The Wildcats have a rematch with Indiana, one of the two teams that defeated them this year. The Hoosiers defeated the Wildcats, 73-72, Dec. 10 at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, In, on a last second trifecta by Birmingham native Christian Watford. But the Wildcats are on a roll after playing a terrific game last Saturday Night in blowing out Iowa State. If point guard Marcus Teague can play like he did last Saturday Night (24 points), the Wildcats may be cutting down the nets come April 2 in the Crescent City. Here’s a look at tonight’s games and predictions.
Last night: 2-2. Won The Cuse and Florida. Lost Cincy and Michigan State.
Xavier (23-12) vs. Baylor (29-7)
South Region
Where: Phillips Arena, Atlanta
Time: 6:15 PM CT
Network CBS
Announcers: Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg, and “The Wolf.”
Should be a pretty exciting, fast-paced game. Like Tu Holloway and Mark Lyons to light it up for Xavier. Kenny Frease a fine big man for Musketeers as well. Perry Jones, III is a fine player for Baylor, but believe Xavier can outshoot the Bears, who aren’t that great defensively. Like Xavier to pull off the upset.
Xavier 76, Baylor 70
Ohio (29-7) vs. North Carolina (31-5)
Midwest Regional
Where: Edward R. Jones Dome, St. Louis
Time: 6:47 PM CT
Network: WTBS
Announcers: Marv “Yes!” Albert, Steve Kerr and Craig Sager
This has mismatch written all over it and it is. The Heels will probably be without point guard Kendall Marshall, who is out with a broken bone in his right wrist, but it won’t matter. Harrison Barnes (17 ppg), Tyler Zeller (16 points, 9.4 boards) and John Henson (13 ppg, 10 boards) could be the best front wall in basketball along with Kentucky. They just need somebody to get them the ball. They’ll have a point guard who can do enough. The Tar Heels move on pretty easily. Ohio might make it interesting at first, but the Tar Heels will pull away and get ready for a potential matchup with Kansas in the Elite Eight.
UNC 84, Ohio 68
Indiana (27-8) vs. Kentucky (34-2)
South Regional
Where: Phillips Arena, Atlanta
Time: 8:45 PM CT
Network: CBS
Announcers: Nantz, Special K and Wolf
The Kentucky players will have some revenge on their minds. That and their talent will carry them in this game. Indiana is a very solid Big Ten team, but not good enough for Anthony Davis, Terrence Jones, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Darius Miller and Marcus Teague and enough of a bench to get by. Who knows what kind of numbers Davis or Jones will put up tonight? They’re always dominant. Indiana has some good shooters and really hustle, but that won’t be enough. Kentucky rolls on to Elite Eight.
Wildcats 76, Indiana 66
North Carolina State (24-12) vs. Kansas (29-6)
Midwest Regional
Where: Edward R. Jones Dome, St. Louis
Time: 9:17 PM CT
Network: TBS
Announcers: Albert, Kerr and Sager
NC State has been a great story this postseason. They were so impressive in their victory over Gtown last Sunday. They play hard and they are very talented. But I like Thomas Robinson, one of the top five players in the country, and the highly talented Jayhawks to prevail. Rock Chalk Jayhawk moves on to the Elite Eight to face UNC in what should be an epic game. But this should be a very good game and one State could win. But like Kansas to get it done over Gottfried and company, barely, in an entertaining game.
Kansas 78, NC State 74
(If Marcus Teague plays like he did last Saturday, like Wildcats’ chances to win it all.)