Sweet 16 Schedule: 3 Bold Predictions for Thursday's Action

The Sweet 16 is a mirage.

Just because all four No. 1 seeds are still alive doesn’t mean it will be chalk from here. Thursday’s slate of games is going to be filled with unpredictability and unsung heroes.

Here are three bold predictions that will shock you tonight.

1. Josh Gasser Will Shock No. 1 Syracuse

The infamous 2-3 zone of the Orange is very disciplined and able to force even the best offenses into massive droughts.

The kryptonite is a hot three-point shooter, and I think the guy is going to be Gasser. He’s been quiet thus far in the tourney, but that’s because the Badgers were reliant on their inside game.

With most of the attention getting drawn to Jordan Taylor, expect Gasser to get open looks from downtown early and often.

The 45 percent three-point shooter is going to take full advantage as the catalyst for the Badgers win.

2. Jared Sullinger Won’t Reach 10 Points vs. No. 6 Bearcats

Sullinger struggles against big and burly post players that are stronger than he is.

Enter Cincinnati Bearcats senior forward Yancy Gates.

The do-everything big man not only averages over 12 points on offense, but it’s his defense and rebounding that make him so valuable. He is extremely physical and can be rather intimidating.

Sullinger is very susceptible to letting guys like that get into his head and I think he tries to force the issue, which will result in foul trouble.

With the slowdown pace of the Bearcats, possessions will be at a premium and Sullinger will be watching far too many of them from the sidelines. This sets the stage for a shocking Bearcats upset.

But that won’t be the biggest upset of the night…

3. No. 4 Louisville Will Beat No. 1 Michigan State

The big reason the Spartans always seem to find success in the tournament is their relentlessness on the glass. Problem is, the two teams rank 26th and 27th respectively in the category.

With their greatest advantage neutralized, the Cardinals can destroy them with point guard play. Junior Peyton Siva (9.2 PPG, 5.5 APG, 3.2 RPG) is criminally underrated and is going to give Keith Appling fits. The sophomore averages 2.3 turnovers per game and he lacks the quickness of Siva.

When the defense starts to pay extra attention to Siva, that will open up more looks for sharp-shooter Kyle Kuric The stingy Cardinals defense will be able to minimize Draymond Taylor’s impact to a point, and should have no problems shutting down the supporting cast.

Having won six straight in the Big East and NCAA tournaments, the Cardinals are peaking at the perfect time, similar to UConn last season.

What seed were the Huskies in 2011?

A No. 4. 

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