And Then There Were 16...

We've made it to the second weekend of March Madness, and with a lot of top seeds still left in the Tournament there should be some great games to look forward to. Here's your second round viewing guide, with WDBJ games noted in parentheses.

Thursday:

#1 UConn vs. #5 Purdue (7:07) - I took a big chance in this one in my bracket, picking Purdue. But with the way Connecticut has played in the first two rounds, the probably of an upset looks pretty slim. Still, this should be by far the biggest test the Huskies have faced in the Tournament. If Purdue is hitting their 3s, watch out.
#1 Pittsburgh vs. #4 Xavier (7:27, WDBJ) - Pitt struggled in their first round game but came back to win a great game against Oklahoma State. Year in and year out Xavier is one of the most underestimated teams. So this one should be a good defensive battle. If DeJuan Blair is able to stay in the game Pitt should have the advantage.

#2 Memphis vs. #3 Missouri (9:37) - This is definitely the loaded time slot of the two days. Memphis looked terrific against Maryland, but faces a much different challenge in the run and gun Missouri Tigers. The Tigers were able to escape a close one over Missouri, and will need a good shooting day to overcome the length of Memphis.
#2 Duke vs. #3 Villanova (9:57, WDBJ) - This is the Sweet 16 game I'm looking forward to most. Villanova was impressive in a big win over UCLA. Duke struggled to put away Texas, but Coach K always comes ready to play. If Duke's defense can force Villanova away from dumping it in to Dante Cunningham they have a good shot.

Friday:

#1 Louisville vs. #12 Arizona (7:07) - Arizona has had the easiest road to the Sweet 16, which is odd considering they are a 12 seed. But you can bet Louisville is not taking Arizona lightly. A hot team is always a dangerous team, no matter the seed. I just think Louisville has the superior talent and coaching.
#2 Oklahoma vs. #3 Syracuse (7:27, WDBJ) - This should be a great matchup between Syracuse's 2-3 zone and Blake Griffin down low. If the Orange can slow down Griffin, they can make life very tough for Oklahoma's guards. The key for Oklahoma will be using Griffin to get Syracuse in foul trouble: the Orange are not very deep.

#2 Michigan State vs. #3 Kansas (9:37) - There isn't a lot of buzz for this game with some other great matchups but it should be a good one. The teams are fairly easily matched, and should play a fairly low scoring game. The battle between Goran Suton and Cole Aldrich should be the one to watch.
#1 North Carolina vs. #4 Gonzaga (9:57, WDBJ) - These two teams have very similar styles, and that doesn't bode well for the Zags. This game should go up and down, with defense being optional. I love the fact that Gonzaga was able to get back to the Sweet 16 but in the end UNC's superior talent will wear them down.