Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
The rule of thumb in the NCAA Tournament the last few years has been: don’t bet against the Big Ten.
The conference had two teams in the Final Four last year, and with three of the final 12 standing, the odds are good that it will happen again.  The usual suspects are all still hanging around in Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Michigan.
There weren’t many surprises this evening, besides Dayton continuing their unlikely run. In a momentary lapse of reason, I also had Baylor beating Wisconsin, as I did on my original bracket. Â
For those of you doing a round-by-round NCAA Tournament bracket challenge, here are my predictions for the Elite Eight matchups on Saturday, March 29th:
SOUTH REGION at MEMPHIS, TN:
(1) Florida vs. (11) Dayton
Sharpshooter Michael Frazier almost single-handedly carried Florida through the first 25 minutes. Frazier was knocking down three-pointer after three-pointer in pushing the Gators to a double-digit lead. UCLA made a nice run to get back to within six, but the Florida defense clamped down, holding the Bruins scoreless for nearly five minutes, allowing the Gators to extend their lead back to double-digits. UCLA never got closer than eight the rest of the way as the No. 1 overall seed advances another round.
The Cinderella run continues for Dayton. They came out fast against Stanford, and wore the Cardinal down with a passing clinic. The Flyers moved so well with and without the ball that Stanford just could not keep up with them. The Cardinal were never able to overcome the opening blitz by Dayton. The Flyers used their quickness and their super deep bench (10 players notched points for the Flyers in this one) to take Stanford out of their game. The Cardinal were never able to slow Dayton down, and their lack of depth was exploited in this one.
The fact that George Mason made their miracle run as an 11 seed is not lost on me. Can Dayton really slay the giant that is the Florida Gators like the Patriots did to UConn during their run? Dayton will need to use their quickness and spectacular passing to keep the defense moving. Even if they do that, they will have a hard time wearing the Gators out. Florida is just too good and too disciplined on defense — that, and they have been to the Elite Eight for four straight years. There isn’t a team in the field that can match that kind of experience. (Pick: Florida)
Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
WEST REGION at ANAHEIM, CA
(1) Arizona vs. (2) Wisconsin
The Aztecs came out and went right at Arizona. They carved up the lane in the first half, making several driving baskets. Once Arizona adjusted, the Aztecs hit some outside shots to run up a good lead against Arizona. A late Wildcat rally cut the lead to four at halftime, but the Aztecs slashed their way to the basket again to run the lead back up to eight. Then it was Arizona’s turn to come from behind like the Aztecs did to them in November. The only difference is that Arizona completed the comeback where the Aztecs did not. They battled back by contesting the SDSU drives, and getting more aggressive on the offensive end as well. Xavier Thames had another monster game for the Aztecs, but it just wasn’t enough. SDSU went ice cold from the floor for most of the last seven minutes, allowing Arizona to take the game over.
Baylor came out slow, and never really recovered. Wisconsin held them to just 16 points in the first half. The Badgers controlled the game from the very beginning. The Bears were rarely able to get open shot, and were manhandled on both ends of the court by Wisconsin. The Badgers came out ready after being surprised by Oregon in the first half last weekend. They were more prepared, and were able to slow down Baylor. The Bears were never a threat in this game.
Sean Miller joins his brother Archie in the Elite Eight. I guess the good news for their parents is that the only way they could meet in the tourney is if both of their teams made the National Championship game. As for the matchup, it is quite odd to see a number one and number two seed meet in this years bracket. With all of the upsets going around, something has to be said for Arizona and Wisconsin to both survive. I don’t think that Wisconsin will be able to drive the lane as well as San Diego State, but the Badgers are much better shooters, especially from the outside. San Diego State played a great game defensively, and that is what Wisconsin will need to do if they want to have a shot at the upset. I really like the way that the Badgers are playing right now — the domination of American U, the comeback against Oregon, and the trampling of Baylor. They honestly look better than Arizona right now. I think I’m going to have to go against my original bracket here. (Pick: Wisconsin)
» Come back to Fantasy CPR on Saturday to see my picks for Sunday’s Elite Eight matchups!