Who Will Win Thursday?

Thursday Predictions:

#3 Xavier v. #7 West Virginia

Tough one to pick, because of my obvious Xavier bias, but I think the Muskies truly have the edge in this one. X has a much stronger backcourt, with the playmaking and tempo-controlling of Drew Lavender and tenacious defense and will of Stanley Burrell. Add in a versatile post corp, led by Josh Duncan and you have some matchup advantages.

For West Virginia, Joe Alexander can give you some nightmares. The big junior forward has unique ability to dominate a game from any spot on the floor. Curry has been the darling of round one, Kevin Love, Hansbrough and Derrick Rose have bigger names. Joe might be the single most dangerous player left in the tourney.

Also - don't underestimate the bob Huggins impact. He KNOWS Xavier very well, having been a part of the Crosstown Shootout for more than a decade. He will not let his player get lost in the "who are these Ex-ay-vier guys" malaise that can plague Big 6 conference teams.

OUTCOME: Tough match-up, but in the end Xavier's poise, balance and tenacious switching on up top ball screens stifle the Mountaineer's offense. Xavier cans more big free throws late and win by 7. FINAL: Xavier 72, W. VA 65 (BTW - it is Zay-Vyer.. in case you didn't know or are employed by freakin' CBS!!!!)

#1 North Carolina v #4 Washington St.

Tempo, tempo, tempo. UNC wants to push it, run and score. Washington State wants to grind it out and slow it down. It makes for a much more interesting game than many people think. It pits one of the best offensive teams against one of the best defensive teams in the country. Do not be surprised if UNC has some struggles with getting control of the tempo in this game. In the end the athletic wings and inside play of Hansbrough prevail in a lower-than-expected scoring affair.

OUTCOME: UNC 66 - Washington St 62

#1 UCLA v. #12 W. Kentucky

It will be interesting to see how hard UCLA pushes some of their injury problems in this one. Courtney Lee is good, but the most under looked "upset" team of the tourney does little to garner any more headlines. UCLA's explosive guard play and Kevin Love's 20-10 propel the Bruins to one small step away from their 3rd straight Final Four

OUTCOME: UCLA 84 W. Kentucky 58

#3 Louisville v #2 Tennessee

Quite possibly the best game of the night (though UNC v/ Wazzou is better than people realize...) I give the edge to Louisville because of two reasons: 1. The depth and versatility inside to matchup well and control tempo against Tennessee and 2. The inability of Tennessee's guards to handle the pressure or Louisville's defense.

Anyone who watched them struggle to take care of the basketball against Butler (a much less athletic team than the Cards) saw their premier weakness exposed. Louisville should be able to exploit it even more than the Bulldogs.

A little overlooked is Louisville's struggles from the line. Much has been made of the beleaguered efforts of Memphis from the charity stripe, but statistically Louisville is not much better. The difference is that Louisville's dominant ball handlers shoot them at a respectable clip. If they can keep the ball in the right hands late, they should be able to hold off a gritty tough Vol squad.

OUTCOME: Lousiville 82, Tennessee 80

Enjoy the games!