Sweet 16: A Musketeers Revenge

KSU vs. Xavier

In my only bracket this year, I have Kansas State entering the Final 4 out of the West Region. I have them knocking out Xavier in the Sweet 16. Turns out both teams handled business and actually made it to this point, now Im not sure who wins this game. When these two played earlier in Manhattan, KS. Xavier was justifiably tentative, they went through a recent coaching change when Miller took the Arizona job. It wasn't an overhaul because the hire was in-house, but these things take some time (or games) getting used to. Thats also one of the toughest road venues to play in (K State)...but all those slip ups were long forgotten as Xavier opened conference play, and closed the season on a mean streak. Kansas State is favored by 5 in this game, but Im thinking overtime, and the Elite 8 pass could go either way. Xavier (+5 or 6).

WV vs. Washington

This West Virginia/Washington matchup got a bit more intriguing when WV PG Bryant broke his foot in practice this week, and had to shut it down for the season. They have enough depth to make up the slack but make no mistake, they lose a component. They also have a tendency to start many games slow, give up a big spot, and then kick it into gear when need be. Both teams play tough defense, WV a bit more glorified as Washington is playing in a down Pac 10 this year. I think the Washington Huskies are a very good team. UW's sampling from out of conference leads me to believe they can bang with a "Truckless" West Virginia, and possibly pull off the W. The Marquette and New Mexico wins were also very impressive.

Washington (+6).

Syracuse vs. Butler

I think Syracuse wins this game, I don't particularly like the spread (-6) and I also don't like that the Orangemen center Onuaku is out for a 3rd straight game. This Butler unit has been together for a long time, and they hardly ever lose. If Boeheim didn't scout this well, and the Bulldogs come in executing their game, Syracuse will be in for a long night. I think this game will be competitive, but the Big East team moves on. Syracuse (-5).

Cornell vs. Kentucky

The Cornell Big Red have surprised me all tournament, and Im impressed so far. However, Im not on the bandwagon, and a win against Kentucky is out of reach. I didn't think Cornell could handle Temple, but they had a "schematic advantage" to quote an ex-Notre Dame coach. I had Wofford knocking out Wisconsin (which almost happened), so when Cornell advanced to round 2, to face the Badgers I thought they could pull it off. An overrated Wisconsin team got handled and now we have an Ivy League school in the Sweet 16...the buck stops here. Cornell gets the Kentucky Wildcats on a New York court, but I dont think it makes a difference as they are a different animal. One host on Rivals.com said "this game is like future NBA stars (Kentucky) vs. their financial advisers (Cornell)". Wildcats Cover. Kentucky (-7 or -8).

C.I.T***Appalachian State (-3) vs. Pacific.

Im not really trying to get into this. I think App. State wins by at least 3. Good Luck.

Cheers.