Thursday Night's Sweet 16 Predictions

A LayupDrill.com Exclusive

I am going on record to make my Sweet 16 Predictions, many of which haven’t changed since I filled my bracket.

Here are tonight’s matchups, along with predictions and reasons.

1. UConn vs. Purdue

When: 7:07PM EST
Where: CBS in HD
Vegas Likes: UConn
Intangible: UConn scandal hits the fan 24 hours before the big game

We Like: I don’t know if the scandal breaking only 24 hours before the game will distract UConn or not, but in this case, I believe the Huskies will rally around Jim Calhoun, and put on their best performance of the tournament.

UConn 76, Purdue 63

2. Memphis vs. Missouri

When: 9:37PM EST
Where: CBS in HD
Vegas Likes: Memphis
Intangible: Digger Phelps of ESPN has been picking Missouri to beat Memphis, so go the other way.

We Like: I am not underestimating Missouri here, and I think that there style of play could be the toughest match up Memphis has this entire dance.

However, in what could be a classic, the Tigers pull out a nail biter.

Memphis 83, Missouri 80

3. Pittsburgh vs. Xavier

When: 7:27PM EST
Where: CBS in HD
Vegas Likes: Pitt
Intangible: Pressure is on Pitt big time - Andy Katz,ESPN

We Like: Even though I wrote earlier this week about Xavier is the team no one wants to play, it is very tough for me to see Pitt losing tonight. Maybe I have been brainwashed by all the “experts” that have the Panthers winning it all this year.

I think this game is close late, but Pitt wins it on the free throw line.

Pitt 62, Xavier 55

4. Duke vs. Villanova

When: 9:37PM EST
Where: CBS in HD
Vegas Likes: Duke
Intangible: Can Duke handle Villanova’s guards?

We Like: I picked Villanova to get to the Final Four since the brackets were released, with this game circled as the one I was looking forward to seeing more than any prior to the Final Four.

This one could be a potential classic, and if the Blue Devils are hitting their shots, they will be tough to beat tonight.

However, in the end, Scottie Reynolds and Villanova will be too much.

Villanova 74, Duke 70