Predictions for Sweet 16

[KillerNut]

Okay, here's my picks and explanations for the Sweet 16 matchups this thursday and friday. Lets hear' em

Midwest

Florida over Butler - in a nail bitter that Butler tries to prove it belongs but can't compete with Florida's superior athleticism and depth. Florida 85 Butler 79

UNLV over Oregon - UNLV is very hot right now with a big win over Wisconsin and I believe that they will carry it into this game. This should be one of the best matchups this week IMO. UNLV 75 Oregon 73

West

Kansas over Southern Illinois - Kansas is the best team right now and I believe they are the one's to beat. So. Illinois tries valantly for the first half. Kansas 92 So. Illnois 74

UCLA over Pittsburgh - UCLA's defense will give Pitt fits big time. UCLA 54 Pitt 42

East

North Carolina over Southern Cal - USC's run ends here. Hansbrough and Co. are to much for SoCal's run and gun. Besides, do you really want these LA premadonnas to be good at two sports? ESPN has the dynasty label ready to slap on USC if they win. North Carolina 82 USC 70

Georgetown over Vanderbilt - Sorry commodore fans, Vandy's brillant run comes up just a little short. Georgetown 72 Vanderbilt 71

South

Ohio State over Tennessee - a rematch of a regular season game that has the Vol faithful on its feet for the entire game. I think this will be a high scoring game with both sides slugging it out. tOSU wins it on another Ron Lewis last second three pointer. Ohio State 90 Tennessee 89

Memphis over Texas A&M - Acie Law IV is a great player but I think Memphis has a lot of talent across the board. This should be a good game even without Memphis leading scorer but I think they pull it out. Memphis 76 Texas A&M 66

[Gator2753]

Great thread topic! Its about time so + rep.

My percentage in my bracket is at 38.8% b/c of teams like VCU beating duke and Wisconsin losing early. However, my final 4 teams are still in.

Im taking the following teams to advance.

Florida : Depth and bench too much for Butler in the second half.

Oregon : I think their shooting %age will be the determining factor here.

Kansas : They are playing better than any other team in the tourney and will dominate in every category.

UCLA : I hate UCLA. All I asked for in this tourney is for Duke and UCLA to be eliminated. However I do have them advancing over Pitt.

UNC : The trojans run ends here. Thank you for taking down texas though. Prepare for a Carolina blowout.

Georgetown : I want vandy to win and think they can. However Georgetown is the safer bet. They are no stranger to the NCAAT.

OSU : Thats who I have in my bracket. However UT will play OSU tougher than Xavier did IMO.

Memphis : Quite possibly my worst pick to advance to the final 4. I think A&M will be tough to beat not to mention this will be like a home game for them.

[KillerNut]

Thanks Gator2753 and Nice picks btw.

[gatorunvrsty]

GATORS: Way too much for Butler after Billy D. gets in their butt following the Purdue game. UF 85 - Butler 67.

DUCKS: UNLV looks impressive, but I agree with Gator. Oregon is lights out, right now. UO 74 - UNLV 71.

JAYHAWKS: They looked unstoppable while punishing UK. I'm hoping they stumble in the homestretch. It just won't be against S. Illinois. KU 87 - SIU 71.

BRUINS: Their D will make Pitt look bad. UCLA 70 - Pitt 60.

TAR HEELS: UNC's run-n-gun is a lot more refined and practiced than USC's. They also have the superior talent and experience. UNC 81 - USC 71.

HOYAS: Vandy's had great 3-point shooting and some good D; but that kind of shooting can't last forever, and they don't have an inside game to fall back on. GU 80 - VU 70.

VOLS: I honestly think the Buckeyes were given a game they didn't win against Xavier. UT looks better than they have at any time all year. This is my upset special. UT 81 - tOSU 77.

AGGIES: You never know how a player going down will affect a team. Some teams will play even harder, while some will fold. Memphis probably won't fold, but I think they've been a little over-hyped all along. This is the hardest choice, but I like A&M. T-A&M 78 - Memphis 73.

My bracket is in the 91st percentile because of the early upsets, but the teams I picked to win after those losses were right. Only Butler continued to win. I've only missed 1 game in the South, and I'm actually picking A&M, even though I picked Memphis on my bracket. The injury sways me.

[thethrill]

Florida: While Butler is certainly no pushover, I think the Gators size inside and big game experience is a little too much for them.

Oregon: Have no idea about either team just a guess.

Kansas: Something tells me to go with SIU, because Kansas has been known to fold, but Kansas looked very strong Sunday. Could be their year.

UCLA: Could be the ugliest game of the tourney.

UNC: Hansbrough is too much for the Trojans to handle.

Georgetown: Possible upset here if Vandy gets hot, but probaly not.

Tennessee: I know homer pick, but I can see it happening. Lofton doesn't usually have 2 off games in a row, and the role players are showing up at the right time.

Texas A&M: I think the Aggies might just ride Acie Law's coattails all the way to the Final Four.

[shanksta13]

Ok, this is what I have in my bracket:


Florida over Maryland/Butler
Oregon over Wisconsin/UNLV

Kansas over Southern Illinois
Pitt over UCLA

Texas over UNC (obviously doesn't apply anymore)
Georgetown over Washington State/Vandy

Ohio State over Virginia/Tennessee
Texas A&M over Memphis




Now here is what I predict now:


Florida over Butler
Oregon over UNLV

Kansas over Southern Illinois
Pitt over UCLA (I actually think UCLA will win but whatever I'm sticking to my bracket prediction)

UNC over USC
Georgetown over Vandy

Tennessee over Ohio State
Texas A&M over Memphis