Location: St. Louis, MissouriDate: 3/26
Times: Ohio State vs. Tennessee 7:07, Northern Iowa vs. Michigan State 9:37
Announcers: Verne Lundquist & Bill Raftery
6 Tennessee vs. 2 Ohio State
Line: -5 Ohio State
Ohio State Advantages: Evan Turner is one of the best all-around players in the nation while Jon Diebler has a great 3-point shot. One disadvantage for Ohio State is their lack of depth and the right people to defend Wayne Chism and Brian Williams in the front court.
Tennessee Advantages: For one thing, they have more depth than Ohio State. This killed Cal when they played Duke yesterday. If Tennessee can get Ohio State in foul trouble early, it could be a long day for the Buckeyes. Tennessee is also one of the better defensive teams in the tournament and has the players (Prince, Hopson, Tatum) to match up with Turner and William Buford.
Lack of Depth Hurts: As I mentioned already, a lack of depth kills teams in the tournament. You already have worn out players and the possibility of those players getting into foul trouble it can be a long night for that team. And Ohio State fits this description. No team rids it's starters harder than the Buckeyes. Turner, Diebler, and David Lighty have played every minute of every game in the tournament. This isn't a good sign for the Buckeyes if they hope to advance.
Pick, Tennessee: I'm going against my better judgement and picking Tennessee to beat Ohio State. I'm not the biggest Bruce Pearl fan, but his team has two things that Ohio State lacks, depth and size. Tennessee is also more balanced than Ohio State depending on every starter for points, while relying on a deep bench.
9 Northern Iowa vs. 5 Michigan State
Line: -1 1/2 Michigan State
Michigan State Advantages: Michigan State took a big hit today when it was announced that Kalin Lucas has a torn left Achilles tendon and will miss the rest of the tournament. Kris Allen has also been hurt while Delvon Roe is playing with surgically repaired right knee. Michigan State though still has one of the best coaches in the nation in Tom Izzo and he will find some way to squeeze everything out of the players he has left on the court.
Northern Iowa Advantages: Michigan State doesn't have anyone to match up with UNI's 7-foot center Jordan Eglseder who has a nice touch and can play long stretches of the game. Everyone is now familiar with Ali Farokhmanesh and what he can do on the court. UNI also features the Koch Brothers to go along with a lot of bench help.
Lucious vs. Farokhmanesh: While this match up isn't as good as the possible Lucas vs. Farokhmanesh match up, it's the next best thing. Both players hit game-winning shots in the 2nd round to advance their teams to the Sweet 16.
Defense!: Both teams are great defensive teams. So don't expect this game to be an offensive barn-burner.
Pick, Michigan State: After last year, I never pick against Michigan State or Tom Izzo any longer. Izzo squeezes every thing he can get out of limited resources. Some how, despite the injuries, Michigan State will find a way to win this game.
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