The ‘Cuse vs. The Badgers

Records: ‘Cuse (33-2); Wisconsin (26-9)

East Regional

Where: T. D. Garden, Boston

Time: 6 PM

Network: CBS

The ‘Cuse looked outstanding last Saturday against Kansas State. Wisconsin a solid, defensive juggernaut. They can play some defense now. But the ‘Cuse is an excellent defensive team as well. That 2-3 zone the Orange employs is tough to score against and Scoop Jardine, Dion Waiters and C.J. Fair are terrific players. When Waiters is hot from 3, he’s almost unstoppable. Jordan Taylor and Ryan Evans are stellar players for the Badgers as well, but like the way ‘Cuse is playing right now even without big man Fab Melo. The ‘Cuse looks final four bound and championship game bound.

‘Cuse 64, Badgers 58

Michigan State vs. the ‘Ville

Records: Sparty (29-7); Louisville (28-9)

West Regional

Where: US Airways Center, Phoenix

Time: 6:47 PM

Network: WTBS

This is a classic match between Tom Izzo and Rick Pitino and their stellar teams. Look for Draymond Green to be the difference maker here. He’ll be the best player on the court. Both teams play hard-nosed defense, but Green will be the guy who tips the scale in Izzo and Sparty’s favor.

Michigan State 65, Louisville 61

The Ohio State vs. Cincinnati

Records: Buckeyes (29-7); Cincy (26-10)

East Regional

Where: Boston

Time: 8:45 PM

Network: CBS

Both teams are outstanding. Buckeyes looked good in defeating Gonzaga last weekend and Cincy was stellar in a terrific victory over No.2 seed Florida State, whom I thought was going to go a lot further. Something about this Cincy team is special. They are highly athletic and can shoot the three well. They’ll get after you on defense. While the Buckeyes might have a little better talent, like the chemistry of this Bearcats team. Yancey Gates, their big man, should do a good job on Jared Sullinger of Ohio State. Sean Kilpatrick is an excellent shooter and when he’s on from trifecta, Cincy is great. Like the Bearcats to pull off the upset. The Big East is just a special conference, like the SEC in football.

Cincy 75, Ohio State 72

Marquette vs the Gators

Records: Golden Eagles (27-7); Gators (25-10).

West Regional

Where: Phoenix

Time: 9:17 PM

Network: TBS

This is a riveting matchup between a highly athletic team in Marquette and a pretty athletic team that can really shoot the ball when they’re on, which is usually the case, in Florida. Should be an offensive game here, which is always electric. I just like Billy Donovan in this game. Believe he’ll coach his team to the Elite Eight. Florida will get the threes from Kenny Boynton, Bradley Beal, Erving Walker and Erik Murphy, and Patric Young will hold his own in the middle. Marquette is very talented, but like Donovan to get his team to the Elite Eight in an exciting game.

Florida 78, Marquette 74

(Like Kenny Boynton and Florida shooters to lead Gators past the Golden Eagles.)