March 13, 2007

ESPN.com

The NCAA tournament always has a number of great first-round showdowns. Here are some of the best tournament openers to keep an eye on:

EAST, MICHIGAN STATE VS. MARQUETTE
Wow, the committee put together the teacher against the student as Tom Izzo's Spartans face Tom Crean's Golden Eagles. There will be a great guard showdown as Dominic James of Marquette goes up against Drew Neitzel of Michigan State. One key could be the physical status of Jerel McNeal, who has been out with a thumb injury.

EAST, ARKANSAS VS. USC
You know that there have been a number of 5 vs. 12 upsets in the past. Could Arkansas prove it belongs? Will Tim Floyd's Trojans prevail?

MIDWEST, ARIZONA VS PURDUE
The Wildcats have so much talent, and some experts questioned whether Purdue belonged in the field. The Boilermakers have Carl Landry inside and ready for this challenge. Lute Olson's team has the talent to give Florida trouble in round two, if it gets past this test.

MIDWEST, NOTRE DAME VS WINTHROP
A lot of people have been on the Eagles' bandwagon. Gregg Marshall's team is on an 18-game win streak and took Wisconsin to overtime. At 24-7, the Irish could have argued they deserved a higher seed and an easier first-round opponent. I feel that Mike Brey's team will find a way to win after pushing Georgetown to the limit in the Big East tournament.

SOUTH, NEVADA VS CREIGHTON
Nate Funk and the Bluejays are a tough team, beating Southern Illinois in the Missouri Valley Conference final. Nick Fazekas and company want to bounce back after losing in the WAC semis. The winner of this game is capable of upsetting Memphis in round two.

SOUTH, LOUISVILLE VS STANFORD
The Lopez twins could provide match-up problems for Rick Pitino's team. A healthy Anthony Goods in the backcourt would be a plus for the Cardinal. Louisville had momentum until a Big East tournament loss to Pittsburgh.

WEST, KENTUCKY VS VILLANOVA

It is the battle of the Wildcats and Jay Wright is happy to have Scottie Reynolds on his side. The diaper dandy has been overshadowed by Kevin Durant and Greg Oden, but he has been a key for the 'Cats. Curtis Sumpter can play with the best of them when healthy.

WEST, INDIANA VS GONZAGA
Does this match-up look familiar? These teams met in the second round last season, and Mark Few's Zags won by 10. Kelvin Sampson's team hopes for a different result.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.