Thursday's Pick'em
--Dexter Sports
3/27/08
Oh Yah! You know what time it is. Sweet Sixteen action gets underway tonight, and of course, I have my picks for tonight's action.
Game 1
South Region
3 Xavier vs. 7 West Virginia
Game Time: 7:40 ET CBS
The Match Up:
Bob Huggins' squad in West Virginia finally got an upset this season, with a stunning win over Duke last week. The Mountaineers lost really close games to Georgetown, Tennessee, and Oklahoma in the regular season. The key to the Mountaineer offense is Joe Alexander and point guard Darris Nichols, who will help run an efficient offense that will be hard to stop. On the other side of the court is the three seed Xavier Musketeers, who are making their third run to the national championship in four years. Coached by Sean Miller, this team is a force all around and has a bunch of guys that can score at anytime. The team is led by Drew Lavender on the offensive side, who is also key in getting the ball in the hands of the four 1,000 point scorers on this team. The defense, which has shut down many good teams and players, including Kansas State and Indiana is led by Atlantic 10 defensive player of the year, Stanley Burell.
My Pick: Xavier
I can't help but go with the Musketeers, because of how well they play the team game. This team is full of players that can get the job done at any point of the game. The Mountaineers will jump ahead early, but Xavier will come back late and head into the elite 8.
Game 2
Midwest Region
1 North Carolina vs. 4 Wasington State
Game Time: 7:27 ET CBS
The Match Up:
The Tar Heels come into this game unmatched so far, with routs of Mount Saint Marys and Arkansas and are easily the best team in the tournament. Led by offensive sensation Tyler Hansbrough and the speedy Ty Lawson. Though it seems unlikely, it isn't impossible to think that the Cougars could pull up an upset. Even though the game is in Charlotte, and Washington State is 0-5 against the top two schools in its conference, (Stanford and UCLA) Don't be surprised if Kyle Weaver and Robbie Cowgill shut down the interior offense of UNC and keep this one a game.
My Pick: UNC
North Carolina is just too good all over the court to not win this game. With Ty Lawson completely healthy and with the simple factor that this game is in Charlotte, I cannot help but believe the Tar Heels will soar into the elite 8.
Game 3
West Region
1 UCLA vs. 12 Western Kentucky
Game Time: 9:40 ET CBS
The Match Up:
Everybody knows the story of the UCLA Bruins. A team that has been at or near number one all year and that has won a lot of close games. Led by freshman center Kevin Love, who has made some clutch shots and is a force in the middle. Josh Shipp is also an anchor of this offense and can often cut to the basket with ease. Though this team is full of offensive power, they lack depth and this could become the ultimate downfall. Western Kentucky comes in as the 12 seed and have looked strong so far. The Hilltoppers are led by Courtney lee and Tyrone Brazelton, who gives Western Kentucky a great floor general. With a big win over Drake on a game winning shot and a easy win against San Diego, the Hilltoppers will try to walk into Pheonix and upset the Bruins
My Pick: Western Kentucky
George Mason anyone? I smell an upset in the making, simply because UCLA cannot pull away from opponents. They have won the close games so far, but the NCAA tournament brings out the best of the little guy, and Western Kentucky will pull out a nail biter.
Game 4
East Region
2 Tennessee vs. 3 Louisville
Game Time: 10:00 ET CBS
The Match Up:
This will be the closest game of the tournament so far, as both teams match up very well. Chris Lofton gives the Volunteers a threat from the perimeter and is also a valuable leader on the court. The Volunteers are defined by the three ball, which could get them in to trouble against an offense that is lead by big man David Padget and is pretty well balanced. Overall this could be the best coaching match up of tourney, with Bruce Pearl duking it out with Rick Pitino.
My Pick: Louisville
The Cardinal offense is just too balanced and will be able to score more often than the perimiter-loving volunteers. Louisville will pull away late in the second half and walk away with into the elite 8 to take on UNC.
Thats all for now. Stay tuned for tomorrow's picks.
3/27/08
Oh Yah! You know what time it is. Sweet Sixteen action gets underway tonight, and of course, I have my picks for tonight's action.
Game 1
South Region
3 Xavier vs. 7 West Virginia
Game Time: 7:40 ET CBS
The Match Up:
Bob Huggins' squad in West Virginia finally got an upset this season, with a stunning win over Duke last week. The Mountaineers lost really close games to Georgetown, Tennessee, and Oklahoma in the regular season. The key to the Mountaineer offense is Joe Alexander and point guard Darris Nichols, who will help run an efficient offense that will be hard to stop. On the other side of the court is the three seed Xavier Musketeers, who are making their third run to the national championship in four years. Coached by Sean Miller, this team is a force all around and has a bunch of guys that can score at anytime. The team is led by Drew Lavender on the offensive side, who is also key in getting the ball in the hands of the four 1,000 point scorers on this team. The defense, which has shut down many good teams and players, including Kansas State and Indiana is led by Atlantic 10 defensive player of the year, Stanley Burell.
My Pick: Xavier
I can't help but go with the Musketeers, because of how well they play the team game. This team is full of players that can get the job done at any point of the game. The Mountaineers will jump ahead early, but Xavier will come back late and head into the elite 8.
Game 2
Midwest Region
1 North Carolina vs. 4 Wasington State
Game Time: 7:27 ET CBS
The Match Up:
The Tar Heels come into this game unmatched so far, with routs of Mount Saint Marys and Arkansas and are easily the best team in the tournament. Led by offensive sensation Tyler Hansbrough and the speedy Ty Lawson. Though it seems unlikely, it isn't impossible to think that the Cougars could pull up an upset. Even though the game is in Charlotte, and Washington State is 0-5 against the top two schools in its conference, (Stanford and UCLA) Don't be surprised if Kyle Weaver and Robbie Cowgill shut down the interior offense of UNC and keep this one a game.
My Pick: UNC
North Carolina is just too good all over the court to not win this game. With Ty Lawson completely healthy and with the simple factor that this game is in Charlotte, I cannot help but believe the Tar Heels will soar into the elite 8.
Game 3
West Region
1 UCLA vs. 12 Western Kentucky
Game Time: 9:40 ET CBS
The Match Up:
Everybody knows the story of the UCLA Bruins. A team that has been at or near number one all year and that has won a lot of close games. Led by freshman center Kevin Love, who has made some clutch shots and is a force in the middle. Josh Shipp is also an anchor of this offense and can often cut to the basket with ease. Though this team is full of offensive power, they lack depth and this could become the ultimate downfall. Western Kentucky comes in as the 12 seed and have looked strong so far. The Hilltoppers are led by Courtney lee and Tyrone Brazelton, who gives Western Kentucky a great floor general. With a big win over Drake on a game winning shot and a easy win against San Diego, the Hilltoppers will try to walk into Pheonix and upset the Bruins
My Pick: Western Kentucky
George Mason anyone? I smell an upset in the making, simply because UCLA cannot pull away from opponents. They have won the close games so far, but the NCAA tournament brings out the best of the little guy, and Western Kentucky will pull out a nail biter.
Game 4
East Region
2 Tennessee vs. 3 Louisville
Game Time: 10:00 ET CBS
The Match Up:
This will be the closest game of the tournament so far, as both teams match up very well. Chris Lofton gives the Volunteers a threat from the perimeter and is also a valuable leader on the court. The Volunteers are defined by the three ball, which could get them in to trouble against an offense that is lead by big man David Padget and is pretty well balanced. Overall this could be the best coaching match up of tourney, with Bruce Pearl duking it out with Rick Pitino.
My Pick: Louisville
The Cardinal offense is just too balanced and will be able to score more often than the perimiter-loving volunteers. Louisville will pull away late in the second half and walk away with into the elite 8 to take on UNC.
Thats all for now. Stay tuned for tomorrow's picks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iZTJMEHS8A