- #3 UCLA vs #2 Kentucky, Friday 6:10 PM CT
The top match-up of the sweet 16 puts west coast, UCLA, versus east coast, Kentucky. Two storied programs with NBA Draft bound players that are set to put on a show in Memphis, Tennessee.
A Final Four match-up in the Sweet 16, that has two teams who match up well on paper. Both teams play fast and transition well, both teams have solid guards, and both teams wear blue. Could you imagine a better match-up in the Sweet 16?
De’Aaron Fox will have the huge task of locking down UCLA’s point guard, Lonzo Ball. Lonzo Ball is expected to be a sure fire one-and-done player. Lonzo Ball averages about 15 points a game and 7 assist.
This game sets the stage for Lonzo Ball to cement his legacy at UCLA and prove to the NBA executives that he is the real deal.
Prediction: UCLA
- #4 Florida vs #8 Wisconsin, Friday 9:00 PM CT
Wisconsin might still be on cloud 9 after beating the defending champions, #1 Villanova, in the second round. Wisconsin has a new task, beating the #4 Florida Gators.
The Gators have not played any solid teams like Wisconsin have played in the tournament. The Gators are a fearsome bunch and know that they are the underdogs in this match-up, even with the higher ranking. Wisconsin put the entire tournament on notice last week when they defeated Villanova, so sneaking up on the Gators might be harder to do for Wisconsin.
Expect tomorrow to be a hard-fought game between two quality teams.
Prediction: Wisconsin
- #4 Butler vs # 1 North Carolina, Friday 6:10 PM CT
This match-up is #3 on the list because the first two match-ups on this list are too nice to not like. But this match-up is a good one as well. Butler has managed to beat the Tar Heels in two previous meetings.
Although, the last two meetings were a few years ago, Butler might still have the upper hand. Butler has beaten quality teams this year, including Arizona and Villanova (twice) this year.
If Butler can play as well as they did all season, I feel confident in saying this match-up is my upset pick of the round.
Look out Tar Heels, the Bulldogs are coming.
Prediction: North Carolina
(Lead Image is from Eleven Warriors)