2nd Round Saturday Picks; Sweet 16 Predictions Part 1

Although we were upset deprived in the first day of the tournament, we now have many mouth-watering match-ups.  Saturday will decide the first 8 Sweet 16 teams, and end the dreams of 8 others.  Here are my predictions for the first day of second round play. 

#6 UCLA vs. #3 Villanova- Neither team looked impressive in their first round match-ups.  This is set to be a very nice match-up.  Villanova gets another 'home game' as they will be playing in Philadelphia.  This game will come down to the wire, and Villanova will pull it out.  73-71 Villanova

#10 Maryland vs. #2 Memphis- The Maryland Terrapins have a legitimate shot to beat Memphis in this game.  When Greivis Vasquez takes the game into his own hands, the Terps can beat anyone in the country.  Vasquez scored 27 against Cal in their 84-71 'upset' of the #7 seeded California.  Memphis looked sluggish against 15th ranked CSU Northridge but managed to pull out an 11 point victory.  I would not be surprised if Maryland takes this game to the wire and upsets Memphis, but Memphis overall is too strong for Maryland.  77-71 Memphis

#9 Texas A&M vs. #1 UCONN-  #9 Texas A&M had an impressive 1st round victory over BYU, but their luck ends here.  Even without Calhoun (he is expected to be back) on the bench, the Aggies are not match for 7'3 Hasheem Thabeet and the Huskies. 80-65 UCONN

#5 Purdue vs. #4 Washington-  This is set to be one of the best games on Saturday (5:40 PM EST).  Purdue is playing their best basketball of the season after winning the Big Ten Tournament Championship and outlasting a tough Northern Iowa team in the first round of the tournament.  Both teams have decent size, but I'd have to give the edge to Washington with the 6'7 beast that is Jon Brockman.  I think as long as Washington can contain Robbie Hummel, they should move on to the Sweet 16.  64-61 Washington