Down to Eight

After last night's games, the NCAA field is down to eight teams. George Mason continued its run through the tournament with a thorough defeat of Witchita State. UConn came back from six down late and forced overtime before eventually ousting Washington. UConn has not played well yet in this tournament, and I really felt like they would easily dispatch of Washington last night, once and for all proving that they are the best team in the nation. That didn't happen, and the Huskies almost allowed one to get away. Next, UConn will take on NCAA darling George Mason. Florida and Georgetown played a pretty evenly matched game, but down the stretch, the Gators athleticism proved too much for the Hoyas. Georgetown is a legit contender, but all year they've suffered from a lack of explosive one-on-one players. No one on that team can break down a defense by himself. They have a strong inside presence and disciplined offense, but they don't have a guy who can take defenders off the dribble and get to the basket. As a result, they didn't have enough offensive explosiveness to win their game against the Gators in crunch time. Villanova defeated Boston College in overtime last night in a game the Eagles should have had in their control. I really though Boston College's inside presence would be the determining factor in this one. As it turned out, guard play late in the game led to Villanova's victory. Boston College collapsed defensively at the end, while Villanova rendered the Eagles' tight flex meaningless late in the second half and overtime. Villanova will face Florida in the round of eight as a result.

So, who's going to win. George Mason has played some great basketball in this tournament, but I think UConn will finally be too much. I hesitate to say this again, but I think after last night's scare, the Huskies will end this one by halftime. George Mason can celebrate their fantastic season after tomorrow night. UConn, on the other hand, will advance to the Final Four.

Villanova and Florida will be a gritty, tight game. I had Boston College beating Florida to reach the Final Four in my bracket, but because of 'Nova, the Eagles are gone. I guess I'll stick with half my original prediction: The Gators will lose. I'm counting on the superior guard play of Villanova. The Wildcats make it to the Final Four.