Previewing the Sweet Sixteen! Sweet!
First, we're going to take a look at the Boston & Phoenix regionals. Since they're like, totally first. /16 yo girl speak
BOSTON!
Syracuse about went down in the first round to feisty UNC-Asheville, 72-65, in the Orange's first game without C Fab Melo. They managed to survive, advance, and play like Syracuse vs. Kansas State, winning 75-59. It should be noted, however, that Jamar Samuels was suspended for Kansas State. Wisconsin has just strangled teams out, taking down Montana 73-49 and Vanderbilt 60-57. This game should be fairly interesting. You have a Syracuse team looking for a new identity without their big man, and a Wisconsin team content with draining the clock and boring the Orange to death. I still like Syracuse, the way to beat them is to be deadly from 3, and I just don't see Wisconsin having that kind of firepower. But if the Badgers can get inside early and often, watch out.
Robby's pick: Syracuse
Robby's original pick: Wisconsin > Syracuse
(2) Ohio State Buckeyes vs. 6 Cincinnati Bearcats
The state of Ohio has FOUR teams in the Sweet Sixteen. Wow. The Buckeyes have held off all comers thus far, taking out Gonzaga 73-66, and Loyola (MD) 78-59. They've looked sharp most of the time, but they've shown signs of overconfidence and sloppiness. Cincinnati has gotten big leads and let teams chip away without coming all the way back, beating Florida State 62-56, and Texas 65-59. Cincinnati isn't going to wow anyone, but they play good team basketball. If they can contain Jared Sullinger and keep defenders on the perimeter, it'll be HUGE. That's their chance at winning. Otherwise, we're looking at another Ohio State victory.
Robby's pick: Ohio State
Robby's original pick: Ohio State > Cincinnati
PHOENIX!
(1) Michigan State Spartans vs. (4) Louisville Cardinals
The Spartans have looked like the tournament teams of the past for Tom Izzo. Tough, gritty, and look like they could win it all. They've held off an upset attempt by St. Louis 65-61, and crushed LIU-Brooklyn 89-67. Meanwhile, Louisville has still looked good, taking down potential Final Four dark horse New Mexico 59-56 and holding off Davidson 69-62. This is the biggest task yet for Louisville, but I feel like the Cardinals are up to the challenge. Look for them to advance not only to the Elite 8, but to the Final Four.
Robby's pick: Louisville
Robby's original pick: Louisville > Michigan State
(3) Marquette Golden Eagles vs. (7) Florida Gators
No one in this tournament has taken advantage of their match ups better than Florida. They first get a reeling Virginia team and dispatch them easily, 71-45. Then, Norfolk State takes out the 2 seed Missouri and they get the REAL Norfolk State team and pound them 84-50. Not to take anything away from the Gators though, who have sunk their teeth into their opponents and ripped them apart. Marquette has just flat out won games, beating Murray State 62-53 and a BYU team that wouldn't go away 88-68. Marquette should win this game, but Florida is playing it's best basketball right now.
Robby's pick: Florida
Robby's original pick: Marquette > Missouri
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