(3) Xavier v. (7) West Virginia
Even though they’re the lower seed, no one would be surprised to see West Virginia get past Xavier and advance to the Elite 8. In fact, the Mountaineers are favored by one point. Having the better coach (Bob Huggins) and the best player (Joe Alexander) will make that happen. West Virginia also draws the public's affection for knocking off Duke last round, which makes just about everyone happy besides for those who went to Glenbrook North, like Duke sophomore gunner Jon Scheyer. Still, don’t write off Sean Miller’s Xavier squad just because you’re looking to pick an upset (not that this would be one anyway). Drew Lavender is the quintessential college floor general and forward Josh Duncan can fill up the box score.
The pick: Xavier
(1) North Carolina v. (4) Washington St.
This is a classic contrast in styles: Carolina likes to push it offensively while Washington St. locks you down with their defense. Most think the Tar Heels will advance easily, but the eight point spread Vegas instilled for this game may be a tad high. The Cougars have two big time players in Kyle Weaver and Derrick Low, and their defense-first mindset could be what is needed to pull the upset. In the end, it’s likely that Tyler Hansbrough and UNC will be too tough, but don’t expect his one to be as easy as their previous two wins.
The pick: Carolina
(1) UCLA v. (12) Western Kentucky
Led by NBA prospect Courtney Lee and Rich Central alum Tyrone Brazelton, Western Kentucky is tied with Villanova for the lowest seeded team to advance to the Sweet 16. As evident in their game against Drake, they can shoot three-pointers efficiently, and they’ll have to get hot from there to give UCLA a game. The Hilltoppers will have their hands full with freshman big man Kevin Love, who has emerged into one of the country’s five best players. UCLA has been battling a slew of injuries lately, but if everyone stays on the floor, it’s hard to see them lose this one.
The pick: UCLA
(2)Tennessee v. (3) Louisville
Will the ‘Bruce Pearl to Indiana’ rumors distract the Volunteers? Tennessee has struggled at times in both rounds of the tournament, and arguably got outplayed by a far less athletic Butler squad to get here. Louisville, meanwhile, has been rolling as of late, going undefeated in February before consecutive loses to two good teams in Georgetown and Pitt. The Cardinals cruised past Boise St. and Oklahoma to reach this point.
The pick: Louisville
Roman Modrowski is an assistant sports editor for the 
Ricky, I picked West Virginia to make it to the Elite Eight for three reasons;
1) Their coach has had them tournament ready as of late. Key.
2) I knew if they made it to over-rated Duke they'd have an excellent chance to move on.
3) Finished the season strong. Just seemed to look tired against Georgetown. I knew the rest would do them good.
The one thing that could really hurt them though is if Alexander continues to try to take matters solely into his hands. Couple that with Xavier being a very well coached TEAM themselves, and that could spell disaster for the Mountaineers. Either way, I see a very competitive game.
Go, Louisville!
I'll have to stick with Tennessee in this game, although I wouldn't risk any coin of the realm on it's outcome.
UCLA and N.C. are no-brainers.
Also: Greg Couch wrote an interesting column today that may spark some lively debate if Stern has his way.
Farewell Wally.
*moment of silence*
Thanks for the wonderful memories.
Sincerely,
My brackets are dead. Sorry Jewels. I wasnt in full-lockdown-tournament mode.
I went to GBN and I didnt mind seeing Duke get knocked off, and I coached Sheyer on a few AAU teams.
I have always been a NC guy since my MJ obsession days.
I still want John to do well though. John has had that same game since he was 7. The problem with Duke is, you cant have 4 John Sheyers on the Floor.