South Region and a BOLD PREDICTION

Looks like I am 2 for 4 so far in picking the Sweet 16 games. I'm hoping Northern Iowa and Ohio State pull threw tonight along with the two picks from this region so I don't look like too much of a fool!


No. 4 seed Purdue vs No.1 seed Duke: Purdue is without Robbie Hummel and it will really be hard for JaJuan Johnson and crew to pick up the slack against the Blue Devils. Duke comes into this game firing on all cylinders. "The Big Three" (Scheyer, Singler, and Smith) are primed for a stretch run. If Duke, is shooting the ball well it will open up their offense, and that is where they shine. Running Scheyer off of screens and hitting shots early will open Smith's ability to drive and create. Singler will contribute where needed, and Zoubek, as well as the Plumlee's will be counted on for rebounding and low post scoring. Look for the elder of the Plumlee's, Miles, to have a big game inside. Duke has an obvious advantage in this game size-wise.

Purdue will have to get production from Chris Kramer and Keaton Grant to even stay close in this game. With the size disadvantage the need to keep "Duke's Bigs" off the boards. I just don't see Purdue having answers for that size.

Predicted Winner: Duke

N0.10 seed Saint Mary's vs No. 3 seed Baylor: All I can say is Omar Sanham, what a job he's done in first two tourney games, scoring 61 points and collecting 19 rebounds. Baylor needs to use their size and athleticism to hold the big guy in check. They will not only will they have to deal with Sanham, but Mickey McConnell comes into the game leading the nation in 3-point percentage at 52 percent. They run a controlled offense and might be the most fundamentally sound team left in the tourney; they don't beat themselves.

Baylor will try to speed the Gaels up and use their athleticism to cause turnovers. Guards Tweety Carter and sharp shooter LaceDarius Dunn will look to create havoc and turn this into a track meet. Epke Udoh will give the unenviable task of guarding Sanham. Baylor will need to control him and get out on the guards of Saint Mary's.

I see this being a great game, but I love the Gaels in this one! They just stretch the defense so much, and that makes Sanham effective. Too much for Baylor to overcome.

Predicted Winner: Saint Mary's

I'm going ahead and throwing out my Bold Prediction for the weekend, which was almost ruined last night. I have been thinking about this all week, and if Xavier would have beat K State last night it wouldn't have came to be.

Bold Prediction: A mid-major will make the Final Four! Write it down! Northern Iowa, Saint Mary's, and Butler, who is already in the elite 8, are all dangerous. One of these teams will get to Indy!

Until Next Time, Adios!