Sixteen Candles

The briefest of Sweet 16 previews is upon us. Let's ride...to-night...

West Region:

UCONN over Purdue. The Huskies, as was mentioned the other day, are playing great basketball right now. Then, this happened, and UCONN has been dealing with two days of distractions, questions, allegations, and speculation instead of focusing exclusively on Purdue. That being said, the Huskies are still the better team. Purdue should be able to hang in midway through the second half at least, but I just do not think they have the weapons to pull off the upset. The Boilermakers will have to shoot the ball extremely well and make certain to get quality shots after milking some time off the clock on each possession. I personally see AJ Price & Co coming out with the intent to rally behind their coach and program and take out some frustrations on Purdue. Score: 69-57 UCONN

Because I linked to the Montell Jordan video above and got distracted going through mid-nineties hip-hop videos, I have now ended up watching Mariah Carey videos for the last half hour. "Fantasy" is my personal fav, followed closely by "One Sweet Day". For the record, I have stood loyally by Mariah through all of her issues and am quite excited by her success in the past three or so years. I also stood by Christina Aguilera through the "Dirrty" phase. Just like Mariah, the girl can flat out sing and it's always catchy. I will now waste another half hour on Christina videos.

And we're back...

Memphis over Missouri. I do not think Missouri will have much success scoring in the halfcourt against Memphis' vaunted defense. The (Mizzou) Tigers will have to turn over the (Memphis) Tigers in order to convert easy buckets, and I do think they will have some success in doing so. Just not enough to win the game. Demarre Carroll, Missouri's best offensive weapon, will face a couple of great defenders in Shawn Taggart and Robert Dozier who are both quick enough to slow him down. Tyreke Evans' ability to break the press will be minimized because Memphis has enough other guys who are capable of helping him out with the ball-handling duties. Plus, John Calipari has been here more often than Mike Anderson and has recruited this outstanding talent for just such games. Score: 81-67 Memphis.

East Region:

Xavier over Pittsburgh. This game is quite simple really: the team who shoots the higher percentage will win. I think Xavier's post players can get DeJuan Blair in some foul trouble because of their quickness, thereby minimizing his rebounding impact. The Musketeers also have the athleticism on the wings to match up with Sam Young defensively. Young is the best all-around player on the Panthers and just went nuts against ETSU and Oklahoma St, so Xavier must do a good job on him as a team to prevent a repeat. I do worry a bit as to whether or not Xavier has an offensive weapon capable of getting them big buckets late in this game against Pitt's stellar defense, but I'm willing to take my chances. Score: 67-63 Xavier.

Villanova over Duke. Not changing this selection from my initial bracket (you know, the one currently floating down the Mississippi River en route to the Gulf of Mexico). Villanova has better balance inside and can convert some easy baskets as a result. The 'Cats should have an advantage on the glass and can defend Duke by switching on screens (a technique Carolina rarely uses, but has implemented effectively in its defeats of the Devils the past two years). They also have Scottie Reynolds running the show at the point, a multi-faceted guard who can score, distribute, and defend. Duke is tougher than heck, I'll admit, so Coach K's boys are not going down without a fight here. But in the end...Score 74-66 Villanova

East Region:

Louisville over Arizona. Closer than expected though. The Wildcats were on my Five to Thrive until I thought they might miss the tournament. Oops. While I do not think Arizona has beaten a legitimate opponent in the tournament yet, they certainly have the ability to do so. Budinger and Hill have been good most of the year, but Nic Wise, Jamelle Horne, and Kyle Fogg have been playing better recently. Arizona's zone defense will frustrate Louisville and if the Wildcats can take care of the ball, they have a real shot at winning. Nic Wise will be the key in that plan, as the point guard can be erratic at times. Keep in mind, also, that the Cardinals are not a good foul shooting team, which could come back to bite their red booties. Ultimately, I think Louisville is better balanced and will have a couple of key guys step up to make big plays and preserve a victory. I have liked this team all year and am not jumping off the bandwagon now. Score: 73-66 Louisville.

Michigan St over Kansas. I really do not know why other than I think Michigan St can defend a little better. Both teams have great point guards and a number of athletic wings. Cole Aldrich can make the difference inside for KU, but I think Coach Izzo's crew can attack him with their athleticism. I am honestly surprised that both teams made it this far, but have started to warm up to both of them a bit. Michigan St won the first matchup back in January and will do it again Friday. Score: 72-70 Michigan St.

South Region:

Syracuse over Oklahoma. The Orange have a terrific point guard (Jonny Flynn), two really good shooters (Devendorf and Rautins), a versatile forward (Paul Harris), a big banger (Onuaku), and a Hall of Fame coach. All five of those players average in double figures. Oklahoma has the player of the year nationally (Blake Griffin, of course), a talented freshmen guard (Willie Warren), a decent supporting cast, and a young coach. Syracuse plays a frustrating 2-3 zone that will require the Sooners to either score before it gets set up or hit from long-range. Better balance and a guard who can control every aspect of the game will lead the 'Cuse to a victory. Score: 85-73 Syracuse.

Carolina over Gonzaga. Ty Lawson is at least healthy enough to play and be effective. As last Saturday proved, the Heels will go as far as he carries them. He'll carry them to at least the Elite Eight. Also, Tyler Hansbrough got owned by Josh Heytvelt last time these teams played, played a poor second half against LSU last weekend, and wants to win a national championship - think he needs further motivation against the Zags? Score: 83-69 Carolina.

Although I enjoy a good early-round upset as much as the next fan, those tend to lead to poor games on the second weekend of the tournament. Davidson and George Mason have been exceptions, but usually Cinderella's clock strikes midnight in the Sweet 16 by about halftime. I am optimistic for some high quality hoops these next four days, and hopefully a trip to Detroit.

Rah rah...