I know this section is for picks and analysis, but pardon me for a moment and allow me to show how ecstatic I am that my alma mater made the Elite 8. Syracuse has taken years off my life and provided a lot of excitement. This is a talented team that just needed a fire lit under their butts and I hope that they make a final 4 once again. We'll see what the line is for that rematch with Marquette.
Record 71-63
Oregon/Louisville Over 128
The Ducks are one of the few cinderellas left in the tournament with La Salle being bounced and Fla Gulf Coast later on. Oregon demolished St. Louis 74-57 in the round of 32 and is playing some of their best basketball. It's also a matchup with two teams that have quickness and can cause issues for their opponent if they don't take care of the ball. Oregon has scored at least 68 points in four of their last five games and have found themselves trying to push the pace a little bit. They've played great defense so far in the tournament, but Louisville represents a lot more of a challenge for them. The Cardinals are now a scoring machine scoring 70 or more in five of their last six with the sixth game putting up 69 overall. I think this one will be played at a quicker pace and therefore should see a lot of scoring. The guards in this one will be intriguing to watch which should help us out in getting the over.
Michigan State +2 vs. Duke
Always bet on Izzo. That's been the mantra in March and I feel no differently this year. They get a Duke Blue Devils team that isn't tough on the inside at all especially with Mason Plumlee disappearing at times this season. Plumlee will need all the help he can get dealing with Adreian Payne, Derrick Nix and Matt Costello. They also have the advantage on the guard side with Keith Appling and Gary Harris. The biggest X factor is Branden Dawson who is athletic and a matchup problem potentially if Rasheed Sulaimon struggles to guard him. Ryan Kelly struggled offensively after following Doug McDermott around the cart. He won't be able to get away with that against the Spartans who are a step up from the Blue Jays. We'll take Sparty to win this one.