Sweet 16 Matchups Disected

March Madness resumes play tomorrow with the Sweet 16 round of play. The first weekend came and went very quickly, and three double digit seeds remain, including two mid-majors. Will they move on even further? Can Davidson or Western Kentucky become the next George Mason? That's what I'm about to tell you.

EAST

(4) Washington State (26-8, 11-7 Pac-10) vs. (1) North Carolina (34-2, 14-2 ACC)

Washington State
Key Player: Kyle Weaver-Weaver is one of the best defenders in college basketball, and he can contribute offensively as well. It will be his job to contain Wayne Ellington on defense and not give him open looks. He averaged 14.5 points and 8 rebounds in the first weekend, and they'll need that (and maybe more) in order to beat UNC. Derrick Low is the shooter, but Weaver is what keeps the Cougars going.

Under The Radar: Taylor Rochestie-Rochestie's scoring has taken a backseat over the first two games, but they'll need his range in order to beat the high-flying Tar Heels. Rochestie has dished out 17 assists over the first two games, but hasn't scored in double digits in either. He's a solid 3-point shooter, 44% on the season, and he'll have to hit some big ones.

How Washington State can beat the Tar Heels: Sound defense and forcing turnovers. North Carolina's two losses this season have been on poor shooting and ball-handling nights. They turned the ball over 20 times vs. Dook and shot only 3-17 from 3-point range. Against Maryland, they were held to 38% from the field. Washington State's best bet will be to lock down the shooters, Ellington and Green, and try to make Hansbrough beat Wazzu by himself.

North Carolina

Key Player: Tyler Hansbrough-Hansbrough's done it all for the Tar Heels this season, performing at a player of the year standard. He is a terrific individual who is a model of consistency as well. He should get his 20+ points in this one in leading North Carolina to the Elite Eight.

Under The Radar: Deon Thompson-Thompson has been Psycho T's partner down low all season, and he's hid through the season because of Hansbrough's big numbers. After struggling down the stretch, he's averaged 15.5 ppg in the NCAA Tournament so far. He only gets 20-25 mins a game, but he can score and rebound very well. If Washington State puts extra men on Hansbrough, Thompson will have to make them pay.

How North Carolina can beat the Cougars: Setting the tempo of the game and feeding the bigs. North Carolina should run their offense through Hansbrough, because Washington State doesn't have the man power to contain him. The extra men on Hansbrough will give Wayne Ellington enough opportunities to hit some shots. Ty Lawson looks healthy, which should help them set a fast tempo.

Prediction: This one will be right because of Washington State's excellent defense. In the end, rebounding will be the key, and North Carolina will get the extra offensive boards to put them in the next round. North Carolina 78-75

(3) Louisville (26-8, 14-4 Big East) vs. (2) Tennessee (31-4, 14-2 SEC)

Louisville

Key Player: Edgar Sosa-Sosa only averages 7.9 ppg, but this is a balanced team that doesn't have a scorer who puts up gaudy numbers. Sosa was crucial in wins over Pittsburgh and Notre Dame earlier in the season, and that will happen again here. The sophomore's numbers have actually slipped a bit from last season, but he's got an improving 3-point jumper and will be the main man in this game.

Under The Radar: Andre McGee-McGee gets 20-25 mins a game but doesn't stick out as a star player on the Cardinals. He's a solid 3-point shooter, but only gets a couple looks per game. He started vs. Oklahoma and only played 18 minutes, but scored 7 points and played solid defense. I think his contribution in this one will be offensively, from 3-point range.

How Louisville can beat the Volunteers: This should be a great game between two evenly matched teams. It will be the extra things, the hustling for loose balls, that makes a difference. Louisville will also need its outside shooting game to be working. I think David Padgett and Earl Clark can out-rebound Tennessee down low.

Tennessee

Key Player: JaJuan Smith-Chris Lofton's been cold in the tournament, and I think JaJuan will have the better game. He's stepped it up big late in the season, and he shoots 3's as well as anyone. While Louisville focuses on the star, Smith will shine from outside.

Under The Radar: Jordan Howell-Howell is not a prolific scorer or playmaker, but he takes care of the ball and will get a few assists. He plays good defense as well, and they'll need it against Louisville. He didn't play much vs. Butler, but with more minutes he can be a solid contributor outside the box score.

How Tennessee can beat the Cardinals: Ball control and finding shooters. Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith need to get some good looks from 3, and the Vols cannot turn the ball over, because Louisville will capitalize on them.

Prediction: Tennessee narrowly beat Butler, but Louisville is on a whole other level. The Big East is the premier conference in the NCAA. Louisville's depth will propel them to a matchup with UNC. Louisville 85-79