Written by The Judge
Eight teams remain, each only one game away from the Final Four in New Orleans.
You have blue bloods in UNC, Kansas, and Duke.
You have other historic programs in Villanova, Arkansas, and Houston.
You have a surprise contestant in Miami.
And then you have Peacocks.
Saturday
Villanova University v. The University of Houston
This is a man’s game. Jay Wright’s Villanova against Kelvin Sampson’s Houston. I’m taking the hot hand here and Houston has covered the spread in their last six games. Houston covers and goes to their second straight Final Four.
Verdict: Houston -2.5
Watch on TBS at 6:09pm ET.
The University of Arkansas v. Duke University
After so-so games in the first and second rounds, Arkansas put together a remarkable performance against top seed Gonzaga. Mark Few’s team did not have the composure to overcome the pressure from the Hogs. This Duke team has overcome more adversity throughout this season and will not be phased. If you’re into storylines, this doesn’t make sense for the final page in the book of Coach K.
Verdict: Duke -4
Watch on TBS at 8:49pm.
Sunday
University of Kansas v. University of Miami
This pick is less about Kansas and more about Miami. Whenever the clock strikes midnight for the Canes’ tournament run, they are going to be a tough out. Their scramble defense and dynamic offensive guard play disrupt the opposition so much. You won’t hear anyone accuse Miami of being the most talented team on the floor Sunday night, but they are going to give Kansas fits.
Verdict: Miami +6.5
Watch on CBS at 2:20pm ET.
The University of North Carolina v. St. Peter’s University
If you watched the St. Peter’s/Purdue game, you likely noticed a lot of UNC fans rooting on the Peacocks. Well, they got what they asked for, but I’m not so sure they are going to be happy about it. UNC is playing great ball and I like them to win, but I expect St. Peter’s to make them sweat it out.
Verdict: St. Peter’s +8
Watch on CBS following Kansas/Miami.