Saturday 2nd Round Picks

Well, the first round is over, and Friday night brought a fitting end to the excitement that always accompanies the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Now for some second round picks:

UCLA vs Villanova: Villanova. UCLA squeaked out a victory against VCU but don't be fooled, VCU is a good team, and UCLA is still a solid team even with their struggles within the season. This should be a quality game as the guards of both teams are very solid, but Dante Cunningham should put Villanova over the top. His versatility will more than likely overwhelm UCLA and lead Villanova to victory. Did I mention Villanova/UCLA is being played in Philly in Villanova's home arena?

Maryland vs Memphis: Memphis. Memphis should win this one, they simply have more talent than Maryland, but don't expect Maryland to just fold over, I see this being a close game. Greivis Vazquez will have a tough match-up, he'll be defended by C-USA's Defensive Player of the Year, Antonio Anderson more likely than not. Unless Vazquez puts up 25+, Memphis will pull this out.

Connecticut vs Texas A&M: Connecticut. UConn should pull this out pretty easily, A&M just doesn't have near the talent than UConn does inside or outside. Look for a 15+ point win and Thabeet to have a pretty statline.

Purdue vs Washington: Purdue. This is what I think will be the best game on Saturday besides UCLA/Villanova. Both teams match up well. Washington's star point guard Isiah Thomas against Purdue's Lewis Jackson will be a fun matchup of small, quick PGs. Chris Kramer of Purdue is not a scorer and he'll have to make sure that Justin Dentmon of Washington isn't allowed to score either. Washington's key player will be Quincy Pondexter as Purdue doesn't really have as versatile of a player to matchup with him except Robbie Hummel, who has to stay at PF. Jajuan Johnson is Purdue's most important player and he'll be matched up against Washington's best player, Jon Brockman. If Johnson can have a big game, Purdue will take this game.

LSU vs North Carolina: North Carolina. This shouldn't be a close game but there's a slight chance it could be if Ty Lawson isn't his normal self and if Tyler Hansbrough gets in foul trouble.

Oklahoma vs Michigan: Oklahoma. Michigan's half-court style will keep them close for a majority of the game, but Oklahoma is too good here. Blake Griffin could pull down 20 rebounds potentially in this game and should score at least 25.

Gonzaga vs Western Kentucky: Gonzaga. Western Kentucky is going to put up a big fight against Gonzaga in this game and it could end up being close. Mendez-Valdez and A.J. Slaughter are solid guards and can keep up with Bouldin and Pargo of Gonzaga. The matchup nightmare in this game for Western Kentucky is Josh Heytvelt against Jeremy Evans, the 6'9" 190 lb. center. If he plays well, Gonzaga will roll in this game. Even if not, Gonzaga's depth and versatility will prevail.

Texas vs Duke: Duke. Texas has one of the most stagnant offenses in the country, relying at some times solely on A.J. Abrams to score for them. Damion James is one of my favorite players in the country, but his outside game has suffered this year. Still his size and versatility can pose a problem for Duke. If Dexter Pittman at 6'10" and almost 300 pounds can get 20+ points and play the majority of the game, Texas could pull the upset, but it's not likely. Kyle Singler will pull the big Pittman outside and free up the paint for cuts and drives by Gerald Henderson who should have an extremely impressive game.