The second day of March Madness is here and has what we hope is another great slate of basketball. Another set of four games which means more picks on the way. Friday game predictions in Sweet 16 action.
South: (5) San Diego State vs (1) Alabama
Pick: Alabama
A favorite in this tournament led by Brandon Miller the Tide have rolled themselves into a Sweet 16 appearance. The Aztecs will have quite the challenge ahead as it seems that even when Miller wasn't their main scorer this tournament that Tide can win. I think that San Diego State was happy they didn't have to see a single digit seed to this point but may be in for a rude awakening when Bama gets rolling.
Midwest: (5) Miami vs (1) Houston
Pick: Houston
If this Houston team doesn't make it to the final four, then it would truly be something. The defense is off the charts, and they have the athletes to create tough shots and make them. The Cougars have everything you need to see them moving on. Miami made some magic last March getting the elite eight as a ten seed and losing to top seed Kansas. Will they be able to do it again? I don't believe so but what Miami is doing has to be taken note of.
South: (15) Princeton vs (6) Crieghton
Pick: Creighton
The Blue Jays will put an end to this Cinderella that is the Tigers of Princeton. We saw a 15 seed come moments from a final four run last March, but this will not be the same story. This Blue Jay team from the Big East when healthy is a title contender in the shadows. When the pieces are clicking for Creighton and I think they will be tonight, it is a hard task for any defense. It was nice to see another 15 seed rock the bracket world but that run comes to an end tonight.
Midwest: (3) Xavier vs (2) Texas
Pick: Texas
For a chance at an all-Texas elite eight, the Longhorns will battle Xavier for a chance to move on. Souley Boum of Xavier has been putting up a solid season for the Musketeers. But the key in this game will be the defense and even with three players averaging 15 ppg or more on Xavier the Longhorns know how to defend. I have the Longhorns and Cougars meeting for a spot in the Final Four.