The Week That Was

And then there were four. North Carolina, Connecticut, Michigan State, and Villanova are the final four teams left in the NCAA Tournament. Obviously, I am very pleased with the Tar Heels making it back to the Final Four for the second straight season. They have a chance to right the wrong that was last season's Final Four when they came unprepared to play Kansas. The Heels were the most impressive team of the weekend, as they walloped both Gonzaga and Oklahoma. Neither game was close and the Heels seem to be hitting their stride at just the right time. A really refreshing thing to see yesterday was Danny Green playing well in the win over Oklahoma. Green had struggled for a while but seemed to break out of his funk yesterday. If he get's going that adds just one more weapon to Carolina's arsenal. Carolina was helped by Oklahoma missing 17 of 19 from three point land but some credit has to be given to Carolina's defensive effort. Carolina's weakness has always been defense, if they can play even average defense they are almost impossible to beat. Blake Griffin of Oklahoma did impress me in defeat and I think an NBA team will be very fortunate to have him next season.

Connecticut didn't rout their way to the Final Four but were in control in both of their wins over Purdue and Missouri. They let those teams hang around for a bit but it never really felt like Connecticut wasn't going to win. The recruiting violation allegations have seemingly had no affect on the Huskies. Most people seem to be leaning towards picking UCONN or Carolina to cut down the nets a week from tonight.

The last two teams were somewhat of a surprise. Michigan State dominated the overall #1 seed, Louisville (a joke, Carolina should have had that distinction) in the second half and held the Cardinals to 52 points, when two nights ago the Cardinals put up over 100 on a hapless Arizona team. Goran Suton was the big star for the Spartans and it will be interesting to watch him match up with Hasheem Thabeet on Saturday. Michigan State had to gut out a win against defending national champion Kansas to even have the chance to beat Louisiville. Michigan State will have the homecourt advantage in Detroit, although Carolina waxed them by 35 at Ford Field early in the season.

Villanova reached their first Final Four in 24 years in dramatic fashion. Local boy Scottie Reynolds hit a running jumper with .2 seconds remaining to give Villanova the win over Pittsburgh. Villanova has gotten better and better as this Tournament has progressed. In the First Round they were down 14 to American but ever since then they have been a different team. They blew out UCLA and Duke in the next two rounds and went blow for blow with #1 seed Pitt. Villanova has some size inside with Daunte Cunningham and it will be his job to try to neutralize the many bigs that Carolina can throw at a team.

I will have a full preview of the Final Four on Friday. Also, check out spartyandfriends.com on Friday as I will be writing a Final Four preview for the North Carolina Tar Heels.

One other story that got some media play but not enough in my opinion was the story of Houston Texans RB Ryan Moats. For those that didn't hear Moats was rushing his family to the hospital as his mother-in-law laid on her death bed. Rushing for obvious reasons, Moats ran a red light on his way to the hospital. Dallas police officer Robert Powell pulled Moats over and tried to detain the whole family. Moats wife ignored the officer and rushed into the hospital, hoping to get a final chance to see her dying mother. Officer Powell seemed oblivious to the urgency of the situation and kept Moats with him, even threatening to make things difficult for him. Nurses eventually came outside and informed Officer Powell that Moats mother-in-law was in the hospital dying but Officer Powell insisted on writing his stupid ticket. Moats missed his mother-in-law's last breaths all over a stupid traffic violation. The Dallas Police Department displayed some common sense, and withdrew the ticket and issued a public apology to Moats and his family. Officer Powell is on leave while the case is reviewed.

This story sickened me and fairly or unfairly is the reason why I have an issue with law enforcement. I understand that not all police officers are created equally, I had an uncle that was a police officer and I respect that they put their lives on the line every day. However, too many times I have come across and read stories of police officers on the type of power trips that Officer Powell was on. There is a time for protocol and there is a time for human decency. Officer Powell exhibited zero moral character and should be completely ashamed of himself. How a person could be so cruel and downright stupid is really beyond me.

March Madness (Midwest and South Regions) - Sweet 16 and Elite 8

Last night was a good night for me. I went 4-0 in my picks, Duke got embarrassed, and Memphis proved they were fraudtastic. Tonight, the Sweet Sixteen continues in Indianapolis and Memphis. The Tar Heels take on overrated Gonzaga and hopefully move one step closer to righting the wrongs of the last two years.

Midwest Regional Semi-Final

#12 Arizona (21-13) vs. #1 Louisville (30-5)

Arizona is the last remaining "Cinderella" in the Tournament. There was much discussion over whether they should even be included in the field of 65, but now Zona stands as one of the final 16. Their draw has been favorable thus far, Utah was pretty weak as a 5 seed, and then Cleveland State upset Wake Forest. Now they get to face the overall #1 seed in the Tournament, Louisville. Louisville coach Rick Pitino has never lost a game in the Sweet 16. The Cardinals got all they could handle from Siena in the Second Round and this game doesn't expect to be easy for them either.

The Cardinals are led by their inside play, consisting of Earl Clark, Terrence Williams, and Samardo Samuels. The Cardinals haven't gotten as much publicity as the other #1 seeds, mostly because they are so balanced. They don't have one prolific scorer, they have a lot of guys sharing the load. The Wildcats are a team that has talent but hasn't always lived up to it. This is understandable considering they are on their third coach in two years. F Jordan Hill and C Chase Buddinger are future NBA players, and G Nic Wise is a scoring and assist machine.

I think the Wildcats will hang around for almost all of this game, but down the stretch Louisville will squeak out with a win due to having more depth than Arizona.

Prediction: Louisville 77, Arizona 70

South Regional Semi-Final

#3 Syracuse (28-9) vs. #2 Oklahoma (29-5)

This should be a fantastic game. Syracuse is playing their best basketball of the year right now, as they looked impressive in the Big East Tournament, and then followed that up with wins over Stephen F. Austin and Arizona State in the NCAA Tournament. Oklahoma is considered by many to be one of the top four teams in the nation. Many believe that if Blake Griffin hadn't gone down with a concussion that the Sooners would be a #1 seed.

Much like Louisville, Syracuse has many options on the offensive end but unlike Louisville they have some flashy players. They have a dynamic backcourt led by the man everyone loves to hate, Eric Devendorf, and Jonny Flynn, one of the most exciting players to watch in the country. G Andy Rautins is another threat, as he has been on fire from three point land recently. One area the Orange lack in is defense and that is where the Sooners will look to exploit them. Everyone focuses on Griffin when they play the Sooners but you can't forget about G Willie Warren. There also is Blake's brother Tyler, who doesn't score as much as his brother, but is a good rebounder.

I think this will be one of the most entertaining games in the Tournament. I like the Orange in this one, I think they are riding a wave of momentum and they have more weapons than the Sooners.

Prediction: Syracuse 82, Oklahoma 78

Midwest Regional Semi-Final

#3 Kansas (27-7) vs. #2 Michigan State (28-6)

The defending National Champion Jayhawks take on the Spartans in a rematch from earlier this season. Michigan State won that game in East Lansing, 75-62. The Jayhawks were in a feeling out process then, as they were in the midst of replacing all five starters from their national title team. What they have accomplished this year is truly remarkable and shows even more what a great coach Bill Self is. The Jayhawks are led by G Sherron Collins and C Cole Aldrich. Kansas plays fantastic defense, with Aldrich taking up a lot of space in the middle of the floor. Depth is also a strength for Kansas, as a lot of guys get minutes and a chance to contribute.

Michigan State got quite a battle from USC in the Second Round, and should be ready for even more of a challenge in this one. G Kalin Lucas is the Spartans leading scorer, but it is important for them that they get quality play out of F Raymar Morgan.

If this game plays out like the first one, where Lucas and Morgan dominate for Michigan State then it will be the same result. Kansas has to slow down Morgan, Aldrich needs to limit C Goran Suton's scoring and rebounding opportunities. I feel like Kansas has been way ahead of schedule this year and that inexperience will finally catch up to them here.

Prediction: Michigan State 67, Kansas 63

South Regional Semi-Final

#4 Gonzaga (28-5) vs. #1 North Carolina (30-4)

I think what we saw with Memphis last night is what we will see with Gonzaga tonight. A team that inflated its record from playing in a sorry conference that won't be able to hang with the big boys. If Western Kentucky had decided to play defense on that last possession than Gonzaga probably wouldn't even be in this game. Now don't get me wrong, the Zags have a talented team. Their forwards Josh Shrooms and Austin Daye are good players, as are their guards Matt Bouldin and Jeremy Pargo. However, to beat the Tar Heels you need great players. Gonzaga plays great defense but as we saw with Memphis, maybe that great defense has more been a product of who they have played. I guarantee the Zags haven't faced an offense anywhere near the speed of Carolina's.

I was down on Carolina a week ago, mostly because Ty Lawson's toe injury seemed much more serious than I originally thought. Against LSU in the first half it looked like Lawson wasn't ready to play. Something switched in the second half though, as Lawson looked completely healthy and carried Carolina to victory. A healthy Lawson equals championship for the Heels, if Lawson can stay healthy I don't think their is a better team in the country.

I think Lawson will shred Gonzaga tonight, I also expect Tyler Hansbrough to play well, and Wayne Ellington to continue his torrid streak of shooting. Tar......Heels!!!!

Prediction: North Carolina 88, Gonzaga 72

On Sunday, I think Louisville will get past Michigan State, preventing the Spartans from having homecourt advantage in Detroit in the Final Four. With Lawson looking good I expect Carolina to just barely beat Syracuse in a classic game, leaving us with a Final Four of Connecticut, Villanova, Louisville, and the ACC's Carolina crashing the Big East party.

March Madness (East and West Regions) - Sweet 16 and Elite 8

The 2009 NCAA Tournament is about as close as you can come to getting the best 16 teams in the Sweet Sixteen. The Tournament's first weekend was mostly chalk, which bored some, but for the true college basketball fan excited them for the prospect of nothing but great games. The East and West regions kick off the Sweet Sixteen tonight in Boston and Glendale, Arizona.

West Regional Semi-Final

#5 Purdue (27-9) vs. #1 Connecticut (29-4)

Instead of the talk being about basketball, UCONN has started facing distractions about alleged recruiting violations. The story broke yesterday on Yahoo Sports and has the media questioning UCONN coach Jim Calhoun. While the allegations have nothing to do with any of UCONN's current players the question of where their minds will be is a valid one. One thing the Huskies do have going for them is that they were the most impressive looking team in the opening weekend. They thrashed both Chattanooga and Texas A & M. Everyone knows about UCONN's C Hasheem Thabeet but the Huskies have other players that are critical including G A.J. Price and F Jeff Adrien.

The Boilermakers had high expectations entering the season and while overall they have had a successful season the type of basketball they have played for the past two weeks is what was expected of them all season. First they blitzed through the Big Ten Tournament and then won nail biters in the NCAA Tournament against Northern Iowa and Washington. Purdue is led by their guard E'Twaun Moore and forwards JaJuan Johnson and Robbie Hummel.

Purdue and UCONN's styles are similar, they are both grind it out teams, with very physical defenses. Where UCONN has the edge is on the offensive side of the ball, as they have more dynamic threats. I don't think the players will be distracted and I expect UCONN to move on.

Prediction: Connecticut 78, Purdue 72

East Regional Semi-Final

#4 Xavier (27-7) vs. #1 Pittsburgh (30-4)

The Panthers were challenged in both of their games last weekend. It took them all game to get past East Tennessee State and they gave up 49 first half points to Oklahoma State before pulling away in the second half. F DeJuan Blair carried them in the First Round, while F Sam Young was the catalyst in the win over the Cowboys, pouring in 32 points.

The Musketeers are looking to get back to the Elite Eight for the second year in a row. While Gonzaga has seemed to shed that label of mid-major the Musketeers from the Atlantic 10 still carry that title. That isn't really fair considering the Musketeers have had more success in the Tournament over recent years than the Bulldogs. Xavier is led by G-F B.J. Raymond and F Derrick Brown.

I think their undoing in this game will come at the hands of Panthers guard LeVance Fields. I don't think the Musketeers have the players to slow him down and that will allow Blair to have a monster game down low, sending the Panthers to their first Elite Eight since the Tournament field expanded to 64 teams.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 79, Xavier 67

West Regional Semi-Final

#3 Missouri (30-6) vs. #2 Memphis (33-3)

It's a Tigers fight when Memphis and Missouri clash in Glendale. I was skeptical of Memphis coming into the Tournament and they confirmed my skepticism with a sloppy performance against Cal-State Northridge. However, against Maryland they shot lights out and blew the Twerps out of the building. Memphis' most known player is G Tyreke Evans, but they have two beasts down low in forwards Robert Dozier and Shawn Taggart.

Missouri blew out Cornell in the First Round and then just barely outlasted Marquette in the Second Round. Missouri has been quite the surprise this year and a lot of that has to do with the magnificent coaching job done by Mike Anderson. He is already a candidate for several jobs and if Missouri can keep marching on his stock will continue to soar. Missouri is a balanced team but is definitely carried by two players, their forwards DeMarre Carroll and Leo Lyons. It will be up to their guards, Matt Lawrence and J.T. Tiller to keep Evans in check.

I like Missouri to pull the semi-upset. I think their guys down low can contend with Memphis' post players and I expect Evans to have an off night. I just don't believe in Memphis.

Prediction: Missouri 82, Memphis 80

East Regional Semi-Final

#3 Villanova (28-7) vs. #2 Duke (30-6)

The Wildcats come in riding a wave of momentum after their impressive stomping of UCLA last Saturday. There was some cause for concern after American gave the Cats all they could handle but that went away quickly. Villanova dominated UCLA from start to finish, buoyed by playing in Philadelphia. They should have the crowd advantage in this one playing in Boston. Both Villanova and Duke win games on the perimeter for the most part, but Villanova showed against UCLA that they can dominate down low when they need to.

The clash of styles between the Big East and ACC are stark. The Big East teams prefer a more physical brand of basketball, while the ACC is more finesse, and run and gun. Where I think Villanova will have the advantage tonight is with F Dante Cunningham. I think he can abuse Kyle Singler and Gerald Henderson. Duke guard Jon Scheyer has been playing really well as of late for Duke and made a key play late against Texas that propelled the Blue Devils to their first Sweet Sixteen in three years. Villanova will have to slow down Scheyer. Another key for Villanova is the play of their G Scottie Reynolds. Reynolds has struggled in the first two games of the Tournament and had his slack picked up by guards Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes. Villanova can't always count on them and if Reynolds struggles again they could be in trouble.

I know I am biased but I think a lot of people agree with me that Villanova is the favorite in this one, despite the lower seed. I love the ACC but save for Carolina it has been proven that the Big East is greater than the ACC.

Prediction: Villanova 75, Duke 70

So based on my predictions I expect the Elite Eight on Saturday to be UCONN against Missouri and a Big East battle between Villanova and Pittsburgh. I think UCONN's size will be too much for the Tigers and I expect Villanova to knock off the Panthers for the second time this season. Villanova and UCONN will be headed to the Final Four after this weekend.

The Week That Was

In just one week the NCAA Tournament field has been whittled down from 65 to 16. The case could be made that this year's Sweet 16 field is the greatest Sweet 16 field of all time. For the first time ever all of the #1, 2, and 3 seeds have made it to the Sweet 16. The lone remaining "Cinderella" team is #12 Arizona, a premiere program. One benefit of all the top seeds making it through the first weekend is the quality of the games we will get to see this week. Every Sweet 16 game has a chance to be really good, even Louisville/Arizona. Some people might say that the first weekend was boring due to the lack of upsets. That is hogwash. Those people are casual fans that don't watch college basketball and only watch the buzzer beaters in the tournament. It has been beaten into the general publics head that Tournament games end with buzzer beaters and upsets. It is not always like that, while certainly it was more rare this year, it is not like in other years the Tournament has always been filled with upsets. Many games came down to the wire, many top seeds were challenged and there were exciting finishes all 4 days. I loved the first four days the Tournament had to offer and am really excited for the final four rounds.

North Carolina looked pretty impressive in their two wins over Radford and LSU. Carolina played without Ty Lawson against Radford and ran them out of the building. Shortly before tip-off against LSU it was decided that Lawson would start. While he struggled in the first half he proved to be the difference maker in the second half. As I feared LSU was a more than capable opponent for Carolina and a tough draw for the Heels to have to face in the Secound Round. The game was back and forth before Lawson began to look more like himself and took over. Ed Davis also provided a spark off the bench, Tyler Hansbrough played well, and Wayne Ellington continued to shoot lights out. Danny Green has been strugg a ling as of late and he needs to break out of his funk starting Friday night against Gonzaga. On Thursday and Friday, I will have previews and predictions for all of the Sweet 16 games and then the potential Elite Eight games.

Sunday was a momentous day for me as I played in my first competitive athletic event since college. It was the kickoff of flag football season as my team, Ron Burgundy took on the Ninja Turtles. I avoided playing on the defensive side for every series except one so I was able to focus my skills on the offensive side as the team's center. While to many the job of a center gets overlooked, he is one of the most crucial players on the field. Without him being able to properly snap the ball to the quarterback a play can never materialize and eventually become effective. Then if you have the quarterback lining up in the shotgun position every play it makes the center's job that much harder. Every snap was spot on and our offense was able to move the ball pretty well. We lost our starting quarterback early in the second half when he went down with a knee injury. Drew Verbel stepped in and played well, hitting Mike Schulz for a TD pass to give us the win 16-14. Mike made a great catch as he had to tap both feet inbounds and grab the ball over the defenders head. Our season continues this Sunday when we meet Doomsday Machine.

March Madness - West Region

The West region features the Connecticut Huskies, one of the popular preseason picks to win the national title. It also features the yearly wild card in the Tournament, the Memphis Tigers. The Tigers once again steamrolled through Conference USA, but again people are wondering how legit they are. Last year they proved they were by getting to the championship game, can Tyreke Evans take this team on his back?

Best Game

#4 Washington (25-8) vs. #13 Mississippi State (23-12)

For whatever reason, maybe it's my East coast bias, I have had a hard time buying into the Huskies this year. Then, when I have been ready to jump on board, they go and lay an egg like they did in the Pac-10 Tournament. Mississippi State comes into the NCAA Tournament riding a wave of momentum from their SEC Tournament run. The Bulldogs are playing with house money, as if they hadn't won the SEC Tournament they would be playing in the NIT right now. The Bulldogs will have a tough time keeping up with Huskies guard Isaiah Thomas and he will prove to be the difference.

Player to Watch

Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez

Sure you could watch Vasquez for his flashy play, his scoring ability, and his penchant for turning the ball over. However, most interesting is his mysterious red face. Some games his face becomes completely red, making it look like he was burned, other games it doesn't become red at all. Truly fascination. One more thing, screw Maryland.

Lowest Seed to Make It Through the Weekend

#4 Washington

I expect only one or two upsets in this region in the first weekend. I am hedging my bets on the Huskies beating Purdue on round two, knowing them, they will likely disappoint.

Best Potential Game

#7 California vs. #2 Memphis

Memphis hasn't had a real challenge since early February when they defeated Gonzaga. I think Memphis is good but don't think they are anywhere near as good as they were last season. Guary Tyreke Evans has lived up the hype and they still have bruising forward Robert Dozier from last year's team. The Golden Bears have guards capable of matching up with Evans, both Jerome Randle and Patrick Christopher are very dangerous. This game would be highly entertaining.

Predictions

First Round

#1 Connecticut over #16 Chattanooga

#8 BYU over #9 Texas A & M

#5 Purdue over #12 Northern Iowa

#4 Washington over #13 Mississippi State

#11 Utah State over #6 Marquette

#3 Missouri over #14 Cornell

#7 California over #10 Maryland

#2 Memphis over #15 Cal State Northridge

Second Round

#1 Connecticut over #8 BYU

#4 Washington over #5 Purdue

#3 Missouri over #11 Utah State

#2 Memphis over #7 California

March Madness - Midwest Region

The Midwest region is home to the number one overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Louisville Cardinals. Besides Edgar Sosa I can't name one Louisville player off the top of my head, which shows how under the radar the team has been until recently.

Best Game

#6 West Virginia (23-11) vs. #11 Dayton (26-7)

There are a few interesting first round games in the Midwest but I expect this one to be the most entertaining. Dayton is led by their high flying, athletic forward Chris Wright. They also have a dangerous guard in Marcus Johnson. The Mountaineers play good defense but also can score, averaging 72 points a game this year. I like the Mountaineers in this one.

Player to Watch

Wake Forest Guard Jeff Teague

Teague brought himself national attention when he decimated the North Carolina Tar Heels early in the season. Teague averages 19.5 points a game and also git's his teammates their share of chances, averaging 3.5 assists a game. With Teague at his best the Deacons have one of the most dangerous offenses in the country. However, he has to step up his defense in the Tournament or it could be an early exit for the Deacons.

Lowest Seed to Make It Through the Weekend

#6 West Virginia

While I do tend to think the Big East is a tad over hyped I like West Virginia's draw this first weekend. I think they will be able to handle the physical Wright from Dayton, and I really like them in a potential second round game against defending national champions Kansas. Their inside/outside game is strong, with forwards De'Sean Butler and Devan Ebanks being terrors on the glass, and guard Alex Ruoff dishing the ball and making jumpers. In one of my brackets I have #13 Cleveland State getting to the Sweet 16. I see this as a possibility but am doing it more to try to pick upsets people won't likely have.

Best Potential Game

#6 West Virgina vs. #3 Kansas

As I write this it has become clear to me I should have gone with a picture of a West Virginia player. I think the guard battle in this one between Ruoff and the Jayhawks Sherron Collins could be a lot of fun. Both teams are high scoring and I think this game would be an entertaining shootout.

Predictions

First Round

#1 Louisville over #16 Morehead State

#8 Ohio State over #9 Siena

#5 Utah over #12 Arizona

#4 Wake Forest over #13 Cleveland State

#6 West Virginia over #11 Dayton

#3 Kansas over #14 North Dakota State

#10 USC over #7 Boston College

#2 Michigan State over #15 Robert Morris

Second Round

#1 Louisville over #8 Ohio State

#4 Wake Forest over #5 Utah

#6 West Virignia over #3 Kansas

#2 Michigan State over #10 USC

March Madness - South Region

The South region is the most important region to me as it features my favorite team the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Tar Heels come in as a question mark as the health of their best player, Ty Lawson remains in question. Lawson is expected to play in the tournament but if he isn't fully healthy Carolina is definitely vulnerable. It doesn't help that the Heels may end up facing the SEC regular season champion LSU Tigers in the Second Round.

Best Game

#7 Clemson (23-8) vs. #10 Michigan (20-13)

Clemson comes into the tournament with no momentum, losers of 4 of their last 5. Michigan is back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in over a decade. These two teams styles match the style of play in their conferences. Michigan plays tough defense and scores just enough while the Tigers are all about offense, and play defense when necessary. I like Manny Harris to carry the Wolverines to victory.

Player to Watch

North Carolina Guard Ty Lawson

Even without the mystery that surrounds Lawson's health he would still be the player to watch. He has officially taken the reigns away from Tyler Hansbrough as the Tar Heels best player. The drop off at guard from him to Bobby Frasor or Larry Drew is astronomical. Lawson has had the type of season that should have him leaving school after this season. Without him the Heels have no chance at winning the tournament, he makes that big of a difference.

Lowest Seed to Make It Through the Weekend

#12 Western Kentucky

The Hilltoppers made a run last year to the Sweet 16 as a 12 seed and I think they can do it again this year. They are a well balanced team that who I believe has very favorable matchups against Illinois and potentially Gonzaga. Illinois has trouble scoring so if they can't slow down the Hilltoppers guards A.J. Slaughter and Orlando Mendez-Valdez than they could get run out of the building. Gonzaga consistently disappoints in the tournament and I wouldn't be surprised to see them do their usual disappearing act.

Best Potential Game

#8 LSU vs. #1 North Carolina

I didn't think it was possible but the selection committee had even less respect for the SEC than the general public did. Just three teams made the tournament from the SEC, and one of those, Mississippi State, only made it because they won the conference tournament. LSU, despite going 26-7 and 13-3 in the SEC, is an 8 seed. LSU is a very scary second round game for Carolina. They score a lot, averaging 74 points a game and are led by guard Marcus Thornton, who could give Lawson trouble if he is a step slow. One benefit for Carolina is if the pace gets real fast then the Heels can probably run any team in the country out of the building.

Predictions

First Round

#1 North Carolina over #16 Radford

#8 LSU over #9 Butler

#12 Western Kentucky over #5 Illinois

#4 Gonzaga over #13 Akron

#11 Temple over #6 Arizona State

#3 Syracuse over #14 Stephen F. Austin

#10 Michigan over #7 Clemson

#2 Oklahoma over #15 Morgan State

Second Round

#1 North Carolina over #8 LSU

#12 Western Kentucky over #4 Gonzaga

#3 Syracuse over #11 Temple

#10 Michigan over #2 Oklahoma