The Melo Backpedal

Though our first round picks weren’t perfect (who among you went against your better judgement and picked Western Kentucky, Siena, and San Diego to win?) we’re still giving you our second round picks, whether you like it or not. We’ve been sufficiently humbled, but we’d now like to take this chance to redeem ourselves.

On to the picks!

(4) Washington State vs (5) Notre Dame —

Mike’s Pick: Wazzu plays great defense. Notre Dame loves to score. Wazzu can’t fool around like they did in the first half against Winthrop or they will get blown out. Too much Harangody and McAlarney. Irish going to the Sweet 16.

Andrew’s Pick: One name: Gody! Simply put, Luke Harangody will have another big game because Wazzu doesn’t have the big bodies to stop him.

(1) Kansas vs (8) UNLV —

Mike’s Pick: Both teams can run in transition, but one does it a little bit better than the other. Kansas should win by 10.

Andrew’s Pick: I hesitated to pick the Rebels in the first round because I thought they’d be fatigued. I was wrong. However, getting by Kansas is a whole other ball game. Kansas is the pick.

(3) Wisconsin vs (11) Kansas State —

Mike’s Pick: I’m going with the combination of Michael Beasley and Billy Walker to beat the Badgers.

Andrew’s Pick: I picked the Wildcats, but even I didn’t think they’d blow away Southern Cal by as much as they did. With that said, I’m drinking the Kool Aid and picking them to beat a very good Wisconsin team.

(4) Pittsburgh vs (5) Michigan State —

Mike’s Pick: This is going to be a low scoring game. Both teams play great defense. Pitt has been on a roll, and that will continue tomorrow.

Andrew’s Pick: Should be a very good game, but I like Pitt to win. They’re rolling right now and I expect LeVance Fields to have a very good game against Michigan State. Neitzel’s fantastic career will come to an end.

(3) Stanford vs (6) Marquette —

Mike’s Pick: Marquette has dealt with “big men” this year in the Big East, but they have not dealt with two seven footers on the court at the same time. Lopez twins will deliver Stanford to the next round.

Andrew’s Pick: All year I’ve thought Marquette was the most overrated team in the Top 25, and was further convinced when I personally saw them lose at Syracuse two weeks ago. They squeezed by a inferior Kentucky team, but the “Battle of the Nerds” winner will show them the door.

(1) UCLA vs (9) Texas A&M –

Mike’s Pick: Bruins are playing well. UCLA by 15 or more.

Andrew’s Pick: A&M is another team that I consider to be overrated. After only playing 5 minutes against Brigham Young, I’d love to see DeAndre Jordan play extended minutes, but it won’t happen and UCLA will continue to roll.

(3) Xavier vs (6) Purdue –

Mike’s Pick: Pressure defense by Xavier will be too much for the Boilermakers to overcome.

Andrew’s Pick: Xavier got a scare in the opening round so I believe they’ll slip here, though I’ve only seen each of these teams play twice this year.

(2) Duke vs (7) West Virginia –

Mike’s Pick: I have Duke going to the next round, but after seeing them play against Belmont, this will be a good game. Duke relys too much on the three point shot and it’s going to get them in trouble sooner or later. I want to see the matchup of Singler against Alexander. Singler has struggled since the ACC tourney. Alexander has been one of the hottest players in March. I am going with Duke, but I will not be surprised of West Virginia wins.

Andrew’s Pick: Duke’s the better team, but I’m going with West Virginia here. I like this Mountaineer team way too much to pick against them when Duke nearly lost to Belmont in the first round. Which player does Duke have to guard against Joe Alexander? Exactly.

(1) North Carolina vs (9) Arkansas —

Mike’s Pick: 14 out 15 players scored for North Carolina against Mt. St. Mary’s. Ty Lawson is starting to look like the point guard of old. Tar Heels roll rather easily against Arkansas.

Andrew’s Pick: I’m a bit shocked Arkansas made it this far, so I believe they’ll lose big in this one.

(3) Lousville vs (6) Oklahoma —

Mike’s Pick: Louisville has too much depth for Oklahoma. David Padgett and company moving on to the Sweet 16.

Andrew’s Pick: Blake Griffin is a big-time talent, but will likely be held in check by the big boys of Louisville, which will lead to an exit for Jeff Capel’s Sooners.

(2) Tennessee vs (7) Butler —

Mike’s Pick: This will be a fantastic game! Volunteers better be aware of the Bulldogs. AJ Graves and Mike Green will ditact the games pace. I like the way Tennessee pressures the ball. I have Tennessee winning, but wouldn’t be surprised if Butler got passes the Vols.

Andrew’s Pick: Butler is legit, but Tennessee is one of the best teams in the country and are having a very special season. I see the veteran leadership and depth of the Vols leading them to victory.

(12) Villanova vs (13) Siena —

Mike’s Pick: Great story! One of these teams will be going to the Sweet 16. I like Scottie Reynolds leading the charge. Wildcats win!

Andrew’s Pick: It would make me sick if ‘Nova made the sweet sixteen because I was skeptical on whether or not they deserved to get in the tournament — they haven’t had that good of a year. Having said that, they’re a tougher team than Siena, and will likely be moving on. Ugh.

(2) Georgetown vs (10) Davidson —

Mike’s Pick: Hoyas be aware! Davidson is legit! Stephen Curry is phenomenal! The game is is Raleigh don’t think Davidson’s fans and also the help of UNC fans will be a factor (revenge for last years loss to Gtown in the Elite 8). Hoyas in a close one.

Andrew’s Pick: Nothing I’d love more than to see Davidson will this one, but I doubt they have anybody who can check Hibbert, which will lead to their downfall. Their only chance of winning is to spread the floor on offense and force Hibbert of out the paint. If, and only if, Curry goes off, it could be over for the Hoyas.

(1) Memphis vs (8) Mississippi State –

Mike’s Pick: Tigers by 20.

Andrew’s Pick: How is MSU still in this thing? Memphis by 30+. Derrick Rose will have a huge game for the Tigers.

(2) Texas vs (7) Miami –

Mike’s Pick: D.J. Augustin will lead the Longhorns past the Hurricanes.

Andrew’s Pick: Shocked that Miami is still in this thing, so I have to go with a Longhorns team that I consider to be one of the top ten in the country.

(12) Western Kentucky vs (13) San Diego —

Mike’s Pick: I am going with the Hilltoppers in this one. Look for Tyrone Brazelton and Courtney Lee to have big games for Western Kentucky. Great Season by Bill Grear and San Diego though.

Andrew’s Pick: Both teams have a shot at winning this won, but I see WKU winning. They’re a team that has a real chance to be a cinderella.

*** WARNING: If you have any sense whatsoever, you won’t take these picks to the casino — enjoy the games!