3/22/07

I'm still unhappy about the way Maryland's season ended, but you can't let it get to you. That's the way it is in college hoops sometimes - you follow a team for five months, and suddenly, they're eliminated because some jackass referee doesn't know that when a defender throws himself in front of a player in the air, the foul is on the defender, not the guy getting blocked.

Anyway, now we're down to the Sweet 16, with 8 games coming over today and tomorrow. A quick preview of each one, starting with tonight's games:

7:10 - Southern Illinois vs. Kansas - The Salukis are the big underdog heading into this match-up, obviously. Kansas has SIU outmanned, and outsized at pretty much every spot on the court. But SIU didn't get this far by accident - they are a really good college team, and in a one-and-done format, they can get by anybody. Kansas should win, but I don't see any blowouts at this stage.

7:27 - Texas A&M vs. Memphis - This 2/3 game is taking place in San Antonio, which should mean a heavily partisan crowd in favor of the Aggies, even though they are the 3 seed. It's kind of fair for them though, seeing as the just had to beat Louisville in Kentucky to get here. It will be an interesting test for Memphis, a team which has dominated all season, but against a weak schedule, and is now trying to show that their gaudy record is for real. I like Texas A&M here, partly because I think they are the best team, partly because they have the best player (Acie Law IV), partly because they have a pseudo-home court, but mostly because I need them to win desperately in order for my bracket to stay competitive in my pool.

9:40 - Pittsburgh vs. UCLA - Pitt and UCLA meet in the so-called Ben Howland Bowl, as coach Howland of UCLA used to be coach Howland of Pittsburgh. The Panthers have to be fired up to play against the coach who recruited and them abandoned them. But UCLA will be ready, and, since the game is in California, will have the majority of the crowd on their side, just like the Aggies in the earlier game. I like the Bruins in this one, but not by much at all.

9:57 - Tennessee vs. Ohio State - These two teams met earleir in the season, with OSU needing a shot at the last second to put away the Vols in Columbus. Now they meet in a neutral court, with both teams having done a lot of growing up in the weeks in between the two match-ups. Greg Oden has turned into the games premeire defensive player, but has yet to emerge as the offensive force he should be, perhaps because of an injured wrist that may not yet have fully healed. I'm taking Tennessee here in my upset special for the round.

Tomorrow's games:

7:10 - Butler vs. Florida - The Gators didn't look too impressive against Purdue last round, but they got it done. That's kind of been Florida's calling card for a while now - never looking too impressive, but when you look at their body of work, they won the SEC regular season, they won the SEC tournament, and they have won both of their first two games of the tourney. Can they keep doing just enough all the way to another national championship? Maybe not, but I do have them beating a Butler team that is just glad to be here (and as well they should be).

7:27 - Vanderbilt vs. Georgetown - Two of the country's more elite private schools meet up in this match-up. Both teams have a good deal of momentum heading into this one, but GTown moreso because they won their conferences tournament. I like to Hoyas to keep rolling - for now.

9:40 - UNLV vs. Oregon - Perhaps the most intriguing match-up of the night, because neither of these teams was supposed to be playing still. Oregon won the Pac10 Tournament, so it's been a while since they've lost any game. UNLV is the lowest seeded team still remaining. I like the Ducks here, but it wouldn't suprise me at all if the Rebels kept their magical run going.

9:57 - USC vs. North Carolina - The Trojans did a number on national sensation Kevin Durant to get to the round of 16, but they have their work cut out for them now. UNC has been on an absolute tear ever since Gerald Henderson broke Tyler Hansbrough's nose with a flying elbow. I don't see the Heels losing here - in fact, I don't see them losing again, period.

Well, that's what we've got on tap. I'll post again Saturday morning, with a recap of this round and a look ahead to the regional finals. Politics tomorrow. Till then...