By: Matt Bishop, Tom Keller, and Ethan Conley
The State News
The Boss — So, here we have the two giant killers in a mid-majorpalooza for a spot in the Elite Eight.
This game should be a great affair. George Mason is playing like a team possessed right now while Wichita State has just been solid.
I'm very interested in watching this game.
George Mason 64, Wichita State 63
Tomahawk — One of these teams will be in the Elite Eight? If you called that in your bracket, I want to know. I'll buy you dinner.
George Mason just seems to be this year's team of destiny. And if you saw head coach Jim Larranaga on ESPN this week buying donuts for the Mason fans who were camping out for tickets, you'd have a hard time rooting against them, too. Plus, it'd be nice for MSU to say it lost to the eventual national champion.
George Mason 63, Wichita State 59
The Truth — Wow, here's a meaningless game. It's been a nice run for both teams, but they're both out by the end of the weekend. Consider this a second play-in game. Loser goes home, winner gets whipped by UConn on Sunday.
I don't know a whole lot about either team, but I know that there's a player on the George Mason roster named Jesus Urbina. I'm sold.
George Mason 60, Wichita State 54
No. 4 Boston College vs. No. 1 Villanova
The Boss — If there's one team that has a chance to knock off Villanova, it's Boston College. After a stumble in the first round, the Eagles handled Montana and are riding high into the Metrodome.
Villanova has been the "it" team this season, but it goes down here and it goes down hard.
Boston College 79, Villanova 68
Tomahawk — Like a love letter from an ex-girlfriend, I'm torn.
I had Boston College winning here because I didn't think Allan Ray would be able to see. It's now apparent that Ray, in fact, can see — to the tune of 44 points in his last two games.
But I'll stick with the Eagles, as they've got the size to wear down Nova's four guards. And besides, Jared Dudley will probably kill me in my sleep if I pick against him.
Boston College 87, Villanova 84 (OT)
The Truth — I've liked Boston College all season long. With Craig Smith and Jared Dudley leading the way, the Eagles aren't intimidated by anyone. Villanova could roll out a quintet of rabid pit bulls for a starting five, and Smith and Dudley wouldn't blink an eye. I'll take that kind of team any day of the week over a club that starts four guards with seven good eyes.
Boston College 66, Villanova 62
No. 7 Georgetown vs. No. 3 Florida
The Boss — A very interesting matchup here. Georgetown took out a spunky Northern Iowa team and then demolished Ohio State to get to this point.
I've never liked Florida. They just seem like a fraud. I like the Hoyas here, gang, but it won't be easy.
Georgetown 71, Florida 69
Tomahawk — I had Florida losing this game to Georgetown in my bracket, mainly because the Gators are typically as soft come tournament time as a warm stick of butter.
But have you seen Joakim Noah lately? The ponytailed big man has declared war on the tournament field, averaging upwards of 16 points, seven boards, six assists and four blocks thus far.
It's clear now — these aren't the same Gators of years past. And for that, I'll jump ship on my bracket pick.
Florida 72, Georgetown 60
The Truth — When's the last time Florida did anything significant in the tournament? (It was 2000, when it reached the title game before Mateen and Mo Pete ran it off the floor. The good times weren't that long ago, folks.) The Sweet 16 is the ceiling for Billy Donovan's recent clubs. Their run ends here.
Georgetown 71, Florida 62
No. 4 MSU Women vs. No. 1 Duke
The Boss — It's been a nice little run here for the women, but it will sadly come to an end this weekend.
The Spartans are outmatched by an extremely tough Duke team here. This game will closely mimic MSU's efforts at Ohio State and at Minnesota. It won't be pretty.
Duke 75, MSU 54
Tomahawk — Duke scares me. Like "The Hills Have Eyes" scares me.
It's won its first two tournament games by a combined 103 points.
It's topped 90 points in a game 15 times this season.
It's only lost three times this season — all to teams ranked No. 4 or higher.
The Spartans played inspired basketball against Kentucky, but I just don't think they have enough to slay this beast.
Duke 77, MSU 66
The Truth — The loss at Ohio State was — unequivocally — the Spartans' worst effort of the season. There's no way Liz Shimek and Lindsay Bowen will allow the team to duplicate that performance; they'll go out swinging. I'm guessing The Boss has resorted to flipping a coin for his picks again, and is reaching at straws for a way to back it up.
Duke is a strong team; there's no doubt about it. Any team that can beat Tennessee and Maryland (twice) is top-notch. But if it's close — and it should be — I can't imagine the Blue Devils overcoming Bowen's and Shimek's sheer will to win.
MSU 65, Duke 64
