We’re down to the Sweet 16 in the 2013 NCAA Tournament. There really aren’t upsets from here to the championship. These are all good teams facing off having won two or three games (La Salle) in the tournament already to survive the first weekend. Here are my thoughts on the eight Sweet 16 games coming up today and tomorrow:
Syracuse vs. Indiana
Indiana had to make a comeback to edge Temple last weekend to make it here while the ‘Cuse has played well. I think the Hoosier’s have the shooters to stretch the Orange’s zone and will find a way to advance but this is gonna be a tight game.
ATS Play: Syracuse +5.5
Marquette vs. Miami (FL
Marquette has been able to find a way at the end of games to win and advance. Miami had a tough game against Illinois but showed the ability to close out the game even getting a little help from the refs. I think this is an even matchup so take the points as I expect this game to be decided on the last possession.
ATS Play: Marquette +5.5
Arizona vs. Ohio State
Aaron Craft is look like a man who’s not gonna let his team lose. He hit a huge three to get them to this round and I think will make the difference in this one. Arizona hasn’t really been tested in the tournament yet and is a dangerous team. Sean Miller is coaching a talented squad. I think the Buckeyes advance.
ATS Play: Ohio State -3.5
La Salle vs. Wichita State
If you had this matchup in your bracket, I tip my cap to you. A 9 vs. 13 wasn’t expected here but both teams have played very well to get here. I don’t think either team has any pressure on them in this game as they have been looked over this week with all of the attention Florida Gulf Coast has been getting. I think Greg Marshall is an outstanding coach so I’ll take the Shockers to keep marching.
ATS Play: Wichita State -4
Oregon vs. Louisville
Perhaps nobody has been more dominant in the tournament so far than Louisville. They have stomped their opponents but Oregon is no slouch. They won the Pac-12 tournament and have looked good in their two games also. I like Louisville’s advantage inside in this game and think they’re gonna force Oregon into a lot of jumpers and run out with the rebounds. I don’t like giving double digit points at this point in the tournament.
ATS Play: Oregon +10
Michigan State vs. Duke
I like Michigan State to pull this minor upset. I think their ability to get good shots inside will prove to be too much for Duke. The Blue Devils will need to be hitting threes to have a shot in this one which is possible but I expect Michigan State to disrupt the Dukie’s perimeter game.
ATS Play: Michigan State +2
Michigan vs. Kansas
This could be the best game of this round. These are two outstanding teams and very well coached. Bill Self is a great tournament coach and I expect him to make the difference in this tight game. I think he’ll put his players in position to win and advance.
ATS Play: Kansas -2
Florida Gulf Coast vs. Florida
Florida has been great in the tournament so far but FGCU has taken all of the spotlight with their upsets as a 15 seed rides in to the Sweet 16. The Gators are playing far better than FGCU’s first two opponents but I think FGCU is playing with house money and can match the Gators athleticism. Like I said earlier, I hate to give double digit points at this time in the tourney
ATS Play: Florida Gulf Coast +13
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