Sweet 16 Preview

Louisville vs. Oregon:

(http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1567293-top-moments-in-louisville-basketball-history)

Entering the tournament there may not have been a hotter team than Louisville, and they've kept that going so far in the tournament, winning their first two games by an average margin of 28.5 points. While the game will certainly be closer than that, the Big East champions will be extending their win streak to 13 games against Oregon. Despite Oregon being criminally under-seeded, they simply don't have the talent to take down Louisville. I could go into detail about specific match-ups in order to justify this pick but there really is no need. If you're not convinced, then take a look at Louisville's schedule this year. They haven't lost since February 9th and all but one of their wins were by double digits. I rest my case. See you in the Elite 8.

Duke vs. Michigan State:

(http://www.phrma.org/news-media/speeches/michael-krzyzewski-2011-phrma-annual-meeting)

Coach K just looks like a rat doesn't he. The resemblance is uncanny. Alright so I'm bias and a hater and whatever else you wanna call me. What can I say? I'm a Terp. Despite that, and how much it pains me to say this, Duke is going to win this match-up. Duke just has too many weapons for Michigan State to handle at this point in time. If it's not Miles Plumlee then its Seth Curry, and if it's not Curry then its Ryan Kelly, and if its not Kelly then it's Rasheed Sulaimon. You get my point. On a side note, keep an eye on this Sulaimon kid. He's gonna be the next big thing for Duke. Anyway, back to my point. If a team can't match up with Duke's talent, then the only way to beat them is to dominate the boards. Duke ranked 213th in the country in rebounding this year, leaving them susceptible to good rebounding teams. Exhibit A is the fact that Maryland (3rd in the nation in rebounding) was able to beat the Blue Devils twice this season (WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!! Seriously still hype from those games). While Michigan State is no slouch on the boards at 55th in the country, they don't have the rebounding prowess to overcome Duke's talent.

Wichita State vs. La Salle:

(http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1581518-wichita-state-vs-la-salle-game-time-tv-schedule-spread-info-and-predictions)

Alright so I'm not gonna sit here and pretend that I watched either of these teams play this season prior to the tournament. I didn't even know where Wichita State was until just now when I googled it so I wouldn't look like a moron. It's in Kansas if any of you are wondering. That being said I'm just gonna go off my gut and what I've seen during the tourney. Wichita State will win this game because...um...I mean...hmm. How bout you just trust me on this one. Next!

Ohio State vs. Arizona:

Ohio State is another one of those teams that has been on a role as of late, winning ten games in a row. Granted, there is a lot controversy over their most recent win against Iowa State and a lot of people don't think they should still be in the tournament. While that definitely should have been called a block instead of a charge, there is no telling how that last minute and a half of the game would have played out had the call been made. Plus, I find it useless to live in a world of "what ifs". Ohio State is playing in the Sweet Sixteen and will be moving on to the Elite 8. The close call against Iowa State will serve as a wake up call, causing the Buckeyes to come into this next game with much more focus. Aaron Craft (pictured above) will be able to use his stellar defense to neutralize Arizona's leading scorer, Mark Lyons, which will make it difficult for the Wildcats' offense to get going. Behind the defense of Craft and scoring of Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State will move on with relative ease.

Kansas vs. Michigan:

(http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1448711-michigan-basketball-will-brutal-big-ten-leave-no-1-ranking-elusive)

This was the toughest game for me to pick. However, I'm going to stick with what I put in my bracket which is Michigan advancing past Kansas to the Elite 8. Despite the good record and everything they have done, I honestly haven't been impressed by Kansas this year. Although Michigan had some struggles at the end of the season, I credit that to the gauntlet that was the Big Ten conference this season. Seven teams from that conference made the tournament and four of them remain standing in the Sweet Sixteen. The Big 12 on the other hand was sub par this year. Five teams from that conference made the tournament but Kansas is the only one still standing. Only one other (Iowa State) even made it out of the round of 64. I think Michigan's experience playing against higher caliber teams will propel them to a win over Kansas. This will be a good game though and I am excited to see the showdown between Trey Burke (Michigan) and Ben McLemore (Kansas) as they attempt to one up each other.

Florida vs. Florida Gulf Coast:

(http://jacksonville.com/sports/college/florida-gators/2012-03-07/story/floridas-patric-young-named-sec-scholar-athlete-year)

So...this is a little awkward. Florida Gulf Coast (FGC) is the sweet heart of the tournament. Everyone in the country is getting behind this team that plays an exciting brand of basketball and was the first 15 seed to beat a 2 seed ever. Great stuff. They're going to lose to Florida. Let me rephrase...they're gonna get stomped. I'm sorry to rain on everybody's parade, but during the excitement of watching this team people seem to have forgotten that they were a 15 seed for a reason...they aren't that good. What they've done so far is certainly impressive, but let's not blow it out of proportion. Georgetown has been a disaster in the tournament during recent years, being bounced by double digit seeds in five consecutive tournament appearances. As for San Diego State, they couldn't even win their Mountain West conference. So while the wins are impressive, I don't understand why people all of a sudden are projecting a Final Four appearance. The Gators will have their way with FGC by slowing down the pace of the game and taking care of the ball. FGC thrives off an up and down game and scoring in the fast break. The two ways to start a fast break are off a missed shot or a turnover. Sadly for FGC, the Gators are 8th in the country in field goal percentage and average only 11 turnovers per game which is good for 23rd in the country. By limiting FGC's fast break opportunities, Florida will be advancing to the Elite 8 with ease.

Indiana vs. Syracuse:

(http://www.local10.com/sports/Hoosiers-survive-Wyatt-Temple-to-advance-in-tournament/-/1717082/19448638/-/ht9jp0/-/index.html)

Temple just gave Indiana everything that they could handle. Thanks to some clutch shooting from Victor Oladipo the Hoosiers were able to escape with a six point victory. Now they have to take on the Syracuse Orange to get into the Elite 8. While it won't be easy, I do believe they will be able to pull it off. The duo of Oladipo and Cody Zeller (both pictured above) is one of the best one-two punches in the country and will be too much for Syracuse, who just doesn't have the offensive firepower to keep up.

Miami vs. Marquette:

(http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1523388-miami-basketball-hurricanes-are-easy-choice-for-no-1-seed-in-ncaa-tournament)

Shane Larkin, Shane Larkin, Shane Larkin. In my opinion, 'nuff said, but I'll elaborate. Miami is going to win this game for a number of reasons. Marquette has barely squeaked by in their first two games of the tournament, winning by a combined total of 3 points. Miami's roster is full of upperclassmen that have a lot of experience and know how to handle adversity. Miami had a wake up call against Illinois and will come in to this game more focused. These reasons are all well and good, but my faith in Miami rides on the shoulders of sophomore point guard Shane Larkin. I have fully jumped on board the Larkin band wagon and you all should too. This kid is a special player that has a bright future in the game of basketball. Sadly, he will be forever underrated because he is only 5'11", but he's going to be special. And remember you heard it here first. This young man has a versatile offensive game, with the ability to attack the basket, shoot the three, and create for others. Just as important is that he has swagger. No, not "swag", whatever the hell that means. He has swagger, which just means that he has that self confidence that he can take and make the big shot when his team needs it. This was on full display with his nasty step back three pointer with one minute left against Illinois to take the lead. Larkin is going to will his team to the Elite 8 and beyond.