2011 NBA Playoffs - Western Conference, First Round

The Western Conference saw the old guard reclaim their top spot. The San Antonio Spurs were left for dead at the end of last season. They were considered too old to compete for another championship. However, they surged their way to a 61-21 record, and earned home court advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs. The 2-time defending champion, Los Angeles Lakers, finished second in the West, and come into the playoffs losers of five of their last seven games. Both the Spurs and Lakers have question marks about key players going into the playoffs. Manu Ginobli may miss Game 1 of their series against Memphis, while Andrew Bynum is questionable for the start of the Lakers series against the New Orleans Hornets.

First Round

#1 San Antonio Spurs (61-21) vs. #8 Memphis Grizzlies (46-36)

Unlike the Eastern Conference, their are no cake walks in the Western Conference playoffs. Memphis would have been a 5 seed in the East, but instead had to settle for an 8 seed in the West. They are searching for their first playoff win in franchise history. The good news, I think they will get it. The bad news, they will only beat the Spurs once.

It was surprising to see that the Spurs were just 14th in points per game allowed. Obviously age is starting to catch up to them and their defense has suffered. Tony Parker and Ginobli are their scoring leaders, and the wear and tear is starting to show on Tim Duncan, who averaged a career low 13.4 ppg. However, Duncan still fights hard on the glass and is complemented by DeJuan Blair.

They will be doing battle with Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. Randolph averaged a double double in points and rebounds. The Grizzlies have missed the scoring of Rudy Gay, but their defense has improved behind Tony Allen, and mid-season pickup Shane Battier.

The Grizzlies are an up and coming team but like any team that is building, they have to take some lumps first. I think getting a playoff win would be a huge step for this franchise and get that monkey off their back. Despite not winning the series, if the Grizzlies can at least win a game they should be pleased.

Prediction: Spurs over Grizzlies, 4-1

#4 Oklahoma City Thunder (55-27) vs. #5 Denver Nuggets (50-32)

This is the unquestioned best First Round series in the West. Both of these teams score in bunches and play average to poor defense, so expect many high scoring games. The Thunder continue to improve behind their young nucleus, led by Kevin Durant. They added Kendrick Perkins at the trade deadline, hoping to give themselves the inside presence to match up with the Lakers or Spurs. They have a dynamic point guard, Russell Westbrook, and a towering defensive presence in Serge Ibaka.

The Nuggets changed their identity when they traded Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups to the Knicks. Getting rid of the distraction seemed to do wonders for the team's chemistry, and they have played excellent since the trade. Ty Lawson has taken the reigns at point guard and is half of a nice 1-2 punch with fellow Tar Heel Raymond Felton. Aaron Afflalo and J.R. Smith give the Nuggets depth at shooting guard, while Nene is their bruiser inside.

Nuggets coach George Karl admitted that the Thunder would be a bad matchup for his Nuggets. It could be construed as a psychological ploy but I think Karl was shooting from the hip. The Thunder are ready to continue their steps to being elite and will hold off a game Nuggets team.

Prediction: Thunder over Nuggets, 4-2

#2 Los Angeles Lakers (57-25) vs. #7 New Orleans Hornets (46-36)

Despite their stumbles throughout the season, and continued questions about Andrew Bynum's durability, the Lakers are still considered the favorites to come out of the West. The Hornets, led by Chris Paul, should be only a minor speed bump on the Lakers run to the Finals.

Kobe Bryant isn't as prolific as he once was, but he still averaged 25.3 ppg and played in all 82 games this season. Pau Gasol averaged 18 and 10, while Lamar Odom, despite being a sixth man, was third on the team with 14.4 ppg. When Bynum plays, he gives the Lakers a ridiculous inside presence with Gasol and Odom, but he is constantly injured and can't be counted on. The Lakers seemingly upgraded their bench in the off-season, but Steve Blake has been a disappointment, and Matt Barnes missed large stretches of the season. Ron Artest isn't quite the defensive player he used to be, and makes mind boggling decisions on the offensive end. Derek Fisher is barely alive at this point.

All that being said, the Hornets have Chris Paul and that's about it. The Hornets don't score or rebound much, and mostly get by on playing excellent defense. The loss of David West to a torn ACL crippled this team. Former Laker Trevor Ariza has proven to be a nice role player, but that's about all. The Hornets have another former Laker in DJ Mbenga, maybe he can get some playing time against his old teammates.

The Lakers are going to murder the Hornets inside, and I expect Gasol, Odom, and Bynum if he plays to have a monster series. Kobe will be Kobe. I think Paul can lead the Hornets to a win in New Orleans, but other than that, this series will be total annihilation by the Lakers.

Prediction: Lakers over Hornets, 4-1

#3 Dallas Mavericks (57-25) vs. #6 Portland Trail Blazers (48-34)

I can't stand Mark Cuban so by extension I can't stand the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks will have their hands full with Portland. The face of the Blazers is no longer Brandon Roy, it has become LeMarcus Aldridge. Their guard Wesley Matthews out of Marquette has been quite a find for the team, averaging 15.9 ppg. Despite being 88 years old, Andre Miller still gets it done, averaging 12.7 ppg and 7 assists per game. SF Gerald Wallace added some scoring punch when he was traded for before the deadline. The Blazers aren't a prolific scoring team but play tremendous defense, with Aldridge and Marcus Camby making life hell for anyone that decides to go to the hole.

I think the Blazers physical, tough presence will be the undoing for the Charmin soft Mavs. Their coach, Rick Carlisle even called them soft this season. Dirk Nowitzki makes Pau Gasol look tough, and their other big body Tyson Chandler doesn't intimidate anyone. Jason Kidd makes Andre Miller look young by comparison, and Shawn Marion's best years are behind him. Of course, the Mavs aren't as terrible as I making them seem, they won 57 games. But they have struggled down the stretch against the good teams, and mostly feasted on cupcakes.

All that being said this will be a very competitive series, and I think the only First Round series that will go seven games.

Prediction: Blazers over Mavericks, 4-3

2011 NBA Playoffs - Eastern Conference, First Round

Doing things a little differently this year for the NBA playoffs. Instead of just focusing on the Bulls and Lakers, I will preview each First Round series in the NBA Playoffs. I don't think the playoffs truly get interesting until the Conference Semi-Finals, but that doesn't mean the First Round isn't worth talking about. Today, I start off with the Eastern Conference. Four teams are seen as having a legitimate chance of representing the East in the NBA Finals. The Chicago Bulls are the favorites, followed by the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and probably only in Orlando, the Magic. However, the four of them will have to handle their business in the First Round.

First Round

#1 Chicago Bulls (62-20) vs. #8 Indiana Pacers (37-45)

In my preview of the Bulls/Cavs series from last year's playoffs, I wrote this. "It helps that they play in the decidedly weak Eastern Conference but hopefully when they get the right coach in place next season they can finally make some noise." Well, the Bulls landed that coach in the off-season, bringing in Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau. The team bought into his defensive philosophy and went from the 8 seed and 41 wins, to the 1 seed and 62 wins. Soon to be MVP Derrick Rose was steady for the Bulls all season, as they overcame injuries to Carlos Boozer, and Joakim Noah.

The Pacers are led by Danny Granger, who thinks the Pacers have a shot if they can stop Rose. Sorry Danny boy, but the Pacers have no shot in this series, mostly because they can't match the Bulls defensive intensity. At just 37 wins, the Pacers are just fortunate to even be in the playoffs and will be lucky if they can steal a game.

Prediction: Bulls over Pacers, 4-0

#4 Orlando (52-30) vs. #5 Atlanta (44-38)

This is a rematch from last year's playoffs, when the Magic decimated the Hawks in the Conference Semi-Finals. The Hawks come into this year's playoffs reeling, losers of six in a row. The Magic have been up and down all season, completing a gigantic trade in December that brought them Jason Richardson, Gilbert Arenas, and Hedo Turkoglu.

The Magic are hoping that JJ Redick will return for the playoffs, after missing the end of the regular season with a lower abdominal strain. Their is a misconception that the Magic don't play defense, but they finished fourth in points allowed per game. Dwight Howard continues to improve and become more and more dominant.

The Hawks have a starting five that can compete with most teams but have a very thin bench. Although all talented, I don't think Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, or Al Horford really scare any teams. The Hawks are stuck in that good enough to compete but not good to win anything zone. They can have some confidence in the fact they beat the Magic three out of four times this season, but it's a whole different animal in the postseason. I think they will play the Magic much harder this year, but ultimately it won't be enough.

Prediction: Magic over Hawks, 4-2

#2 Miami Heat (58-24) vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers (41-41)

For a three man team, it would be hating to say the Heat's 58-24 record this season wasn't impressive. They went through a few trials and tribulations but to win that many games after a complete overhaul of a team is quite the accomplishment. Do I think they will win a title this season? No, but they have shown that given a couple more seasons they should be the best team in the league. The three headed monster of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh are the only Heat players that averaged double figures in scoring. Their point guard play has been unsteady all season, and is what I think will eventually be their undoing against the Celtics or Bulls.

The Sixers are a very balanced team. Elton Brand returned from the dead and played a full season, leading Philadelphia in scoring with 15 points per game. Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, and the point guard 1-2 punch of Jrue Holliday and Lou Williams are all capable of putting up points.

The Sixers have some good pieces in place and could be a team to watch as long as coach Doug Collins doesn't lose the team. However, they aren't ready to take down a team as talented as the Heat.

Prediction: Heat over 76ers, 4-1

#3 Boston Celtics (56-26) vs. #6 New York Knicks (42-40)

This is by far the most intriguing First Round series in the East. The Knicks are finally back in the playoffs and have two of the best scorers in the league, Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. They also have a veteran point guard in Chauncey Billups. Unfortunately for them, you can't just win outscoring teams, and the Knicks defense is atrocious. They will be facing the Celtics, who were the best defensive team in the league in the regular season.

The Celtics have seemed out of sorts since the Kendrick Perkins trade and the ultimate success or failure of that trade will be judged on whether the Celtics bring home a championship. Their big four of Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett are the least of their concerns. The big questions are, how will Jeff Green play? Will Nenad Kristic add anything? Can Glen Davis remain steady off the bench? Will Shaq suit up?

I think the atmosphere will be great in this series, especially Madison Square Garden in Games 3 and 4. The Celtics are too good defensively and will be able to slow down Anthony and Stoudemire. The Knicks won't be able to get the stops they need, but they will definitely make this series interesting.

Prediction: Celtics over Knicks, 4-2

NCAA Basketball Championship Game - Houston, Texas

#8 Butler (28-9) vs. #3 Connecticut (31-9)

Once again Butler is back in the National Title game, and once again they are facing a traditional power. 34-year old Brad Stevens will try to hand 68-year old Jim Calhoun his first loss in a NCAA Championship game.

In the battle of mid-majors, Butler outlasted VCU, 70-62. In typical Butler fashion, it wasn't pretty, the Bulldogs shot just 36%, but they got a great game from G Shelvin Mack, and dominated the Rams on the boards.

Connecticut took down Kentucky, 55-54. Outstanding G Kemba Walker, did just enough, overcoming 4 turnovers and a poor shooting night, scoring 18 points to pace the Huskies. UCONN couldn't buy a basket from three point range, but hit their free throws, unlike Kentucky who was awful from the line.

I won't channel Digger Phelps and tell you that one of these teams will win because they are on a mission. I will tell you that Connecticut is going to win simply because they are better. How can I pick against a team that has not lost a tournament game all season? They won the Maui Invitational, the Big East Tournament and now just stand one win from the NCAA Championship. It is an incredible run, and one that would not be possible without Walker. However, Walker has received some help from fellow guard Jeremy Lamb, and Roscoe Smith and Alex Oriakhi have given the Huskies a needed presence down low.

I don't think Butler has the bodies to match up with Connecticut. They will attempt to slow the pace and make the game ugly but I think Walker's ability to dribble and drive can negate that. I think Matt Howard will be in foul trouble early, and I also think that Shelvin Mack will not dominate the game like he did against VCU. Plus, Butler was really aided by their ability to dominate VCU on the glass. It is hard to lose when your guards, such as Mack and Nored each are pulling down 6 rebounds. No way that the Huskies allow that to happen.

Despite all I have said above, I still anticipate a close game that will be exciting down to the final minutes. The Huskies will once again come out of the West region as National Champions, and Jim Calhoun may finally ride off into the sunset.

Prediction: Connecticut 63, Butler 58

The 2011 Final Four - Houston, Texas

On one side you have traditional powers Kentucky and Connecticut. The other side consists of bracket busters Butler and VCU. I don't think a single person picked this Final Four prior to the season tipping off in November. Kentucky managed to reload and with a mix of youth and experience, is in their first Final Four since 1998. Connecticut is back for the second time in three seasons, continuing their undefeated run through tournament play this season. Butler overcame a slow start to the season and the loss of Gordon Hayward to the NBA to become the first team to reach back to back Final Fours while being neither a 1 or 2 seed in each year. VCU is in their first Final Four, and has taken the longest route in history to get there, winning 5 games to reach this point.

#11 VCU (28-11) vs. #8 Butler (27-9)

Jay Bilas had an epileptic seizure when it was announced that VCU had snuck into the NCAA Tournament and would be competing in the first ever First Four. VCU used his ridiculous reaction as extra motivation and proceeded to knock off USC, whip Georgetown, demolish Purdue, survive a defensive onslaught from Florida State, and dominate Kansas. VCU took down giants from the Pac 10, Big East, Big Ten (I'm not writing that ridiculous B1G crap), ACC, and Big 12. If VCU meets Kentucky in the Finals, they would have a chance to defeat a team from each of the power conferences.

Many prognosticators including yours truly had Butler losing to Old Dominion in their brackets. Butler survived with a layup at the buzzer by Matt Howard. Then they knocked off #1 seed Pittsburgh in foul gate, had a mostly dominating win against Wisconsin, and then showed their mettle by coming from behind to beat Florida.

VCU has received contributions from different guys in their run to the Final Four. Against USC it was F Jamie Skeen leading the charge, then G Brandon Rozzell went off against Georgetown, G Bradford Burgess sank 8 three pointers in the rout of Purdue, then followed that up with 26 points against Florida State, making up for the struggles of Skeen, and G Joey Rodriguez. Skeen returned in a big way against Kansas, collecting 10 rebounds and scoring 26 points. Its cliche as hell but the team concept is what has gotten VCU to this point. Different guys stepping up, leaving defenses unsure of who to focus on. Plus, VCU has shot at an unconscious rate from three point land, that has gotten them early leads and allowed them to dictate the pace of the game.

Casual fans who saw the Final Four last year will recognize the key cogs behind Butler's return to the Final Four. F Matt Howard, and G Shelvin Mack were both key contributors to last year's team and are the main reasons Butler is in Houston. Other returning guys include G Ronald Nored, and G Shawn Vanzant. One new face is C Andrew Smith. Smith barely played last season, but this year was the third leading scorer and second leading rebounder for Butler.

This is a very tough game to call. VCU has been dominant, while Butler has grinded out victories. That being said, I think a large reason for VCU's run has been their three point shooting. That well has to dry out at some point and I think it will against Butler. Only Pitt was able to shoot well from beyond the arc against Butler in the Tournament, while Wisconsin and Florida fell in love with the three point shoot and couldn't hit them. Also, Butler coach Brad Stevens wanted to downplay the experience factor but I don't think it can be completely ruled out that Butler will not be overwhelmed by the experience.

Prediction: Butler 69, VCU 64

#4 Kentucky (29-8) vs. #3 Connecticut (30-9)

The Wildcats were very lucky to escape their Second Round game against Princeton. G Brandon Knight did virtually nothing the entire game, until hitting the game winning basket. In the Third Round, the Wildcats overcame a 9 point deficit to defeat West Virginia. The run was expected to end in the Sweet 16 against #1 overall seed Ohio State but Kentucky won a back and forth game. Finally, in the Elite 8 they knocked off the highest seed remaining, North Carolina, getting them back to the Final Four.

Connecticut rode the momentum of their Big East Tournament run, by blowing out Bucknell, then outlasting Cincinnati. In the Sweet 16 they became the first team other than BYU to beat San Diego State, and then withstood the athleticism of Arizona in the Elite 8.

The importance of F Josh Harrellson in Kentucky's run to the Final Four can't be understated. He has scored in double digits in each Tournament game, and secured at least 8 rebounds in each game. G DeAndre Liggins played huge against North Carolina, getting a crucial black late in the game, and then following it up with a backbreaking three pointer. F Terrence Jones has struggled a bit but has a chance to have his way with UCONN. G Brandon Knight is exciting but can also be reckless and has to cut down on his turnovers. G Doron Lamb has taken a back seat to Liggins in the Tournament but can stroke it from beyond the arc.

G Kemba Walker has been fantastic all season, and if not for him the Huskies wouldn't be here. However, the Tournament has also seen the emergence of G-F Jeremy Lamb. Lamb was up and down during the season, from January to early February he was superb, then he went through a drought into early March, but since has hit double figures in scoring his last 9 games, and was magnificent against San Diego State and Arizona. F-C Alex Oriakhi is a UCONN's best defensive presence, and other players to watch are freshmen G Shabazz Napier, and F Roscoe Smith.

This is a rematch from the Maui Invitational Final way back in November. UCONN blew out Kentucky in that game, 84-67. Oriakhi and Walker dominated the Wildcats in that game, while Terrence Jones showed up for Kentucky, but wasn't enough to overcome horrible play from Harrellson, Knight, and Liggins. Knight and Liggins were turnover machines in that game. Kentucky is obviously vastly improved in the four months since but I can't pick against a UCONN team that has shown all season they can win in a tournament format. The battle between Walker and Knight will be fun to watch, but too much Kemba for Kentucky to handle.

Prediction: Connecticut 73, Kentucky 70

2011 March Madness (East and Southwest Regions) - Sweet 16 and Elite 8

Little ole Richmond, Virginia will take center stage tonight. The Richmond Spiders, a 12 seed, and the VCU Rams (CAA baby!), an 11 seed have reached the Sweet 16. VCU is following the 2006 George Mason path thus far. Much like Mason in 2006, all the big conference blowhards felt VCU didn't belong. Mason was able to turn those ignorant views into a Final Four trip, VCU has to win two more games to do the same. I won't lie, I didn't think VCU had a chance in hell of making the Tournament. They lost to such awesome teams as Northeastern and Georgia State, and lost three straight home games to close the regular season. However, you can't argue with their results since they have made it in, pounding USC and Georgetown I expected, but their demolition of Purdue was shocking to me.

East Regional Semi-Final

#11 Marquette (22-14) vs. #2 North Carolina (28-7)

The first weekend of the Tournament went about how I expected for the Tar Heels. They blew past Long Island and then had to fight and claw their way to victory over Washington. John Henson made multiple dumb decisions at the end of the game but fortunately the Heels were able to get past them. They also caught a break when Marquette upset Syracuse. I was very worried about a potential game against the Cuse, but since like most of the Big East they turned out to be overrated choke frauds I don't have to worry about that now.

Marquette won with defense against Xavier and Syracuse, but if they think they are holding Carolina to 65 points or less they are sadly mistaken. Darius Johnson-Odom is the Golden Eagles most dangerous play, and is coming off hitting a huge game tying three pointer against the Orange. Jae Crowder could give the Heels fits inside and at times can be a major offensive threat. Jimmy Butler struggled against Syracuse and has seen his scoring dip in his last four games. He's a guard-forward hybrid which allows him to create matchup problems.

I can't express how refreshing it is to once again see the Heels in the hands of a capable point guard. Kendall Marshall was brilliant against the Huskies and is the sole reason Carolina has been so improved the last few months. Harrison Barnes has been fantastic, as has Tyler Zeller but I think most of that his because of Marshall's amazing passing and ability to find the open man, no matter where he is on the court. Although he had a key steal off a late inbounds pass, Henson played awful against Washington, and I hope he can put that game behind him.

The only way the Heels lose this game is if they come out tight and get behind, which has been their M.O. as of late. I don't think Marquette is all that good, and the Heels should have an easier time than they did against Washington.

Prediction: North Carolina 81, Marquette 71

Southwest Regional Semi-Final

#12 Richmond (29-7) vs. #1 Kansas (34-2)

No more Vanderbilt's or extra head for Richmond, they get to face the second best team in the country, Kansas. The Jayhawks had some trouble with Illinois in the Third Round, but showed a championship edge to them in closing out the Illini, something that they lacked in their stunning exit from the Tournament in 2009.

The Spiders are a nice little team, and a good story but unless they can shoot lights out from beyond the arc, it could get ugly for them against the Jayhawks. However, I expect to see a close game in the first half, as the Jayhawks have a tendency to feel out their opponent, then score in bunches. There is little hope for the Spiders that they will stop the Morris twins so their objective should be to try to force Tyshawn Taylor into mistakes, and create turnovers and scoring opportunities that way.

Prediction: Kansas 72, Richmond 58

East Regional Semi-Final

#4 Kentucky (27-8) vs. #1 Ohio State (34-2)

This is easily the best game of the Sweet 16. People loved Ohio State before the Tournament and love them even more after they blew away George Mason with ease. Despite what others have said, Mason was a good team, and the way that the Buckeyes manhandled them was impressive. I don't expect Ohio State to be able to shoot that way the rest of the Tournament so the performance needs to be kept in context.

Kentucky has a distinct advantage on the glass over the Buckeyes. Jared Sullinger does the bulk of the rebounding, while Kentucky has Terrence Jones and Josh Harrellson as their rebounding leaders. Jones will be the key factor in this game. If he dominates both scoring and rebounding, the Wildcats have a very good chance at pulling the upset. West Virginia did a pretty good job of limiting Jones and that is the model the Buckeyes have to hope to follow.

Where Ohio State beats teams is their ability to shoot the ball. They shoot almost 50% as a team, and 42% from beyond the arc. If the shooters get hot, that allows Sullinger to get space inside and be his dominating self. Jon Diebler, David Lighty and William Buford can all stroke it. Aaron Craft had an otherworldly game against Mason, with 15 assists, his matchup with Brandon Knight will be fun to watch. Knight was nearly invisible against Princeton, but then carried the Wildcats over West Virginia.

If Kentucky wins this game, people might be shocked but they really shouldn't be. The Wildcats might be the toughest matchup the Buckeyes face. I expect this game to be an instant classic, with Ohio State squeaking by.

Prediction: Ohio State 75, Kentucky 73

Southwest Regional Semi-Final

#11 VCU (26-11) vs. #10 Florida State (23-10)

All of those that had this game in their brackets raise your hands. That's what I thought. The Seminoles thrive on defense, so when they are able to score like they did against Notre Dame, blowouts happen. VCU can play some pretty good defense themselves, and have their point guard Joey Rodriguez playing his best basketball of the season at just the right time.

The Rams put on an offensive clinic against the Boilermakers but can't expect to get nearly the same amount of easy looks against Florida State. I also don't think Bradford Burgess will have as much of a say in this game as he did against Purdue. Florida State got back their best player Chris Singleton but he is still limited and didn't contribute much of anything in either of their wins.

The Rams will have to win this game similar to how they beat USC and Georgetown. Play suffocating defense, hope the other team is off offensively and have Rodriguez play mistake free basketball. Florida State has been so inconsistent on offense that I think they revert back to struggling in this game. I think we are headed for a Rams/Jayhawks showdown on Sunday that will be reminding everyone of Mason/UCONN from 2006.

Prediction: VCU 64, Florida State 59

In Sunday's Elite Eight games though it pains me to say, I think the Buckeyes beat my beloved Tar Heels, and that Kansas will end VCU's Cinderella dream. I think that will leave us with a Final Four of UCONN vs. Ohio State, and Kansas vs. Florida.

2011 March Madness (West and Southeast Regions) - Sweet 16 and Elite 8

Another year, another great start to March Madness. Adding three more teams did nothing to hurt the Tournament, and even one of the last four teams into the Tournament is still standing, the CAA's VCU Rams. BYU's Jimmer Fredette and UCONN's Kemba Walker will take center stage Thursday night as the Sweet 16 tips off. Both will have something to prove. Fredette will try to show he can carry the Cougars to the Final Four without Brandon Davies, and Walker will be trying to push a team from the overrated Big East to the Final Four.

West Regional Semi-Final

#3 Connecticut (28-9) vs. #2 San Diego State (34-2)

Connecticut has been spectacular in tournament play this year and continued that in the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. The Aztecs are in their first ever Sweet 16 and needed double overtime to get past Temple.

The Huskies pretty much start and end with Kemba Walker. Walker really shined in the Third Round against Cincinnati, scoring 33 points and dishing out 5 assists. Recently, Jeremy Lamb has stepped up his game, and is averaging 15 points through the first two games of the Tournament.

The Aztects got past Temple in large part due to a balanced offensive effort. Usually, Kawhi Leonard does most of the heavy lifting, but the Aztecs also received major contributions from Billy White, Malcolm Thomas, Chase Tapley, and D.J. Gay.

The Huskies have the edge in rebounding and scoring against the Aztecs, and while the Big East has proven to be overrated, it is far better than the competition San Diego State faced in the Mountain West. I don't think the Aztecs have an answer for Walker, and haven't played a team as good as Connecticut all season. The Huskies move on to the Elite Eight.

Prediction: Connecticut 70, San Diego State 62

Southeast Regional Semi-Final

#3 BYU (32-4) vs. #2 Florida (28-7)

These teams met in the First Round last season and put on one of the best games of the 2010 Tournament. It was a double overtime thriller, with BYU coming out on top in what was Jimmer Fredette's coming out party to America. BYU surprised many by making it this far without leading rebounder Brandon Davies, and also by how easily they disposed of Gonzaga in the Third Round. Jimmer was spectacular against Gonzaga, hitting just under 50% of his shots, scoring 34 points. He got some help from Jackson Emery, and will continue to need at least one other Cougar to score to keep BYU marching on.

The Gators got past a game UCLA team in the Third Round an due to some upsets have become the favorites to get to the Final Four out of the Southeast. Guard Erving Walker was fantastic in that game, taking over when the Gators needed him most, especially with star player Chandler Parsons struggling.

The key to this game will be who wins the battle on the boards and whether Fredette receives scoring help from his teammates. I also think that Parsons has to play much better in this game than he did against UCLA. I think that he will and I like the Gators to get revenge from last season.

Prediction: Florida 74, BYU 71

West Regional Semi-Final

#5 Arizona (29-7) vs. #1 Duke (32-4)

Another year, another Duke appearance in the Sweet 16, sigh. Michigan came so close to knocking out the Dookies but couldn't quite get the job done. Nolan Smith was again awesome, and Duke was fortunate that a last second shot by Michigan didn't fall. Kyrie Irving returned for Duke and actually led them in scoring against Hampton, but struggled with his shot against Michigan. Despite that, he was still able to get to the foul line 10 times, and scored 11 points against the Wolverines. Of slight concern for Duke was how Seth Curry was non existent, scoring 0 points against Michigan.

Arizona had to fight their way to the Sweet 16, barely outlasting Memphis and getting some help from shady officiating to beat Texas. Derrick Williams had game saving plays in both games, a block against Memphis, and a three-point play against Texas. However, the Wildcats guards, Lamont Jones and Kyle Fogg did next to nothing against Texas and will have to play much better for the Wildcats to have a chance against Duke.

I think Duke has way too many weapons for Arizona to contend with and that the Wildcats don't have the guard play needed to upset Duke.

Prediction: Duke 77, Arizona 68

Southeast Regional Semi-Final

#8 Butler (25-9) vs. #4 Wisconsin (25-8)

The Southeast didn't end up as topsy turvy as I expected. What did happen, was #1 seed Pittsburgh choked, as they do every season. I should have seen it coming but I thought things would be different this year. Just to get it out of the way, the two foul calls the referees made at the end of the Butler/Pitt game were correct. You call the game the same for all 40 minutes, none of this calling it differently based on how much time is left on the clock bs.

I didn't think this year's Butler was anywhere near last year's Butler. I felt that Gordon Hayward made that much of a difference. However, the Bulldogs are hot, winners of 11 straight and some names you might recognize from last year's run are playing huge against this year. Matt Howard and Shelvin Mack continued their impressive play from the regular season and are the reason why Butler is back in the Sweet 16.

The chic pick was to have Belmont beat Wisconsin, and after that didn't happen, it was considered highly unlikely the Badgers would be able to hang with the much more athletic Kansas State Wildcats. But the Badgers did just that and now have a great chance at making the Elite Eight. Wisconsin plays an ugly brand of basketball but has two fantastic players in Jon Leuer and Jordan Taylor. The Badgers play suffocating defense and that has allowed them to win some games they probably shouldn't have.

I have continuously picked against Butler and keep being proven wrong. I am finally buying in, the Bulldogs knock off the Badgers, and head to another Elite Eight.

Prediction: Butler 63, Wisconsin 57

In Saturday's Elite Eight, I think Duke will get past Connecticut, as Kemba's one man show isn't enough to beat the various weapons that Duke has. In the other game, I think Florida will defeat Butler, as the Bulldogs magic will run out.

2011 March Madness - Southeast Region (First Weekend)

When I sit down and go through my brackets each year I always worry that I am not picking enough upsets. I had that same feeling this year until I got to the Southeast Region. There is not a single team in this region that I think anyone can feel total confidence in. Pittsburgh has been a strong team all year but they are famous for choking come Tournament time. Many consider Florida to be a way overrated #2 seed, #3 seed BYU hasn't looked the same since losing Brandon Davies to the Kama Sutra, and #4 and #5 seeds Wisconsin and Kansas State will face difficult challenges from #12 and #13 seeds Belmont and Utah State. Plus, you have #10 seed Michigan State lurking in the background. It will be a definite surprise if the Southeast Region doesn't end up being topsy turvy.

Best Game: #5 Kansas State vs. #12 Utah State

After a run to the Elite 8 last season, there were high hopes for Kansas State. It seemed like the pressure might have been too much as Kansas was slow out of the gates and was squarely on the bubble. However, they were able to push themselves up to a #5 seed by winning 8 of their last 10 games, including a rout of Kansas. Senior guard Jacob Pullen said that if Kansas State had to settle for the NIT he wouldn't want to play. He backed up that talk by playing like a monster the last 10 games of the season. Pullen can score in bunches but he can also be careless with the ball at times and will have to limit his turnovers for the Wildcats to beat the Aggies. Utah State isn't your average 12 seed, they are 30-3 on the season and have been ranked in the Top 25 for most of the year. They are capable of playing ferocious defense, twice holding opponents under 40 points. The Aggies rotation goes seven deep, as all seven of those players play at least 20 minutes a game. Forward Tai Wesley is their leading scorer and rebounder and will be a player to watch in this game.

Player to Watch: BYU forward Jimmer Fredette

Not much is left to say about Jimmer. He has taken the college basketball landscape by storm and is even known by the most casual of fans. With the loss of Davies he will be tasked with trying to carry the Cougars NCAA title hopes on his back. Jimmer averaged 28.5 ppg this season, and his lowest single game point output was 13. He is coming off a 52 point game last week in the Mountain West Tournament against New Mexico. If he scores less than 20 points the Cougars will likely be bounced. Big time players usually have a sense when all eyes are on them, so I expect to see some great performances from Jimmer as long as he is playing in the Tournament.

Lowest Seed to Make It Through the First Weekend: #12 Utah State

I like the Aggies to knock off Kansas State and then I think they will catch a break and face Belmont in the Third Round. That would be a fun underdog game to watch. The Aggies haven't faced the toughest competition this season but I don't think a 30-3 record can be completely overlooked.

Best Potential Game: #6 St. John's vs. #3 BYU

Steve Lavin has done a tremendous job in his first year with the Johnnies. I was a little hard on St. John's because I felt that they could only win in the Garden, but to beat the level of teams that the Red Storm beat is no easy feat, whether home or away. St. John's will miss D.J. Kennedy, but I expect Justin Brownlee and Dwight Hardy to pick up the slack. The Red Storm are deep with seniors and that can prove to be an asset come March. If these two play it would be a close game and I think Hardy and Jimmer would make it memorable.

Predictions Second Round:

#1 Pittsburgh over #16 UNC-Asheville

#9 Old Dominion over #8 Butler

#12 Utah State over #5 Kansas State

#13 Belmont over #4 Wisconsin

#6 St. John's over #11 Gonzaga

#3 BYU over #14 Wofford

#10 Michigan State over #7 UCLA

#2 Florida over #15 UCSB

Third Round

#1 Pittsburgh over #9 Old Dominion

#12 Utah State over #13 Belmont

#6 St. John's over #3 BYU

#10 Michigan State over #2 Florida