Sweet 16 Picks--Thursday

The first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament were relatively boring with very few upsets, and with the exception of Saturday, not even a lot of close finishes. However, that looks to change this weekend, as we really have a great couple of games going on the next two days. Thus, OC and I decided to look into the crystal ball and offer our picks for the games. First with Thursday:

WEST REGION

#1 Kansas over #4 Southern Illinois
The first game of the night kicks off with two of the most impressive teams of the tournament so far. I hate to use cliches, but this is the case of the Irresistable Force vs. the Immovable Object, as Kansas has only trailed once (by two vs. Kentucky) and SIU has been playing suffocating defense. SIU needs to keep this low scoring, in the 60s, just to have a chance, but in the end I think Kansas is just playing to well, and should win 71-62.

#2 UCLA over #3 Pitt
This game probably will probably be about as fun to watch as grass growing, as both teams rely on great defense and efficient offense. It's also the battle of the Used Car Salesman, as Greasy Jamie Dixon takes on his mentor, Ben Howland. I look for UCLA to win this game 61-54.

SOUTH REGION

#3 Texas A&M over #2 Memphis
I still don't know what to think about Memphis. They've looked really good so far in the tournament, and have won something like 23 in a row. However, there best player, Chris Douglas-Roberts, was injured late in the game with Nevada and may not be ready to play. Also, Coach John Calipari is a notorious choker. Texas A&M, on the other hand, has the most clutch player in the Tournament in point guard Acie Law IV now that Colin Falls has been eliminated. Thus, I'm picking A&M in a high-scoring, very close game, 83-77.

#1 Ohio St. over #5 Tennessee
This game is a rematch from the regular season, won by Ohio State by two. In that game, UT kept it close by drawing 41-year old freshman Greg Oden out of the paint and opening up the middle, a strategy Xavier used to perfection last Saturday. I think this has great upset potential, and wouldn't be shocked at all to see a Rocky Top victory. However, Ohio State's professionals will carry them over the top 71-68.

Back tomorrow with Friday's games.