NCAA Sweet 16 Picks

Here are my picks for the Sweet 16 (winner in bold)

Louisville vs. Arizona:
Arizona has definitely shown that they belong in the tournament as an at-large team, they always had the talent with three future NBA players in Jordan Hill, Chase Budinger, and possibly Nic Wise, but the question this year with them has been their drive and motivation. Now that they are in the tournament fighting for a national championship, they have their motivation, but in the end I think Louisville's depth, coaching, and overall skill will prove to be too much.

Difference Maker: Terrence Williams (LOU)

Michigan State vs. Kansas:
I have Kansas winning, but in a very close, hard fought battle. This game very well could come down to the final minutes, and if it does, I think Kansas' junior PG Sherron Collins will take over as he has done many times this year.

Difference Maker: Cole Aldrich (KAN)

UCONN vs. Purdue:
UCONN has been rolling through the tournament so far, obliterating both Chattanooga and Texas A&M by a combined 82 points. I just don't think Purdue has enough of a workhorse inside to challenge Hasheem Thabeet and get him in foul trouble. I think this game will have the largest point differential of all the Sweet 16 games

Difference Maker: Stanley Robinson (UCONN)

Memphis vs. Missouri:
Missouri is hoping that their high energy pressure defense will throw Memphis off of its game and force them into a high number of turnovers. Personally, I think that Missouri will accomplish their goal on defense tonight and will force just enough turnovers to overtake Memphis.

Difference Maker: Kim English (MIZZ)

Pittsburgh vs. Xavier:
As long as DeJuan Blair stays out of early foul trouble, Pittsburgh should roll to a fairly easy victory over physically overmatched Xavier. The Muskateers just don't have anyone who can bang with Blair on the blocks or anyone who can consistently keep him off the glass. If Blair does get in some foul trouble, expect Sam Young to take over the game and put it away early.

Difference Maker: Jermaine Dixon (PITT)

Duke vs. Villanova:
With two teams that play a relatively similar style, this could turn out to be quite an exciting game. In the end though, I think that the two Duke superstars Kyle Singler and Gerald Henderson will use their size/skill combination (Singler) and overall athleticism (Henderson) to overtake Villanova in a close game.

Difference Maker: Nolan Smith

North Carolina vs. Gonzaga
Gonzaga reminds me a lot of North Carolina, they have very talented players all over their roster and they don't rely completely on any one player. That being said, UNC is far more talented than the Zags and so I am predicting a 15 to 20 point victory for the Tar Heels

Difference Maker: Wayne Ellington

Oklahoma vs. Syracuse
This was the most difficult game for me to pick. On one hand I can see Syracuse winning mainly because of their backcourt play (particularly Jonny Flynn) and how well they play that 2-3 zone, but on the other hand, OU has 2 probable lottery picks on their team in Blake Griffin (for sure lotto) and Willie Warren (borderline lotto). In the end, I'll take the star power over the zone in a single digit nail biter

Difference Maker: Blake Griffin's free throws