NCAA Tournament 2012: Bold Predictions for the Sweet 16

If your bracket isn't already busted, it will be by the time the Sweet 16 is over.

Syracuse is going to lose. Louisville is going to keep it close. Florida will reach the Elite 8.

Let's break it down.


Syracuse vs. Wisconsin

The Orange barely squeaked by UNC-Asheville in the first round of the tournament, getting some serious help from the refs down the stretch. Then in the round of 32, they came out lackadaisically against a mediocre Kansas State team before pulling away in the second half.

Wisconsin is neither of those teams. Wisconsin is better.

All season, Both teams have tried to force their opposition to play at their own tempo, Syracuse especially.

Syracuse has so many guys that can beat you, which is why Wisconsin is going to keep the transition possessions to a minimum, working the half-court game.

They'll have huge success in doing so, particularly because of Fab Melo's absence.

Syracuse has done quite a bit of pressing thus far in the tourney, and you can't keep that up forever.

Wisconsin has been playing great defense as well. They gave up just 49 points to Montana in the first round, then held the SEC's two leading scorers in check in the second round. Vanderbilt's John Jenkins and Jeffery Taylor were held to just 22 points combined.

Look for Jordan Taylor and company to take out Syracuse tomorrow.


Michigan State vs. Louisville

MSU is clearly the better team in this contest, but they'll get a run for their money against the Cardinals.

MSU is 26th in the country in rebounding, led by Draymond Green. Louisville is right behind them at 27th.

While Louisville doesn't have a player of Green's caliber, they have multiple players who can bang around under the rim. Gorgui Dieng (9.1), Chane Behanan (7.4) and Kyle Kuric (4.3) are all top rebounding threats.

They won't be able to completely neutralize Draymond Green. Nobody can. But they should be able to snatch some rebounds away from him, and anytime you can keep the ball out of his hands, you're in good shape.

The difference in this one will be MSU's guard Keith Appling outplaying Louisville's Peyton Siva. 

Sparty gets the victory in this one, but it's a nail-biter.


Florida vs. Marquette

These two teams are comparable in numerous statistical categories. 

Both score around 76 points per game. Both pull down 35 rebounds per game. Both hover around 46 percent shooting. And Marquette has only a slight advantage in assists per game.

The Gators are faster and better in transition, but Buzz Williams squad is more physical.

Florida will use their superior quickness to get out to an early lead, making their defensive task much easier.

Marquette struggles with shooting, especially from three-point range, so if Florida can play good interior defense, this one shouldn't even be close.