92
(Original prediction: Hawks win 100-86)

Miami Heat (29-13) @ Brooklyn Nets (27-19) - Heat won 105-85
(Original prediction: Nets win 99-93)

Chicago Bulls (28-17) @ Milwaukee Bucks (24-20) - Bulls won 104-88
(Original prediction: Bucks win 96-94)

Los Angeles Clippers (34-13) @ Minnesota Timberwolves (17-25) - Clippers won 96-90
(Original prediction: Clippers win 108-96)

Charlotte Bobcats (11-34) @ San Antonio Spurs (37-11) - Spurs won 102-78
(Original prediction: Spurs win 96-80)

Houston Rockets (25-23) @ Denver Nuggets (29-18) - Nuggets won 118-110
(Original prediction: Nuggets win 103-94)

New Orleans Hornets (15-31) @ Utah Jazz (25-21) - Jazz won 104-99
(Original prediction: Jazz win 98-89)

Los Angeles Lakers (20-26) @ Phoenix Suns (16-30) - Suns won 92-86
(Original prediction: Lakers win 106-90)

Tonight's NCAA Games:

UConn (13-5) @ Providence (10-10)

Huskies are visiting the Friars who have been one of the weakest programs in the Big East for the last decade. Expect the Huskies to do what they have done to them a lot as of late, WIN.

My prediction: UConn wins 70-58

Illinois (15-6) @ #13 Michigan State (17-4)

Illinois started off the year really hot, but ever since they started BIG 10 play they have really struggled. They are 3-6 in their last nine games and it probably won't get better when they visit the Spartans. Tom Izzo has been one of the best coaches of the last 15 years in college basketball and every year he seems to have Michigan State contending in the Big 10 and come March in the NCAA Tournament.

My prediction: #13 Michigan State wins 72-65

#8 Arizona (17-2) @ Washington (12-8)

Is the old Arizona finally back? I'm starting to become a believer in the Wildcats. They have really impressed this season, and are currently looking like the best team in the Pac 12.

My prediction: #8 Arizona wins 74-66

#9 Butler (17-3) @ Saint Louis (14-5)
#7 Gonzaga (19-2) @ Loyola Marymount (8-12)

It's getting weird seeing both Butler and Gonzaga in the top 10. For the last 10-15 years both of them have shown that they can hang with schools in the larger conferences and this year they are finally getting the recognition they have deserved for the last decade plus.

I think Gonzaga will have an easy time tonight in their game, but I'm expecting the Butler Bulldogs to go down tonight.

My predictions: Saint Louis wins 66-65 and #7 Gonzaga wins 74-58

Yesterday's NCAA Results: 8-3

Northwestern (12-9) @ #1 Michigan (19-1) - #1 Michigan won 68-46
(Original prediction: #1 Michigan wins 75-61)

South Carolina (12-8) @ #4 Florida (17-2) - #4 Florida won 75-36
(Original prediction: #4 Florida wins 72-59)

#5 Duke (18-2) @ Wake Forest (10-10) - #5 Duke won 75-70
(Original prediction: #5 Duke wins 70-62)

#3 Indiana (19-2) @ Purdue (11-10) - #3 Indiana won 97-60
(Original prediction: #3 Indiana wins 69-67)

Rutgers (12-8) @ #24 Cincinnati (17-4) - #24 Cincinnati won 62-54
(Original prediction: #24 Cincinnati wins 68-57)

#17 Missouri (15-5) @ LSU (11-7) - LSU won 73-70
My prediction: #17 Missouri wins 72-64

Texas (9-11) @ #18 Kansas State (16-4) - #18 Kansas State won 83-57
My prediction: #18 Kansas State wins 70-60

Missouri State (6-16) @ #21 Creighton (19-3) - #21 Creighton won 91-77
My prediction: #21 Creighton wins 78-61

#14 Miami (FL) (16-3) @ Virginia Tech (11-9) - #14 Miami (FL) won 73-64
My prediction: #14 Miami (FL) wins 74-62

#20 New Mexico (18-3) @ Wyoming (15-5) - #20 New Mexico won 63-59
My prediction: Wyoming wins 68-65

#10 Oregon (18-3) @ Stanford (13-8) - Stanford won 76-53
My prediction: #10 Oregon wins 67-63