Sweet Sixteen Predictions

Vanderbilt vs. Connecticut
(Thursday, March 25)

--Okafor's looking healthy. Calhoun's a competitor. Stallings and Co. will be overwhelmed by the Huskies.

Pittsburgh vs. Oklahoma St.
(Thursday, March 25)

--The Cowboys play tough defense, efficient offence and will wear down the Panthers in an exciting back-and-forth duel.

Alabama vs. Syracuse
(Thursday, March 25)

--Not enough choices, as both of these teams are mediocre. Syracuse, by virtue of their hard to solve zone.

Wake Forest vs. St. Joseph's
(Thursday, March 25)

--Suck it, Billy (Packer). Jameer Nelson, Delonte West and the crew will find a way to out-score the Deamon Deacons. Expect a lot of hussle from the Hawks.

UAB vs. Kansas
(Friday, March 26)

--The Blazers are feeling confident. Kansas under-achieved before the tournament. It'll take Bill Self another year or two to really have the Jayhawks running his sets.

Nevada vs. Ga. Tech
(Friday, March 26)

--Sorry, Cinderella. Jarrett Jack, B.J. Elder and Co. are too quick and Paul Hewitt's a bright coach.

Illinois vs. Duke
(Friday, March 26)

--I'd like to predict otherwise, really. But Duke is the 800 pound gorilla -- and the Fighting Illini lack a big man to get Shelden Williams into foul trouble.

Xavier vs. Texas
(Friday, March 26)

--A sentimental pick. Texas has all the ingredients for a national championship run -- save a point guard. Romain Sato goes nuts for a career game as the Musketeers cruise.