2011 NCAA Bracket Elite 8 Final Four Predictions; Sweet 16 Set

Sweet 16, Thursday

#3. UCONN vs. #2 SDSU
SDSU escaped Temple in double overtime, but will not get by the Huskies to advance to the Elite 8. UCONN got a lift once again from Kemba Walker. Walker contributed 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. San Diego State does not have anyone that can stop Walker, expect the Huskies to move on and to cover the 1 point spread.
Prediction: UCONN 75 SDSU 62

#3 BYU vs. #2 Florida
Both teams have been overlooked in recent Final Four discussions. Florida has a weak interior defense that could hurt them in being able to stop Jimmer Fredette. Florida's best chance at stopping Fredette is battling an ankle injury, guard Kenny Boynton. Although this is not a popular pick, I am taking BYU over Florida.
Prediction: BYU 64 Florida 61

#5 Arizona vs. #1 Duke
Arizona has a chance to earn the nation's respect with a win over #1 Duke, unfortunately, Duke is a much stronger team and has better talent. The defending champions will move up with a non-stop scoring attack.
Prediction: Duke 85 Arizona 71

#8 Butler vs. #4 Wisconsin
This will be the best game of the Sweet 16 round. Butler and Wisconsin are similar teams. Butler has won 11 straight games and scores more points per game, and is a better rebounding team than the Badgers. The Badgers were able to beat a very tough Kansas State team, but they have not been consistent this season.
Prediction: Butler 59 Wisconsin 54

Sweet 16, Friday

#11 Marquette vs. #2 North Carolina
North Carolina is the best rebounding team in the country and will stop Marquette from getting second chances. The Heels should win convincingly.
Prediction: North Carolina 78 Marquette 59

#12 Richmond vs. #1 Kansas
Kansas is a 10.5 favorite, and as much as I would like to see an upset here, Kansas is too strong for the Spiders. Justin Harper will keep Richmond in it, but they will get outplayed down the stretch.
Prediction: Kansas 74 Richmond 66

#4 Kentucky vs. #1 Ohio State
Brandon Knight and the Kentucky Wildcats will give Ohio State all they can handle. The Wildcats have won 8 in a row and are a better rebounding team than the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes have won 9 in a row including the Big Ten Tournament Championship. This will be a close one, the Buckeyes should pull it out at the end.
Prediction: Ohio State 68 Kentucky 67

#11 VCU vs. #10 Florida State
Possibly the hardest game to pick in this round of the tournament. Both teams had impressive victories against favored teams in Purdue and Notre Dame. Florida State is the better defensive team from a stronger conference, but VCU has a large chip on their shoulder that has carried them to three tournament victories so far.
Prediction: VCU 65 Florida State 61 (Because destiny is on the side of VCU)

Elite 8, Saturday

#1 Duke vs. #3 UCONN: Duke Wins
-Can outlast Walker and UCONN, having Irving back will be crucial

#3 BYU vs. #8 Butler: Butler Wins
-Better overall team, will wear down BYU and Fredette

Elite 8, Sunday

#1 Ohio State vs. #2 UNC: UNC Wins
UNC is better coached and has played tougher teams to this point. Although OSU is much more experienced, their lack of depth will finally catch up to them against a talented team like the Tar Heels.

#1 Kansas vs. #11 VCU: Kansas Wins
VCU's luck finally runs out

Final Four Teams: Duke, Butler, UNC, Kansas