Total Madness- The Sweet Sixteen Edition

 Okay if you read the previous post you know I didn't pick very well in this first round and my Final Four sleeper pick was ousted in the second round (sorry for not posting a second round pick entry). Now I have a good feel for all of the teams and I think my predictions will be better. 

  Midwest

12) Arizona vs. 1) Louisville- Arizona has really impressed me in their first two games, however they haven't played a team who has their level of talent so far. This Wildcats team has been too athletic for Utah and Cleveland State but Louisville certainly won't have that problem. The Cardinals did not look too good in their last game but they will bounce back and beat the only remaining double- digit seed. The Pick: Louisville 83- 76

3) Kansas vs. 2) Michigan State- Michigan State is one of the teams I haven't really seen a lot of, but this Kansas squad has real potential to repeat. They might have the best inside- outside combo in the tournament in Aldrich and Collins. Aldrich has been playing out of his mind and unless the Spartans can slow him they're in trouble (I don't think they will). The Pick: Kansas 73- 62

   West

5) Purdue vs. 1) UConn- Connecticut has been playing amazing and yet many people are still doubting them. I am not one of those people. I think Purdue is good but the Huskies are so much bigger, more athletic, and deeper. On a side note Thabeet is being exposed as a tall player rather than a really good player. How is this guy going to score points in the pros if he can't score in college? Look out for this Huskies team. The Pick: UConn 80- 67

3) Missouri vs. 2) Memphis- Memphis looked dreadful against Northridge but responded great against Maryland. They are looking good right now but so is Mizzou.  Although a five point win over Marquette didn't exactly wow me. It bothers me that Memphis relies so heavily on a freshman. That will come back to haunt them in the long run. The Pick: Memphis 82-79

East

4) Xavier vs. 1) Pitt- Pitt has been playing terrible lately. If they play like they have the first two games, they will lose to Xavier. But I am going to say that they will bounce back in the Sweet Sixteen. Pitt has so many weapons to hit an opposing team with, but they have just yet to utilize all of them. This is the game that the team will finally come together and play up to their capability. The Pick: Pitt 83- 68

3) Villanova vs. 2) Duke- This is the game of the round. Duke is one of the hottest teams dating back to the ACC tournament and Nova is coming off a big win over UCLA. What I've seen of Duke this year I have really liked and the same goes for the Wildcats. This will be hard fought, well-coached game that possibly (hopefully!) will come down to the final possession. The Pick: Duke 74-72

South

4) Gonzaga vs. 1) UNC- Wait, wasn't Lawson supposed to be hurt? Instead he was the key player in a win over LSU. This spells good news for the Tar Heels. They are probably the most talented team in the tournament but are also prone to bad lapses. Unless a team catches the on an off day they are looking very good to be in the title game. The Pick: UNC 83- 70

3) Syracuse vs 2) Oklahoma- The difference in this game is two words: Blake Griffin. The Pick: OU 75- 74

My revised Final Four: Kansas, UConn, Pitt, and Oklahoma.

Champion: Pitt