Miami vs. Marquette: Most Intriguing Matchups in Sweet 16 Battle

On March 28, the 2013 NCAA tournament will officially enter the Sweet 16. One of the four games on Thursday features the ACC champion Miami Hurricanes against the Big East regular-season champion Marquette Golden Eagles.

Which individual matchups will determine the victor in this battle?

From star scorers squaring off against defensive specialists to a battle of coaching wits, we have it all. Both of these teams preach balance on both ends, and neither has underwhelmed with its effort.

If playing style holds any value in this one, we'll see a game that comes down to the wire.

Once we reach the closing stages of the game, it will come down to individual battles. The question is, which individuals will decide this game?

Let's find out.

Durand Scott vs. Vander Blue

When it comes to Marquette basketball, Vander Blue is synonymous with the team's 2012-13 success. A major reason is because Blue has hit three game-deciding baskets in the past four games.

That includes two game-winners.

To slow Blue down, the Miami Hurricanes will look to defensive specialist Durand Scott. This will not be the first time that Scott has defended a lethal scorer; he helped to contain Brandon Paul of Illinois during the round of 32.

Although Paul scored 18 points, Scott pressured him along the three-point line and forced him into 2-of-9 shooting from distance.

With that being said, Blue thrives on putting the ball on the court and attacking the basket. If Scott is to slow him down, he will need to force Blue into becoming an outside shooter.

That's the best way for the Hurricanes to contain the Golden Eagles offense as a whole.

Kenny Kadji vs. Davante Gardner

With Reggie Johnson sidelined by injury, the Miami Hurricanes will need Kenny Kadji to produce at a high level. Not only must he crash the glass on both ends, but Kadji must be prepared to battle a player just as bruising as he is—Marquette's Davante Gardner.

Gardner only averages 21 minutes per game, but he's one of the most effective big men in the nation. He's averaging 11.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

Most impressively, the 6'8" and 290-pound big man is shooting 84 percent from the charity stripe.

This is important for Kadji to know, as he cannot afford to get into foul trouble. Not only will Gardner make him pay at the line, but he's one of the best at drawing fouls.

In 21 minutes, Gardner is averaging 5.1 free-throw attempts per game—it's on Kadji to limit those opportunities.

Jim Larranaga vs. Buzz Williams

When it comes to the Sweet 16, we often expect individual players to rise up and lead their team to victory. But the truth of the matter is that the people who decide these games are the coaches.

Could you find a better coaching battle than Jim Larranaga versus Buzz Williams?

Larranaga and Williams are the ultimate "player's coaches." Both are known for their animated style of coaching and their indescribable locker room antics to fire up their players.

Which coach will emerge victorious with a berth in the Elite Eight on the line? That's what you call intrigue, folks.

It doesn't get much better than Larranaga versus Williams.