MIDWEST

(12) Villanova vs. (13) Siena
These two double-digits seeds will play for a chance at the Sweet Sixteen after pulling off impressive upsets Friday night.  I like Villanova to play on behind the shooting of Scottie Reynolds, Corey Stokes, and Corey Fisher.  Siena is just a slight underdog according to our computers winning 42% of simulations, and they are certainly capable of pulling off a second straight victory.  The Saints legitimately looked better all game than fifth-seeded Vanderbilt.  If they pull off another win it will likely be behind the play of guard Kenny Hasbrouck who had 30 on Friday.  I think ‘Nova will be able to pull out this one though because their strength (backcourt play) matches that of the Saints, and they also have better depth up front.

(2) Georgetown vs. (10) Davidson
Stephen Curry introduced himself to the nation on Friday dropping 40 points to lead his Davidson team to a win over Gonzaga. 

WEST

(12) Western Kentucky vs. (13) San Diego
In the second Cinderella special of the day Western Kentucky takes on San Diego.  Both these squads upset their higher seeded opponents by draining shots at the end of the clock to stun Drake and UCONN and move on to play for the right to reach the Sweet 16.  Western Kentucky, like many mid-majors, is led by its guard play with Courtney Lee, Tyrone Brazelton, and Ty Rogers.  Lee is a potential NBA prospect.  Brazelton was incredible against Drake hitting six three-pointers en route to 33 points.  Rogers of course was the hero for the Hilltoppers stroking a deep three to propel his team to a win.  San Diego is a bit more balanced with Brandon and Trumaine Johnson on the perimeter and Gyno Pomare and Rob Jones inside.  Brandon Johnson turned up a bit gimpy at the end of the UCONN game, and if he isn’t 100 percent it greatly hurts the Toreros chances.  I like the Hilltoppers in this one.

EAST

(2) Tennessee vs. (7) Butler
The Vols play fast and furious at all times, and that style is very effective at times with the multitude of athletes on the roster.  That style also gets them into trouble as it leads to undisciplined play and hurried shots.  Lowly American hung with Tennessee for 35 minutes before fading at the end.  Butler is a very good team, and was clearly under-seeded by the committee.  A.J. Graves and Mike Green should be able to deal with the pressure that the Vols will try to apply, and I like the Bulldogs to pull off another shocker and knock another 2-seed out of the tournament.

(1) North Carolina vs. (9) Arkansas
Arkansas has more talent than most across the country might realize with Sonny Weems, Patrick Beverly, Darian Townes, and Gary Ervin.  They certainly were not less talented than Indiana whom the Razorbacks systemically wore down and beat on Friday.  In this game however, North Carolina is definitely more talented and Tyler Hansbrough is likely to be the difference inside.  I think Arkansas will hang with the Tar Heels most of the game, but to eventually pull away with their transition game and secondary break.  Carolina will attack in waves, and a lack of quality depth will hurt Arkansas in the long run in this one.

(3) Louisville vs. (6) Oklahoma
The Sooners really are not in the class of the Cardinals having been outscored in conference play.  Louisville meanwhile had one of the best margins in Big East play.  That’s not to say that Oklahoma can’t win, but that their margin for error is razor thin against the more talented Louisville squad.  In this game I see the Cardinal zone giving Austin Johnson and the Sooners fits.  Louisville also has Earl Clark and Terrance Williams on the wing both of whom will create match-ups problems all over the court.  Louisville wins by close to double digits.

SOUTH

(1) Memphis vs. (8) Mississippi State
The Bulldogs faced an athletic high-powered offensive squad in Oregon in the first round, and they will get another one on Sunday in Memphis.  The Tigers are even more athletic and deeper than the Ducks however and this will be a much more difficult proposition.  Many people see Memphis as the most likely top seed to lose early, but I don’t foresee that happening here, and AccuScore’s computers agree.  Memphis is a seven point favorite winning 71% of simulations.  There are several intriguing match-ups to watch for starting in the backcourt with Memphis’ Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts going up against Mississippi State’s Jamont Gordon.  Joey Dorsey will also have to battle Charles Rhodes inside.  Rhodes is expected to dominate Dorsey inside with 21 and 10 compared to just 6 and 9 for Dorsey.

(2) Texas vs. (7) Miami
Can Jack McClinton do it again?  After trailing by five at halftime to St. Mary’s the 6-foot-1 guard scored 32 points in the second half for a game high 38 to lead Miami to a decisive 14 point victory.  It might have been the signature performance of the tournament so far if not for the lights-out shooting of Davidson’s Stephen Curry.  The Hurricanes will need another transcendent performance if they are to get a win against Texas.  Rick Barnes’ squad probably has too much firepower for Miami to handle led by guards D.J. Augustin and A.J. Abrams and forward Damion James.  AccuScore has Texas as a nearly double digit favorite winning 77% of simulations.  I agree with our computers and see the Longhorns being able to run away and hide in the second half.