Sweet 16!

There has been a few days since our last tournament games, and time has gone by slowly.  I cannot wait for the games today, as the level of competition will be greater than the first round (at least ideally...)  Here are my thoughts/predictions for today's action:

-Marquette vs. Miami:  Marquette barely squeaked by in games against Davidson and Butler.  In both games, it appeared as if Marquette was about to lose, but the team, led by Vander Blue, hit clutch shot after clutch shot and picked up some needed defensive stops.  Miami was tested by Illinois, and could do well defending Blue, as he compares somewhat similarly to Brandon Paul.  The Illini destroyed the 'Canes on the glass, which has to be improved if Miami wants to move on.  At the end of the game, I expect Shane Larkin to prove too difficult for Marquette to guard, and Miami advances to the sweet 16.  Prediction:  Miami 69 Marquette 63

-Arizona vs. Ohio State:  It would appear that the winner of this game has the best shot of any team in the tournament to make the final four, as the winner faces the winner of LaSalle vs. Wichita State (more on this game later).  Ohio State needed a buzzer beating 3 by Aaron Craft to survive Iowa State, though Craft did not have a good game approaching that three.  Arizona has athletic guards who can defend the point well, so Craft needs to be tough and avoid turning the ball over today.  DeShaun Thomas has to score efficiently.  Arizona has not had a "go-to" guy all season, but they play as a team very well.  Solomon Hill is a match-up nightmare for this Ohio State squad, and if Lyons/Johnson make shots, Arizona has a great chance of advancing.  When I filled out my bracket, I picked Ohio State to the final four, but I really like Arizona's chances to pull of the upset in the crazy West regional.  Prediction:  Arizona 75 Ohio State 74

-Indiana vs. Syracuse:  This game boasts the greatest number of NBA prospects for today's games, with Cody Zeller, Victor Oladipo and Michael Carter Williams as potential lottery picks.  Indiana had a scare against Temple, and will have to hit outside shots to break Syracuse's zone today.  Syracuse faces a daunting task against Indiana, as they may put Oladipo on MCW.  The big keys for Syracuse will be to avoid turning the ball over, as Indiana is best in transition, and to win the battle of the boards.  I think Indiana will be too much for Syracuse, with Hulls and Watford spacing that zone too much.  Prediction:  Indiana 80 Syracuse 65

-LaSalle vs. Wichita State:  These teams have played very well to make the Sweet 16, and one will be rewarded with an Elite 8 berth.  LaSalle has played well in the tournament after a strong Atlantic 10 season that included wins over VCU and Butler, and upset #4 seed Kansas State in round two.  This team excels rebounding the ball, and can score in a variety of ways.  As a 13 seed, and one of the first four, their story mirrors VCU's magical run to the Final Four.  Maybe they have magic left in them?  Wichita State is a cinderella in their own right, a 9 seed who knocked off Gonzaga.  Malcom Armstead, the transfer from Oregon, is the leader of this team, and will have to have another big game to beat the Explorers.  Proficient from the three point line, Wichita State will have to hit shots to win, as I think they will in the last minute.  Prediction:  Wichita State 75 LaSalle 72

Prospect of the Day to Watch:  Cody Zeller- His stock has been slipping, and he hasn't had a big tournament game to show he is worthy of a top ten selection.  Syracuse has a physical front line, but nothing he shouldn't be able to handle.  A 20/10 game would do wonders for Zeller's draft stock; watch him closely today.

Best upset chance: Arizona

Maybe a team can emerge as a favorite today.  The only way to find out is to watch!  Tune in at 4pm (West Coast time)  Follow @ZRey12 on twitter for some analysis during gameplay!