There's that Jordan brand commercial running right now that claims 'There are no Cinderellas.' I beg to differ. The Tampa Bay venue begs to differ. Maybe the higher seeds were just so frightened when they saw this image. Entirely possible, don't you think?
The second half of the Sweet 16 will be decided today and it's going to include at least two double-digit seeds, maybe even three if Stephen Curry continues to stroke it from downtown.
Let's hope we find a few more upsets in our Easter basket.
12 Villanova vs 13 Siena (12:10) This will undoubtedly be an entertaining up and down game with Tay Fisher and Scottie Reynolds trying to outmatch each other from the perimeter. Siena is hot, but Villanova's inside strength should take over late. Pick: Wildcats 84-78
2 Texas vs 7 Miami-FL (2:15) Either Jack McClinton is hot early and the Hurricanes build confidence to stick around or this will be over in 10 minutes. One way I see Miami hanging in late or even winning is if Dwayne Collins can get the Longhorns frontcourt into foul trouble. There's not a lot of depth there and if McClinton is hitting, Collins could be the same force he was against Duke earlier this season. Should stay relatively close. Pick: Longhorns 80-74
2 Tennessee vs 7 Butler (2:30) I love this matchup for Butler. They're the perfect slower-paced, take care of the ball offense that is needed to beat the Vols. So long as the entire Bulldogs team isn't cold, we'll see a mild upset. Pick: Bulldogs 76-71
2 Georgetown vs 10 Davidson (2:50) Davidson's a fun team to root for, with a 13-year-old that can hit it from anywhere inside half court. Best chance the Wildcats have is an unconscious 3-point effort because there won't be any looks from inside. If I'm John Thompson III I run three-four different bigger bodies at Stephen Curry (Freeman, Rivers, Wallace and maybe even Summers) and where him down with some physical play. Hibbert needs to get in the mindset to start taking over these games. If the Hoyas advance, they'll need that to beat Wisconsin and Kansas. Pick: Hoyas 73-58
12 Western Kentucky vs 13 San Diego (2:50) A matchup between our newest OT buzzer beating friends. The winner here is definitely a Cinderella and I'm not sure I care who it is. Western Kentucky seems like the team that could give UCLA the most trouble with two go-to scorers in Brazelton and Lee. I wouldn't be surprised to see the former go off for another 30+ effort. Pick: Hilltoppers 77-72
1 Memphis vs 9 Mississippi State (4:45) It's been a long time since the Tigers have faced a physical defensive team and I believe it will be a shock to the system, throwing their usually very efficient offense off it's game. Say goodbye to our first #1 seed. Pick: Bulldogs 78-77
3 Louisville vs 6 Oklahoma (5:00) Cardinals defense too much of an advantage. Pick: 66-59
1 North Carolina vs 9 Arkansas (5:15) The only chance Arkansas has of stopping the Tar Heels fast break is if Ty Lawson trips over Steven Hill's hair. Pick: UNC 85-72
Q it up here. 7 more hours of hoops. Enjoy.












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