(No. 1) Villanova vs (No. 5) West Virginia
The Villanova Wildcats have probably been playing the best basketball out of any of the remaining teams. After taking down Radford in the first round, Villanova put on a shooting clinic in the second half against Alabama. This was after Donte DiVincenzo had 18 first-half points.
Offensively Villanova is probably the best offensive team in the country, and they’ve flexed their muscles so far this tournament. Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson have been great so far, and need to continue their play against a West Virginia team that’s breathing new life.
West Virginia has completely dismantled their first two opponents with their pressure, and senior point guard Jevon Carter has led the way. The Mountaineers biggest problem coming into the tournament has been their halfcourt defense. Even though they’re very proficient with their press they struggle getting stops in the halfcourt. They’ve done a much better job these first two games, but they’ll have to at their best against a very good Villanova team.
In the end I think the Wildcats have too much firepower for West Virginia to stop. I’ll take Villanova to advance to the Elite Eight.