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Games
#11 Tennessee Volunteers (24-12) vs #2 Michigan Wolverines (27-8)
Game Time – 6:15 PM
Preview - Tennessee has made a beautiful run having played in the first round against Iowa, then UMass in the 2nd, and Mercer in the 3rd. I do not think many people had them going this deep in the tournament. I know I did not. The Vols will rely on their backcourt of Jordan McRae and Josh Richardson to win this game. Michigan has not had to break a sweat and has coasted to victories by cruising in their 2nd halves. Michigan is the better team and will put the game in the hands of their starters to pull away to a big lead in the 2nd half against UT. I pick Michigan in this game.
#3 Iowa State Cyclones (28-7) vs #7 Connecticut Huskies (28-8)
Game Time – 6:47 PM
Preview - Iowa State just won’t quit in games. They are making a push to the Elite Eight without Georges Niang. I think they are one of the most well-rounded group of starters on offense in the tourney. Each player steps up and makes baskets. One thing UConn has is star guard Shabazz Napier who has been terrific in the tourney so far. The Cyclones need to shut him down. I picked ISU to the Final Four in my bracket, and I still think ISU will win this game.
#4 Louisville Cardinals (31-5) vs #8 Kentucky Wildcats (26-10)
Game Time – 8:45 PM
Preview - Boom! This is going to be the matchup every college basketball fan whose team is out of the tournament has waited for this week. I picked it in my bracket because I wanted to watch it so badly. It is two of the biggest rivals in basketball that get to be matched up in the tourney. Kentucky hung strong against WSU and got a thrilling win. Louisville has pulled away from both teams they played late in the game. The fabulous freshman of UK take on the defending national champs U of L. During the season the Wildcats got the better of the Cardinals, I think the tables will turn in this game. I pick Louisville as the winner.
#1 Virginia Cavaliers (30-6) vs #4 Michigan State Spartans (28-8)
Game Time – 8:57 PM
Preview - Virginia is a balanced team that takes care of the ball when they have it. They can also play some smothering pressure defense. They are a hard team to beat. Michigan State is on a nice tear as of late, but had a struggle until the end against Harvard. MSU has the better talent and stronger players, but Virginia can run their offense and defense more effectively. This is a really tough pick, but I think Virginia can win this game over MSU.