Sunday Games

A solid 4-4 yesterday, but to be fair, I was all over that UCLA win. Knew the Bruins would shock a lot of people and win that one.

#13 Siena v. #12 Villanova (initial: Nova over Vandy)

I had the Wildcats in the Sweet 16 before the Tourney, and I feel really good about that now. Siena’s got the guards to stick with them, but Nova will be too much. ‘Cats, 81-74.

#7 Miami v. #2 Texas (initial: Texas over Saint Mary’s)

The ‘Canes do not have the guards to stick with the Longhorns (they have one in Jack McClinton, but no one else). Unless McClinton can score 38 again, Rick Barnes and UT cruise past his buddy Frank Haith. Horns hook ‘em, 82-64.

#7 Butler v. #2 Tennessee (initial: Butler over Tenn)

One of two upsets today I’m staking my pride on (‘cuz my bracket’s ruined regardless). The Bulldogs have experience playing the Volunteers (they beat them in the NIT Season Tip-off last season), so they know what to expect. Tennessee’s worst loss of the season was by 19 (or so) to Texas. What do Texas and Butler have in common? They’re top five in the country in turnovers. Tennessee relies on forcing them; Butler won’t give it up, and they’ll head to Charlotte. Butler, 66-61.

#13 San Diego v. #12 Western Kentucky (initial: Drake over UConn)

I have no clue. San Diego has won three consecutive tight games against Tourney teams; WKU played great, let Drake back in, and then had the Tourney’s best moment. I’m calling the Toreros a team of destiny (until Thursday in Phoenix against UCLA). USD, 61-58.

#10 Davidson v. #2 Georgetown (initial: GTown over Davidson)

I know who I’ll be pulling for, but Jessie Sapp will stick to Stephen Curry like, well, sap, and the Hoyas will make someone else beat them. No one can. GTown, 63-52.

#8 Mississippi State v. #1 Memphis (initial: Miss. St. over Memphis)

It doesn’t make sense, and I can’t justify it (but then again, I couldn’t justify West Virginia over Wake back in ‘05). I’ll do my best anyway: Jamont Gordon can be physical with Derrick Rose and make him play defense. Jarvis Vornado can block shots down low and turn the Tigers into a jump-shooting team. Or Joey Dorsey will throw down the fiercest dunk of the Tournament on him. Either way, I’ll be watching. Go Bulldogs, 72-71.

#6 Oklahoma v. #3 Louisville (initial: Louisville over St. Joseph’s)

You may remember what Louisville did to Stanford in the first round last year, when the Cardinal couldn’t break the Cardinals’ press. If you don’t, watch this afternoon, and you should get a good sense of it. OU doesn’t have the guards to control the pace the way they need to. L-Ville gets the W, 71-52.

#9 Arkansas v. #1 North Carolina 

Steven Hill may get a really cool block on Tyler Hansbrough. That will be all for the Razorbacks. (But maybe Townes can rough Hansbrough up, and Beverley is an athletic guard who can shutdown Ellington, and Weems can hit shots, and Ervin can stick with Lawson, and maybe…) UNC, 83-66.