VIRGINIA HOOPS
The Cavaliers basketball season ended in anti-climatic fashion Friday with a 71-45 loss to Florida in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Virginia, decimated by injuries and transfers, lost seven of its last 11 games down the stretch but still managed to make the Big Dance, its first berth since 2007. The year started out with much promise with the return of fifth-year senior Mike Scott from injury. The first several games of the season showed that this team had what it took to possibly make the tournament, as it bolted out to a 13-1 out-of-conference record. There were several bumps (and bruises) during the year and the ACC season was difficult, but the team managed a winning, 9-7 record in the conference, good for fourth place. The Cavaliers suffered a three-point defeat to a desperate N.C. State team in the quarterfinals of the ACC tournament, denying them their first trip to the ACC tournament semifinals since 1995. The season concluded with that loss to the Gators, one of the most lopsided defeats in the tournament so far. So how do we make sense of this season and put in perspective? I'll give it a shot and give some grades to the team.
Virginia offense: B
Scoring continues to be a weakness for Virginia under coach Tony Bennett. And one of the reasons I am giving still a pretty good grade of "B" is probably because the team usually does enough scoring to still win. I just wish that with such a great defense, the team could put more points on the board and not have so many close, nail-biting games. It is tough on fans. Another reason I am still giving a good grade is because of the pace of UVa's offense. Scoring 55-60 points isn't a lot, but when you factor in the team's pace, it is not as bad as you think. Virginia runs one of the slower offenses in the country, but is actually quite efficient.
Virginia defense: A
The defense fell off at the end of the year but Virginia was still second in points per game allowed with 54.2. The best game defensively the Cavs had points-wise was against Drexel on Nov. 19 in the U.S. Virgin Islands in a 49-35 victory. Interestingly enough, despite the team faltering some down the stretch, the most points scored against the Hoos was way back on Dec. 21 at Seattle in an 83-77 win. Hard to believe an independent team with a losing overall record scored the most points all season on a top-of-the-line defense. Bennett has a great system in place at UVa, the pack-line defense, and it allows the team to have a solid defense overall even if individual players aren't great defenders. Now that the system is more fully in place, I expect this defense to be one of the best in the ACC year in and year out, and also one of the best in the country.
Tony Bennett: B+
The third-year coach for the Cavaliers has built a nice little program in Charlottesville. The year before he took over as coach, Virginia won 10 games. In his first year, the team won 15 games. Last year, the Hoos won 16 games, and now 22 this season. I think he was on the verge of winning 24-26 games with this team before the transfers and injuries and possibly making a Sweet 16 run. Also, the team would have had a better shot at making the ACC tournament semifinals. The way the team petered out was kind of diappointing, but Bennett and his staff were dealt a tough hand with only seven healthy scholarship players (6.5 when you factor in Joe Harris' hand). And Bennett plays a very tough, grind-it-out type system, so having seven players can always be hard, and having seven in his system was probably even more difficult. Bennett's got another solid recruiting class coming in, highlighted by four-star recruit Justin Anderson, a 6-foot-5 small forward from Maryland who was originally going to attend Maryland until its former coach, Gary Williams, retired. Another exciting prospect is Evan Nolte, a 6-foot-8 prospect from Georgia who can step out and shoot the 3.
Seniors
Mike Scott: A-
Mike Scott was tremendous all season and without him, this team most likely would not have made the tournament. His rebounding was down a little from last season when he played 10 games, and he said himself that he was not always focused on the defensive end, so that is why I bumped him down to an "A-" from "A." Still, I've never seen a player with his height (and maybe not any player ever) be so good at an 18-foot jumper, often with a hand in his face. In some games, such as against Wake Forest on Feb. 18, it was automatic (he made all nine of his field goals vs. the Demon Deacons). And if his shot was a little off, he would move inside and bang around the paint a little more. At times near the end of the season, I thought he stayed around the perimeter too much, but it was hard to fault him when he was making lots of shots. There were games that he single-handedly carried the team to a win, especially in his 35-point, career-high performance at Maryland on March 4 when Virginia won, 75-72 in overtime, in a game the Hoos maybe needed to have to get into the tournament. I think with his shot he might be able to sneak into the NBA Draft and get selected in the second round, but I think he would probably be more suited to play overseas because of his limitations in ball handling and his height.
Sammy Zeglinski: B-
I feel bad giving the guy a bit of a subpar grade but he just did not meet expectations this season, especially during ACC play. He was still one of the more accurate shooters in the ACC from 3 (just not during conference play), and also finished his career fifth on number of 3-pointers made at Virginia. And both his defense (he was second on the team in steals and played the pack-line well) as well as the way he helped guide the offense improved this season.
Assane Sene: Before injury B+; After injury D+
There were high expectations for Sene this year. He was really kind of the catalyst for the defense, especially down low. He wasn't a great shot-blocker for his 7-foot frame, but he altered lots of shots and was sound in the principles of the pack-line defense. Additionally, his offense had improved tremendously since his freshman year and he was no longer a liability with the ball. If nothing else, he relieved some of the pressure off Scott down low. Sene got hurt against Georgia Tech in only the third ACC game of the season and in the fourth, against Virginia Tech, the Hokies doubled Scott constantly and UVa, unable to get in a rhythm offensively, lost 47-45. After his injury, I would have given him a high grade, because it seemed like he was working hard to get back on the floor, but then came the news that he would be out the rest of the season because he violated a team rule. Doesn't seem like a smart decision by Sene, whatever he did, and so I knocked him down a few notches because of it.
Junior
Jontel Evans: B
Evans has made great strides in every facet of his game since his freshman year. He has always been a bulldog on defense and he has now mostly learned to control his quickness on offense. There were moments this year when he was unstoppable on penetration into the lane. And he started converting on more of his layup attempts this season. I think his free throw percentage also increased. If he could develop a jumpshot a little more for his senior season, watch out, that could vault us into contention in the ACC again (and him into "A" range). Having a complete point guard would really help this team out.
Sophomores
Joe Harris: B+
Harris showed incredible guts and toughness this season by not missing any games with his fractured left hand and for that, I tacked on the "+." He played through the pain for eight games after injuring it Feb. 11 against North Carolina. He is going to be a leader on this team going forward. I hope he starts looking for his shot a bit more. He made 65 3-pointers his freshman season as compared to 49 this season. He is too good of a shooter to pass up shots (understanding that his hand had something to do with that toward the end of the season).
Akil Mitchell: B
I thought Mitchell was one of Virginia's better low-post defenders. His offense could still use some work, but he is incredibly athletic. Against Duke this season, he had incredible putback dunk that capped a comeback by the Hoos and very nearly helped them upset the Blue Devils on the road. I think he needs to get more aggressive in the paint on offense. I think he could do some damage down low. His mid-range game needs work. I can probably count on one hand the number of shots he made from more than 10 feet out this season. One thing I think he did improve on during the year was his free-throw shooting.
Freshmen
Malcolm Brogdon: B+
Brogdon showed he has what it takes to be a leader on this team in the future. He was cool under pressure late in some games early in the year. He was able to be point guard for the team with Evans out of the game. He made some 3-pointers and showed a willingness to drive to the basket. Plus he is only going to get better defensively in Bennett's system (he made the key steal late in UVa's win at Virginia Tech) and he displayed toughness by playing on his broken foot for a few games before the doctors realized he needed to be shut down for the rest of the season. Also, by all accounts, he is great in the classroom and just a good guy, someone that that Bennett probably wouldn't mind being one of the faces of the program going forward.
Darion Atkins: B-
I feel like the potential is there for Atkins to be a big-time player for the Hoos in the future. Maybe not in offensive firepower as far as point production, but the guy can jump out of the gym and can also block shots with abandon. We saw that much in his limited time this season. The way he attacked the rim on rebounds early in the season was awesome. Unfortunately, he seemed to lose some of his aggressive edge as the season wore on, and hit the freshman "wall." I'm not sure why that was, exactly. He was prone to getting called for fouls when he would play, so maybe that made him more timid. I think he has a better jump shot than Mitchell already and with another offseason or two under his belt, could turn into a real force for the Cavs, someone that gets people out of their seats. I don't think he will ever put up double digits in points consistently, but I think he will make more and more "Wow" plays as his career progresses, namely dunks and blocks.
Paul Jesperson: C+
Jesperson did not really get a fair shake on the season. He was going to redshirt until KT Harrell and James Johnson transferred so he didn't get a whole year to get better in game conditions and who knows where he was at physically and mentally. I give him points for jumping in enthusiastically. He played more minutes as the season wore on, perhaps out of necessity because of the injuries, but either way, it was encouraging to see. Even though he looked a little slow at times, I think his defense improved. His shot could use some work. He came in having the reputation of a sweet stroker but he made only seven 3-pointers the entire season (he played 21 games). His grade is really "incomplete" and it will be interesting to see what a year of work does for him.
Season as a whole: B
At the beginning of the season, I picked Virginia to be 22-9 overall and go 10-6 in the ACC at the conclusion of the regular season. I think I accidentally added in a game in the Virgin Islands tournament, so I think 22-8 was a more accurate guess, and that is exactly how the team finished the regular season. I was one win over in my ACC prediction but the team outperformed my expectations in the non-conference slate. I think 10 or 11 ACC wins were headed Virginia's way with a healthier team. Overall, it was a pretty successful season. It is easy to be disappointed by the way the season ended, but you have to take a step back and have some perspective. Look at where the program was three years ago and look at where it is now. Consider the injuries and transfers, and how they hampered the season. This squad down the stretch was not the same squad that beat Michigan in November. But it toughed out a few games it needed at the end of the season, most notably road wins at Virginia Tech and Maryland, and made the Big Dance for the first time since 2007. Mike Scott put on a season for the ages, and UVa has big-time budding contributors in Joe Harris and Malcolm Brogdon, not to mention an ever-improving point guard in Jontel Evans returning for his senior season. And like I said, Bennett has a solid recruiting class coming in. At the end of last season, I had this "Ah, good try guys" kind of attitude about the season because the team finished 16-15 and 7-9 in the ACC and played without Mike Scott for a third of the year. This season, I have almost a more sour taste in my mouth because the season ended badly in contrast to out it started out. Still, in my record prediction, I decided that UVa would be on the bubble for the NCAA tournament and not make it, but the Hoos did make it. It was a fun year, a lot was accomplished, but a lot of work will be required to get back to the tournament and win a game or two and advance.
Early prospects for next season: B-
The team will be young with only one senior, Jontel Evans. Mike Scott will be missed on the offensive end, but the team showed in spurts this season that it could score without him on the floor. I think, point by point, each player will be able to make up what it will lose with Scott not being on the team. If the team stays healthy, I expect it to start out slow but finish strong, like Bennett's second year at Virginia. I think a good goal next year would be for the team to make the NIT. My record prediction, without seeing a schedule yet, would be for the Hoos to be about 6-10 or 7-9 in the ACC and 2 to 4 wins above. 500 overall.
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SWEET 16 PICKS
Anyone else's bracket busted? The only thing I still have going for me is I have all my Final Four picks intact -- Kentucky, Michigan State, Kansas, and Syracuse. Otherwise, my bracket is the site of complete carnage. The tournament has been really fun so far with lots of upsets, minus the first day of the second round last Thursday. There still hasn't really been that "Oh my goodness" game with a buzzer beater but there's still time. Despite all the upsets, every team in the Sweet 16 is from a power conference except one -- Ohio. There are four games tonight, four games Friday, and two games each Saturday and Sunday. Here are my picks for today. I'll pick tomorrow later tonight or tomorrow and then I'll pick Saturday and Sunday's games once we know those matchups.
Syracuse 62, Wisconsin 58: The Orange looked much better in their win over Kansas State than they did in their near-loss to No. 16 seed UNC Asheville. I think Syracuse will have too much for Wisconsin, a team that likes to slow it down. Syracuse plays strong defense as well and can beat the Badgers at their own slow-down game.
Michigan State 59, Louisville 57: Two more strong defensive teams, this one could be first to 60 wins. The Cardinals are still hot from winning the Big East tournament, but the Spartans won the Big Ten tournament, and the Big Ten has proven to be no fluke, as it has four teams left in the Sweet 16, and Purdue nearly toppled Kansas in the third round to make it a fifth. Still, would not be shocked to see MSU fall in this one.
Ohio State 66, Cincinnati 60: Two more strong defensive teams here -- seems to be a common denominator so far (that bodes well for Virginia's future). The Buckeyes dismantled Loyola (Md.) in its first game then fended off a game Gonzaga squad in its second. The Bearcats built a huge lead on Texas in their first game before staving off a comeback and in their second game, toughed out one over Florida State, the ACC tournament champion which many people had advancing far. I wonder if Ohio State is carrying a chip on its shoulder for losing the Big Ten tournament and getting a No. 2 seed. I don't think Cincy scores enough to win and Jared Sullinger will be too strong inside for the Bearcats.
Marquette 88, Florida 85: I decided to go big with this score. This will be the most fast-paced, if not the most exciting, game tonight. Both these teams have looked great in their first two games of the tournament. Marquette cruised by BYU in its opener and then downed one-loss Murray State while Florida struggled in the first half against Virginia but since then, has went on a tear. In the Gators' second game against No. 15 seed Norfolk State, they started the contest on a 25-0 run. Good night, sweetheart. One question I have about Florida's big wins is with who they have played. Virginia was ransacked by injuries while Norfolk State played the game of its life in upsetting No. 2 seed Missouri but then laid an egg vs. the Gators. I'm taking the Golden Eagles because I think they've had the more challenging pair of games so far and also because they were stronger in the Big East than Florida was in the SEC, and I give the Big East a slight edge over the SEC this season.
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VIRGINIA WOMEN
The Virginia women squeaked out a first-round NIT win over Howard in overtime 59-56 last Thursday before beating Richmond 68-55 on Monday. Tonight, the Cavaliers face Appalachian State in the third round.
The Cavaliers basketball season ended in anti-climatic fashion Friday with a 71-45 loss to Florida in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Virginia, decimated by injuries and transfers, lost seven of its last 11 games down the stretch but still managed to make the Big Dance, its first berth since 2007. The year started out with much promise with the return of fifth-year senior Mike Scott from injury. The first several games of the season showed that this team had what it took to possibly make the tournament, as it bolted out to a 13-1 out-of-conference record. There were several bumps (and bruises) during the year and the ACC season was difficult, but the team managed a winning, 9-7 record in the conference, good for fourth place. The Cavaliers suffered a three-point defeat to a desperate N.C. State team in the quarterfinals of the ACC tournament, denying them their first trip to the ACC tournament semifinals since 1995. The season concluded with that loss to the Gators, one of the most lopsided defeats in the tournament so far. So how do we make sense of this season and put in perspective? I'll give it a shot and give some grades to the team.
Virginia offense: B
Scoring continues to be a weakness for Virginia under coach Tony Bennett. And one of the reasons I am giving still a pretty good grade of "B" is probably because the team usually does enough scoring to still win. I just wish that with such a great defense, the team could put more points on the board and not have so many close, nail-biting games. It is tough on fans. Another reason I am still giving a good grade is because of the pace of UVa's offense. Scoring 55-60 points isn't a lot, but when you factor in the team's pace, it is not as bad as you think. Virginia runs one of the slower offenses in the country, but is actually quite efficient.
Virginia defense: A
The defense fell off at the end of the year but Virginia was still second in points per game allowed with 54.2. The best game defensively the Cavs had points-wise was against Drexel on Nov. 19 in the U.S. Virgin Islands in a 49-35 victory. Interestingly enough, despite the team faltering some down the stretch, the most points scored against the Hoos was way back on Dec. 21 at Seattle in an 83-77 win. Hard to believe an independent team with a losing overall record scored the most points all season on a top-of-the-line defense. Bennett has a great system in place at UVa, the pack-line defense, and it allows the team to have a solid defense overall even if individual players aren't great defenders. Now that the system is more fully in place, I expect this defense to be one of the best in the ACC year in and year out, and also one of the best in the country.
Tony Bennett: B+
The third-year coach for the Cavaliers has built a nice little program in Charlottesville. The year before he took over as coach, Virginia won 10 games. In his first year, the team won 15 games. Last year, the Hoos won 16 games, and now 22 this season. I think he was on the verge of winning 24-26 games with this team before the transfers and injuries and possibly making a Sweet 16 run. Also, the team would have had a better shot at making the ACC tournament semifinals. The way the team petered out was kind of diappointing, but Bennett and his staff were dealt a tough hand with only seven healthy scholarship players (6.5 when you factor in Joe Harris' hand). And Bennett plays a very tough, grind-it-out type system, so having seven players can always be hard, and having seven in his system was probably even more difficult. Bennett's got another solid recruiting class coming in, highlighted by four-star recruit Justin Anderson, a 6-foot-5 small forward from Maryland who was originally going to attend Maryland until its former coach, Gary Williams, retired. Another exciting prospect is Evan Nolte, a 6-foot-8 prospect from Georgia who can step out and shoot the 3.
Seniors
Mike Scott: A-
Mike Scott was tremendous all season and without him, this team most likely would not have made the tournament. His rebounding was down a little from last season when he played 10 games, and he said himself that he was not always focused on the defensive end, so that is why I bumped him down to an "A-" from "A." Still, I've never seen a player with his height (and maybe not any player ever) be so good at an 18-foot jumper, often with a hand in his face. In some games, such as against Wake Forest on Feb. 18, it was automatic (he made all nine of his field goals vs. the Demon Deacons). And if his shot was a little off, he would move inside and bang around the paint a little more. At times near the end of the season, I thought he stayed around the perimeter too much, but it was hard to fault him when he was making lots of shots. There were games that he single-handedly carried the team to a win, especially in his 35-point, career-high performance at Maryland on March 4 when Virginia won, 75-72 in overtime, in a game the Hoos maybe needed to have to get into the tournament. I think with his shot he might be able to sneak into the NBA Draft and get selected in the second round, but I think he would probably be more suited to play overseas because of his limitations in ball handling and his height.
Sammy Zeglinski: B-
I feel bad giving the guy a bit of a subpar grade but he just did not meet expectations this season, especially during ACC play. He was still one of the more accurate shooters in the ACC from 3 (just not during conference play), and also finished his career fifth on number of 3-pointers made at Virginia. And both his defense (he was second on the team in steals and played the pack-line well) as well as the way he helped guide the offense improved this season.
Assane Sene: Before injury B+; After injury D+
There were high expectations for Sene this year. He was really kind of the catalyst for the defense, especially down low. He wasn't a great shot-blocker for his 7-foot frame, but he altered lots of shots and was sound in the principles of the pack-line defense. Additionally, his offense had improved tremendously since his freshman year and he was no longer a liability with the ball. If nothing else, he relieved some of the pressure off Scott down low. Sene got hurt against Georgia Tech in only the third ACC game of the season and in the fourth, against Virginia Tech, the Hokies doubled Scott constantly and UVa, unable to get in a rhythm offensively, lost 47-45. After his injury, I would have given him a high grade, because it seemed like he was working hard to get back on the floor, but then came the news that he would be out the rest of the season because he violated a team rule. Doesn't seem like a smart decision by Sene, whatever he did, and so I knocked him down a few notches because of it.
Junior
Jontel Evans: B
Evans has made great strides in every facet of his game since his freshman year. He has always been a bulldog on defense and he has now mostly learned to control his quickness on offense. There were moments this year when he was unstoppable on penetration into the lane. And he started converting on more of his layup attempts this season. I think his free throw percentage also increased. If he could develop a jumpshot a little more for his senior season, watch out, that could vault us into contention in the ACC again (and him into "A" range). Having a complete point guard would really help this team out.
Sophomores
Joe Harris: B+
Harris showed incredible guts and toughness this season by not missing any games with his fractured left hand and for that, I tacked on the "+." He played through the pain for eight games after injuring it Feb. 11 against North Carolina. He is going to be a leader on this team going forward. I hope he starts looking for his shot a bit more. He made 65 3-pointers his freshman season as compared to 49 this season. He is too good of a shooter to pass up shots (understanding that his hand had something to do with that toward the end of the season).
Akil Mitchell: B
I thought Mitchell was one of Virginia's better low-post defenders. His offense could still use some work, but he is incredibly athletic. Against Duke this season, he had incredible putback dunk that capped a comeback by the Hoos and very nearly helped them upset the Blue Devils on the road. I think he needs to get more aggressive in the paint on offense. I think he could do some damage down low. His mid-range game needs work. I can probably count on one hand the number of shots he made from more than 10 feet out this season. One thing I think he did improve on during the year was his free-throw shooting.
Freshmen
Malcolm Brogdon: B+
Brogdon showed he has what it takes to be a leader on this team in the future. He was cool under pressure late in some games early in the year. He was able to be point guard for the team with Evans out of the game. He made some 3-pointers and showed a willingness to drive to the basket. Plus he is only going to get better defensively in Bennett's system (he made the key steal late in UVa's win at Virginia Tech) and he displayed toughness by playing on his broken foot for a few games before the doctors realized he needed to be shut down for the rest of the season. Also, by all accounts, he is great in the classroom and just a good guy, someone that that Bennett probably wouldn't mind being one of the faces of the program going forward.
Darion Atkins: B-
I feel like the potential is there for Atkins to be a big-time player for the Hoos in the future. Maybe not in offensive firepower as far as point production, but the guy can jump out of the gym and can also block shots with abandon. We saw that much in his limited time this season. The way he attacked the rim on rebounds early in the season was awesome. Unfortunately, he seemed to lose some of his aggressive edge as the season wore on, and hit the freshman "wall." I'm not sure why that was, exactly. He was prone to getting called for fouls when he would play, so maybe that made him more timid. I think he has a better jump shot than Mitchell already and with another offseason or two under his belt, could turn into a real force for the Cavs, someone that gets people out of their seats. I don't think he will ever put up double digits in points consistently, but I think he will make more and more "Wow" plays as his career progresses, namely dunks and blocks.
Paul Jesperson: C+
Jesperson did not really get a fair shake on the season. He was going to redshirt until KT Harrell and James Johnson transferred so he didn't get a whole year to get better in game conditions and who knows where he was at physically and mentally. I give him points for jumping in enthusiastically. He played more minutes as the season wore on, perhaps out of necessity because of the injuries, but either way, it was encouraging to see. Even though he looked a little slow at times, I think his defense improved. His shot could use some work. He came in having the reputation of a sweet stroker but he made only seven 3-pointers the entire season (he played 21 games). His grade is really "incomplete" and it will be interesting to see what a year of work does for him.
Season as a whole: B
At the beginning of the season, I picked Virginia to be 22-9 overall and go 10-6 in the ACC at the conclusion of the regular season. I think I accidentally added in a game in the Virgin Islands tournament, so I think 22-8 was a more accurate guess, and that is exactly how the team finished the regular season. I was one win over in my ACC prediction but the team outperformed my expectations in the non-conference slate. I think 10 or 11 ACC wins were headed Virginia's way with a healthier team. Overall, it was a pretty successful season. It is easy to be disappointed by the way the season ended, but you have to take a step back and have some perspective. Look at where the program was three years ago and look at where it is now. Consider the injuries and transfers, and how they hampered the season. This squad down the stretch was not the same squad that beat Michigan in November. But it toughed out a few games it needed at the end of the season, most notably road wins at Virginia Tech and Maryland, and made the Big Dance for the first time since 2007. Mike Scott put on a season for the ages, and UVa has big-time budding contributors in Joe Harris and Malcolm Brogdon, not to mention an ever-improving point guard in Jontel Evans returning for his senior season. And like I said, Bennett has a solid recruiting class coming in. At the end of last season, I had this "Ah, good try guys" kind of attitude about the season because the team finished 16-15 and 7-9 in the ACC and played without Mike Scott for a third of the year. This season, I have almost a more sour taste in my mouth because the season ended badly in contrast to out it started out. Still, in my record prediction, I decided that UVa would be on the bubble for the NCAA tournament and not make it, but the Hoos did make it. It was a fun year, a lot was accomplished, but a lot of work will be required to get back to the tournament and win a game or two and advance.
Early prospects for next season: B-
The team will be young with only one senior, Jontel Evans. Mike Scott will be missed on the offensive end, but the team showed in spurts this season that it could score without him on the floor. I think, point by point, each player will be able to make up what it will lose with Scott not being on the team. If the team stays healthy, I expect it to start out slow but finish strong, like Bennett's second year at Virginia. I think a good goal next year would be for the team to make the NIT. My record prediction, without seeing a schedule yet, would be for the Hoos to be about 6-10 or 7-9 in the ACC and 2 to 4 wins above. 500 overall.
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SWEET 16 PICKS
Anyone else's bracket busted? The only thing I still have going for me is I have all my Final Four picks intact -- Kentucky, Michigan State, Kansas, and Syracuse. Otherwise, my bracket is the site of complete carnage. The tournament has been really fun so far with lots of upsets, minus the first day of the second round last Thursday. There still hasn't really been that "Oh my goodness" game with a buzzer beater but there's still time. Despite all the upsets, every team in the Sweet 16 is from a power conference except one -- Ohio. There are four games tonight, four games Friday, and two games each Saturday and Sunday. Here are my picks for today. I'll pick tomorrow later tonight or tomorrow and then I'll pick Saturday and Sunday's games once we know those matchups.
Syracuse 62, Wisconsin 58: The Orange looked much better in their win over Kansas State than they did in their near-loss to No. 16 seed UNC Asheville. I think Syracuse will have too much for Wisconsin, a team that likes to slow it down. Syracuse plays strong defense as well and can beat the Badgers at their own slow-down game.
Michigan State 59, Louisville 57: Two more strong defensive teams, this one could be first to 60 wins. The Cardinals are still hot from winning the Big East tournament, but the Spartans won the Big Ten tournament, and the Big Ten has proven to be no fluke, as it has four teams left in the Sweet 16, and Purdue nearly toppled Kansas in the third round to make it a fifth. Still, would not be shocked to see MSU fall in this one.
Ohio State 66, Cincinnati 60: Two more strong defensive teams here -- seems to be a common denominator so far (that bodes well for Virginia's future). The Buckeyes dismantled Loyola (Md.) in its first game then fended off a game Gonzaga squad in its second. The Bearcats built a huge lead on Texas in their first game before staving off a comeback and in their second game, toughed out one over Florida State, the ACC tournament champion which many people had advancing far. I wonder if Ohio State is carrying a chip on its shoulder for losing the Big Ten tournament and getting a No. 2 seed. I don't think Cincy scores enough to win and Jared Sullinger will be too strong inside for the Bearcats.
Marquette 88, Florida 85: I decided to go big with this score. This will be the most fast-paced, if not the most exciting, game tonight. Both these teams have looked great in their first two games of the tournament. Marquette cruised by BYU in its opener and then downed one-loss Murray State while Florida struggled in the first half against Virginia but since then, has went on a tear. In the Gators' second game against No. 15 seed Norfolk State, they started the contest on a 25-0 run. Good night, sweetheart. One question I have about Florida's big wins is with who they have played. Virginia was ransacked by injuries while Norfolk State played the game of its life in upsetting No. 2 seed Missouri but then laid an egg vs. the Gators. I'm taking the Golden Eagles because I think they've had the more challenging pair of games so far and also because they were stronger in the Big East than Florida was in the SEC, and I give the Big East a slight edge over the SEC this season.
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VIRGINIA WOMEN
The Virginia women squeaked out a first-round NIT win over Howard in overtime 59-56 last Thursday before beating Richmond 68-55 on Monday. Tonight, the Cavaliers face Appalachian State in the third round.
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