Elite Eight Predictions

EAST REGION:

(1) NORTH CAROLINA VS (3) LOUISVILLE

TYLER HANSBROUGH VS DAVID PADGETT

DEON THOMPSON VS JUAN PALACIOS

MARCUS GINYARD VS TERRENCE WILLIAMS

WAYNE ELLINGTON VS JERRY SMITH

TY LAWSON VS ANDRE McGEE

UNC keys to victory- Keep doing what your doing. They need to push the ball and make sure Ty Lawson is not in foul trouble. Ginyard needs to have a superb defensive effort against Terrence Williams because his penetration sets up Jerry Smith and the rest of Louisville from the perimeter. Hansbrough needs to stay in the post and battle with David Padgett because he needs to have a big game. Danny Green needs another stellar performance from three and also playing tough D. The experience and explosiveness could put them over the top.

UL keys to victory- David Padgett must draw Hansbrough away from the hoop. Louisville will look to spread UNC on defense to allow for dribble penetration and one-on-one matchups in the post. Louisville has a great chance to win and they can't panic of they get down early because they can win this game. Rick Pitino has big game coaching experience and needs to make sure his team is settled down because they are emotional and feed off that intensity. Win the individual battles and win the war.

PREDICTION: NORTH CAROLINA 86 VS LOUISVILLE 84

WEST REGION:

(1) UCLA VS (3) XAVIER

KEVIN LOVE VS JOSH DUNCAN

LUC RICHARD MBAH A MOUTE VS DERRICK BROWN

JOSH SHIPP VS C.J. ANDERSON

RUSSELL WESTBROOK VS STANLEY BURRELL

DARREN COLLISON VS DREW LAVENDER

UCLA keys to victory- Play tough, play smart and don't fall behind. UCLA has gotten away with starting slow this tournament but they may not be as lucky if they fall early to Xavier. A strong start is essential and getting Kevin Love established against the undersized Musketeer front line will be important. Josh Shipp has been cold but is starting to warm up after his 14 point showing against Western Kentucky. The backcourt of Collison and Russell Westbrook need to cut back on turnovers and Collison needs to be especially careful guarding dyanmo Drew Lavender. If UCLA play the way they are capable of and don't fall behind, Ben Howland could be looking at a Final Four three-peat.

XU keys to victory- Well, since I forgot to finish this and UCLA has a seven point lead. I say they play tough D and not force the ball on offense.

PREDICTION(KIND OF): UCLA 70 VS XAVIER 63