We started with 65 teams at the big dance, but now it is Sweet 16 time, baby! After this weekend, we will know which teams will be flying to San Antonio as members of the elite Final Four.
My friends, it should be excitement galore as they tip-off on Thursday night. Let's look at the matchups:
North Carolina vs. Washington State
The Tar Heels are playing the regionals in Charlotte, and you can't tell me that North Carolina doesn't have an advantage. The school is 23-1 lifetime playing NCAA tournament games in the state; the lone loss came way back in 1979 on Black Sunday, when Penn stunned the Tar Heels and Duke was upset by St. John's.
North Carolina has been absolutely sensational in its first two NCAA games, building off the momentum from the ACC tournament. The Tar Heels blew out the competition in Raleigh.
The Tar Heels' transition game must be in gear this game. The big part of the strategy will be determined if Washington State can get an early lead and then control the tempo. Derrick Low and Kyle Weaver will be vital for Tony Bennett's Cougars.
The question is, do they have enough talent to offset this dynamite offensive attack? If North Carolina gets out to an early lead, it should have no problem. Tempo will be the key; if it is up and down the court, the Tar Heels will win easily. If the contest is slowed down, it could be more interesting.
Louisville vs. Tennessee
The Vols have been living by Jimmy Valvano's theory -- survive and advance! That's what they did against a tough Butler team, moving on in an overtime battle.
Right now, against a Louisville team that is playing outstanding basketball, the big question is whether Chris Lofton can get things going? Lofton is bothered by a leg injury but is expected to play. He has really struggled in the first two NCAA games, shooting 22-percent from the field.
For the Vols to move on to the Elite Eight, Lofton has to perform like an All-SEC player. Remember, he is from the state of Kentucky and has had some success against the Wildcats. Will he be able to excel against another Kentucky-based opponent?
Does Lofton have a big outing in him? I feel he is the key to this game. He's going against a well-coached Louisville squad that has depth and talent. Veteran players have stepped up and this is a Cardinal squad that is all about balance.
Rick Pitino has a balanced offensive attack, capable of beating you inside and outside. They claw and scrap on the defensive side, using their defense to create offense.
UCLA vs. Western Kentucky
Cinderella is alive and well in the Hilltoppers, baby! Yes, Cinderellas came out of Tampa, Florida and Courtney Lee was brilliant against San Diego, scoring 29 points.
Tyrone Brazleton has been brilliants throughout the entire tournament. For Western Kentucky to have a shot against the top-seeded Bruins, they must have their A-plus game.
Darrin Horn's kids are tough competitors, but UCLA always seems to find a way to get to that winner's circle. The Bruins are so resilient and they have survived a wave of injuries this season. Now Josh Shipp and Luc Richard Mbah Moute are not 100 percent.
Ben Howland had done a terrific job in working with his team's mindset. He has taught they them how to be physical and how to play within the team defensive concept.
I feel it will be too much Darren Collison and Kevin Love. My big question is, can Western Kentucky find a way to contain Love on the interior. The diaper dandy does so many things well.
That match-up against Love inside could be a disaster.
West Virginia vs. Xavier
Bobby Huggins gets the chance to compete against another-Cincinnati based school. It was a rival for many years in the Crosstown Shootout when he coached at Cincinnati.
Huggins has done a sensational job in his rookie season with the Mountaineers, while Xavier has one of the hottest coaches in Sean Miller. He is the flavor of the month and many schools with job openings will find his phone number in the off-season. Miller will be on everbody's hit list, but his current concern is advancing the Musketeers in the big dance.
Xavier has a balanced team with good perimeter and inside talent. The backcourt will be vital against the defense of West Virginia. Stanley Burrell has not shot well so far in the tournament and he must bounce back. Drew Lavender needs a big game too if the Musketeers are to move on.
Joe Alexander has been super in the second half of the season. The Mountaineers need other scorers to come through. Can Joe Mazzulla have another sensational performance; he was brilliant against Duke?
For West Virginia to prevail, it must continue to shoot the trifecta well. It must offset the balance of Xavier
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.
