5 West Virginia vs. 1 Kentucky

Kee: West Virginia has been considered an underdog since the beginning of the tournament, and they silenced the doubters with two impressive wins against Buffalo and Maryland. Their strategy? Wear the opponent down. The endless press, along with endless substitutions, keep the players fresh while putting immense pressure on the opponent. They scrap, claw, bruise, and trap all game long, and that leads to turnovers. The Mountaineers forced 23 turnovers against the Terrapins, including eight from senior forward and team leader Dez Wells. That kind of physical bombardment can take its toll on other sides of the game, as Maryland struggled to find the shooting touch. However, if anyone can take on a physical battle, it’s the Wildcats. They have at least two big men on the floor at any given time, most likely some combination including Karl-Anthony Towns and Willie Cauley-Stein, and they can bump and jab just as much as the Mountaineers can. If West Virginia can force tons of turnovers and get hot from the outside, they can end this magical undefeated run. On the other hand, the Harrison twins are more than capable of escaping the pressure. It’s not going to be pretty, but it will be fun.

Prediction: Kentucky over West Virginia

Evan: The Wildcats may experience their first true test in this game against West Virginia. As a team against Cincinnati in the round of 32, Kentucky got out-rebounded by 10 on the offensive glass, and while it is not something they struggled with during the season, it could present a problem as they go up against the Mountaineers, who led all of Division One with 562 total offensive rebounds. Offensive rebounding, along with an intense West Virginia press that forces mistakes from careless ball-handlers, are what could potentially propel West Virginia to an upset. However, that is not happening. Andrew Harrison is not the same point guard he was last year, cutting his turnover numbers in half while maintaining the same usage percentage. He and his twin brother Aaron bring a level of poise and size (6’6″) to the Wildcats backcourt. Also, the Wildcats have more seven footers than most NBA teams, able to sub an entire front line at a time if they want to. Their size has helped them to rebound well on the defensive end all year (923 total, 12th) and they rank first in defensive rating (83.3), propelled in large by their 248 blocked shots as a team. Expect both teams to push the pace, but Kentucky will lock down the half-court on defense and advance to the Elite Eight.

Prediction: Kentucky over West Virginia

7 Wichita State vs. 3 Notre Dame

Kee: Two very similar team go head to head for an honor to face the almighty Kentucky. Both team utilize small lineups, have strong guard play, and pass the ball really well. Both teams have an unusual ability to pull off an upset, as Notre Dame have taken down Duke and North Carolina twice and Louisville once, and they are all Sweet Sixteen teams. Wichita State already recorded a big upset this tournament, as they knocked off 2-seed Kansas. Momentum is on the Shockers’ side, as they come off a surprising win, while the Fighting Irish struggled to beat the teams that they should dominate. However, it shows the resilience and gritty determination to pull the victory out of the dire situation. Pat Connaughton, while not as decorated as Jerian Grant, embodies the toughness that Notre Dame lives for while the senior guard is one of the best point guards in the nation. Also, Wichita State played like their lives were on the line, as they put up incredible numbers that will be extremely difficult for them to repeat. On the other hand, the Shockers are full of confidence and junior guard Fred VanVleet has an uncanny ability to control the game. It’s going to be tough battle, and that should give you an indication of who’s coming out alive.

Prediction: Notre Dame over Wichita State

Evan: This one will be a battle of two of the top point guards in the nation. Jerian Grant has been a force all year long, and has been the driving force behind the third most efficient offense in the nation (120.4, 3rd). However, the Irish have looked like a different offensive team in March, shooting 6-20 from three-point range against Butler and only shooting six threes against Northeastern in the First Round (making two). If they cannot find the range that helped them to excel all year, they may be in trouble, winning their first two games by a small margin of 3.5 points per game. Wichita State, meanwhile, has been playing some of their most inspired basketball of his career, scoring 44 points through two games and shooting 16-19 from the free throw line. The Shockers also shot 10-20 on threes against Kansas, and absolutely shut down the Jayhawks on defense, forcing them into a 6-21 three-point shooting night. The Shockers had one of the best two-point field goal defenses (.418 opponent two-point field goal percentage, 10th in the nation), while the Irish were the best two-point field goal shooting team in the nation (.583) This game will be fun, fast, and filled with shooting, but I am going with Wichita State. The Shockers have a penchant for beating big teams in March, and they are primed for another upset.

Prediction: Wichita State over Notre Dame

4 North Carolina vs. 1 Wisconsin

Kee: It was a worrying sight to see Frank the Tank struggle with double team in the second half in a game against Oregon. While the Ducks may have showed the other teams how to beat the Badgers, Kaminsky is not the only weapon they have. Sam Dekker and Nigel Hayes showed their abilities to carry the team when it was needed, along with the likes of Josh Gasser, and they came out victorious to reach the Sweet Sixteen. On the other hand, North Carolina is looking more and more dangerous. Marcus Paige is playing like the All-American many people predicted to be, and athleticism of their big men can give Wisconsin trouble, as they will not be able to muscle and force their way to victory. Thing that concerns me about the Tar Heels are their inconsistency, as they can go from the world beaters to 8-10 against quality teams. They even struggled against Harvard and Arkansas, and they are country miles away from challenging the title. Also, while they crash the offensive glass, North Carolina can’t shoot the ball well and doesn’t force too many turnovers, which can be a nightmare against teams that take care of the ball (like Wisconsin). The absence of Kennedy Meeks will make it even tougher to call an upset.

Prediction: Wisconsin over North Carolina.

Evan: I don’t even think this one is a question. The Badgers have been one of, if not the, best and most consistent teams in the nation. They are deep, battle tested, experienced, and self-aware. Everyone has a role to play, and Bo Ryan does an exceptional job of using the diverse skill sets that his players have on offense. North Carolina, on the other hand, did not show up against elite opponents this year. They just narrowly survived against Harvard, and got an Arkansas team that had just run out of gas. They are struggling with depth, losing guard Theo Pinson early in the year to a foot injury, and now possibly losing Meeks to an ankle injury. I think they are going to struggle to find offense. Marcus Paige could have a big game, but Brice Johnson is going to struggle against Kaminsky and Hayes up front. I just love how the Badgers can go anywhere for offense. Guards Josh Gasser and Traevon Jackson (who is returning from injury) bring pressure and poise in the backcourt, Nigel Hayes’s tremendous athleticism and three point stroke space the floor, Sam Dekker has finally rediscovered his shooting stroke at just the right time, and Kaminsky is a virtuoso on offense. This is Wisconsin’s year.

Prediction: Wisconsin over North Carolina

6 Xavier vs. 2 Arizona

Kee: Xavier have not played a top-quality team, being matched up with 11-seed Ole Miss and 14-seed Georgia State before finally facing Arizona. Also, they heavily rely on the senior center Matt Steinbrook since they can are not a good shooting team, as Remy Abell is the only player that is shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. Problem? Arizona is bigger than Xavier and the likes of Kaleb Tarczewski can force the Musketeers to look for other options. With Abell not as their top shooting option, as he is only fourth in team in attempts, not enough weapons are there for them to penetrate the tough, tough Wildcats defense. The trio of T. J. McConnell, Stanley Johnson, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson makes up one of the strongest perimeter defense in the nation, and they are brainwashed to play defense as a team. Johnson, especially, can boost his draft stock to where it was before the season with a big game and a deep run in a tournament. The Wildcats made a statement by manhandling the Buckeyes. Don’t expect this game to be close.

Prediction: Arizona over Xavier

Evan: This Arizona team is good. Really good. And I don’t think many people respect them. I thought they were more deserving of the number one seed than Villanova, but being a two seed set them up nicely to reach the Sweet Sixteen, easily handling Texas Southern and Ohio State in the first two rounds. Boy, can they defend. With the fifth most efficient defense in the nation (88.1 defensive rating), the Wildcats half court defense is impeccable, and they have a great concept of team defense. They have three shut down defenders in their starting lineup: Rondae Hollis Jefferson, a pitbull of a defender, Stanley Johnson, a diesel truck in a man’s body, and point guard T.J. McConnell, who has really turned it on this March. He’s doing it all, averaging 15.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 4.5 steals per game through the first two rounds, being an absolute pest on defense. Xavier is a quality team, but they have run into some easy competition through the first two rounds in play-in Ole Miss and mid-major Georgia State. Sure Matt Stainbrook is big, but the Wildcats’ Kaleb Tarczewski is bigger. The Musketeers have been hot from three-point range in March, but they were a middle of the pack shooting team during the regular season, shooting 35.6 percent. Expect them to regress in the face of a tough Arizona defense.

Prediction: Arizona over Xavier

8 N.C. State vs. 4 Louisville

Kee: The Wolfpack is coming. After an impressive victory over the top seed Villanova, NC State look to continue their cinderella run against Louisville. The Wolfpack has flashed its ability beat top teams, as they consistently knocked off big names in ACC, such as Duke and NC. Also, flash back to February 14, and you can witness NC State topping Louisville. They have the blueprint to beat these top-tier team and they have delivered in the conference tournament and the Big Dance. Breakout of Cat Barber has given the Wolfpack another option besides Trevor Lacey and Ralston Turner. One thing that really concerns me about the Cardinals is their inconsistency from the arc. When facing zone defense, Louisville failed to put up numbers as they struggled to hit a long ranger. So while the Cardinals are “favorites” here, it will take something very, very special from Montrezl Harrell for them to advance. The fact that No. 8 seed is 4-0 against No. 4 seed since 2000 isn’t helping that cause either.

Prediction: N.C. State over Louisville

Evan: N.C. State’s win over Villanova was the Wolfpack’s way over telling us all that they have arrived. They have experience taking down big name teams, holding wins over Duke, North Carolina, and, ironically, Louisville. In that game against the Cardinals, the Wolfpack controlled the boards, ending with a +10 margin. Anthony “Cat” Barber and Ralston Turner have not been the central figures on offense like they were during the regular season, but the Wolfpack has maintained a well-balanced offensive attack. They push the ball in transition, and have locked down the three-point line on defense. They held Villanova, one of the top three-point shooting teams in the nation, to 32.1 percent in their upset win. Louisville wins and loses games at the three-point line. They got hot in their win over Northern Iowa (.455), but were stone-cold in their two-point win over UC Irvine (.333). Going up against a lockdown team like N.C. State, Montrezl Harrell will need to have a monster game on the boards and in the paint, but the Wolfpack has the edge in this matchup.

Prediction: N.C. State over Louisville.

7 Michigan State vs. 3 Oklahoma

Kee: When in doubt, role with Tom Izzo. One of the most successful coaches in the history of NCAA, Izzo won 15 more games that his team’s seeding suggests in the tournament, and boy did he prove himself against Virginia. However, this is a different team that they are facing compared to Georgia and Virginia. Unlike the slow, big, defensive minded Bulldogs and Cavaliers, the Sooners like to run, run, and run some more. Their fast-paced offense crashes the offensive glass and shoots the three ball. However, their performance throughout the tournament is mediocre at best. Once again not challenged by a top-tier team, as they advanced past 14-seed Albany and 11-seed Dayton, they haven’t done much to make themselves as a threat to make a deep run. That being said, the matchup against the Spartans will be a challenge and an opportunity to justify their No. 3 seed and prove that they can hang with the big boys. On the other hand, Michigan States’ perimeter defense can shut down not only the three point shooters like Buddy Hield, but also inside the arc, as they limited the Cavaliers to 17-57 shooting. Senior guard Travis Trice was a sensation last game, scoring game-high 23 points along with four threes. If Trice does what he does and also control the tempo of the game, the Spartans will continue marching on.

Prediction: Michigan State over Oklahoma

Evan: I hate Michigan State like I hate the Nazis, but I have to admit, they looked like an elite team against Virginia. They controlled the defensive end of the floor, shutting down Virginia’s shooters, holding them to 18.8 percent three-point shooting and 37.5 percent from the floor. Senior guard Travis Trice went off on offense, but their perimeter defense was phenomenal. They have played two good teams through the first two rounds (the other being Georgia), and they look like the Michigan State we have come to know in the past. Oklahoma is only good if they are making three-pointers. They looked terrible against a so-so Albany team in the first round, and then caught fire against Dayton, making 9-18 three-pointers. But they do not foul at a high rate, which is a blessing to Michigan State who struggle at the free-throw line (team .630 free throw percentage), and they sometimes struggle to score in the paint when their three-point shot is not falling, and area on defense where the Spartans excel. Tom Izzo has experience in this type of situation, and if they can lock in on Oklahoma’s shooters, specifically Buddy Hield, who has been on fire, they will move into the Elite Eight.

Prediction: Michigan State over Oklahoma

4 Utah vs. 1Duke

Kee: Don’t be quick to jump to the conclusion. Utah is playing like they are vying for No. 2 seed again and they confidently took care of SF Austin and Georgetown to set up a very tough matchup against the Blue Devils. Two towering centers Jakob Poeltl and Dylan Bachynski can give potential Player of the Year Jahlil Okafor some trouble down low, as they have the size advantage over Okafor. Senior guard and top prospect Delon Wright is one of the best perimeter defender in the nation and he will be a pest for the likes of Quinn Cook and Tyus Jones. However, Duke is capable of scoring in many, many different ways. Okafor is incredibly polished on the post, as his footwork and savvy allows him to be a man amongst boys. If double teamed, he is an accomplished passer to find his sharpshooting guards. On the break, athleticisms of Jones, Justice Winslow, and Grayson Allen let the Blue Devils run the track meet if needed, either finishing off with a dunk or finding Cook in the corner. Winslow, ever since being forced to play the 4 position, his energy, athleticism, defense, and outside shooting gives almost any power forward trouble on the both side of the court. Utah has a chance to reach to the Final Four if they can get passed Duke. While they are playing out of their skin, poor seeding hindered them from advancing further.

Prediction: Duke over Utah

Evan: Duke is getting a tough matchup in this one. Guards Quinn Cook and Tyus Jones are sharp shooters who love to push the ball in transition. Cook in particular often leaks out on the fast break for easy layups. The Blue Devils have the third best field goal percentage in the nation at 50.7 percent, and that’s large in part to center Jahlil Okafor. Big Jah is a man among boys in the paint, and after having a bit of pre-tournament jitters in the first round against Robert Morris, Okafor was a force against San Diego State, scoring 26 points on 12-16 shooting. Cook and Jones do a great job of setting Okafor up in the post, and that leads to the nation’s fourth most efficient offense (120.4 offensive rating.) Utah, however has the personnel to neutralize the Blue Devils’ key contributors. Senior guard Delon Wright is considered by many to be one of the best perimeter defenders in America, and starting center Jakob Poeltl and backup center Dylan Bachynski are both seven footers capable of at least making Okafor’s day difficult. The deciding factor? Duke’s freshman forward Justise Winslow. Since being moved to a small-ball power forward, Winslow has been on a tear, pushing the ball in transition and locking down perimeter players on the defensive end. His athleticism and defense will be the difference maker in this game.

Prediction: Duke over Utah

11 UCLA vs. 2 Gonzaga

Kee: It’s mind blowing that UCLA made it this far. After somehow squeaking by one of the best 6-seed team, SMU, with a game winning goaltend, the Bruins were blessed with a date with UAB, instead of Iowa State. Well, all good things have to come to end, right? While UCLA handled their round of 32 matchup fairly easily, the Blazers are nowhere near the quality of the team that is Gonzaga. Led by one of the most exciting duo in the nation, the Zags, I believe, has the quality to make a deep, deep run in the tournament. Kyle Wiltjer can score at will, as the 6-10 forward has put up over twenty points in both games in the tournament, as well as grabbing rebounds and hitting his share of trey balls, giving his best Kelly Olynyk impression. Senior guard Kevin Pangos, while not lighting up the box score like Wiltjer, has been the one that drives the Gonzaga’s offense. Also, he can hit the deep ball. Noticing a trend? UCLA’s sloppy, inconsistent, yet lucky run is coming to an end if they can’t stop the Zags from hitting the outside shot. Simple as that.

Prediction: Gonzaga over UCLA

Evan: UCLA must have seen some voodoo lady before the selection committee announced the tournament participants a few weeks ago. Seriously, what are they doing here? They lost almost every game they played this year against big name teams, their only quality win coming against Utah. They were plagued by inconsistency and a lack of confidence. But so far in March, everything has bounced their way. They got past SMU thanks to that goaltending call on Bryce Alford’s buzzer beating three-point attempt, both a questionable and unbelievable play. They then got UAB in the second round instead of Iowa State. UAB was fourth in the Conference-USA, which shows you the type of quality team they are. UCLA handled them with ease. But here is where their luck will run out. In my opinion, Gonzaga was right up there with Arizona in contention for the number one seed that Villanova ultimately got. They had the most efficient offense in the country all year long (121.4 offensive rating), and have been clicking on all cylinders in the tournament, averaging over a plus-10 margin on the boards and shooting a blistering .447 from three-point range as a team, including 10-16 against Iowa. Kyle Wiltjer has been the man for the Bulldogs, averaging 23.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Unless the Bruins can contain the Zags’ guards and stifle Wiltjer from the outside, the Bulldogs will move on to the Elite Eight

Prediction: Gonzaga over UCLA