Breaking Down the Brackets: Elite Eight Saturday Games

Despite going 16 for 16 on the second round games, I went just six for eight on the Sweet 16 games, and will look to rebound in the Elite Eight matchups today. 

The Elite Eight features four Big East teams, the three No.1 seeds, and Villanova as a No.3.

No.1 Connecticut vs. No.3 Missouri

This game features two teams that are very different in style, as the Missouri Tigers look to out-run the Huskies from UConn. 

I think Connecticut will be able to run with the fast-paced Tigers, and also establish a presence inside on Leo Lyons and Demarre Carroll. As good as Missouri looked in their victory over Memphis, facing Hasheem Thabeet is going to be tougher than anything they have faced all year. 

J.T. Tiller must have a big game against A.J. Price, the senior point guard is averaging 21 points per game in the tournament. In the end, UConn will be too much for a Missouri team that got hot at the right time.

UConn 78, Missouri 74

No.1 Pittsburgh vs. No.3 Villanova

A battle of Big East foes awaits in the East Regional Final, and will put two teams together that are all too familiar with each other. 

Earlier in the year, Villanova defeated Pittsburgh at home. The Panthers will look to avoid the same fate today. Villanova has used their depth extremely well, while Pittsburgh has struggled. 

If they can not play better defense, and slow things down on offense, Villanova will take this game. 

Villanova 82, Pitt 80