The Center of Attention

Sweet Like Sugar
By Caleb Musselman

Photo Cred: scottyfox.blogspot.com

In a tournament where high seeds are dropping like leaves in September, only the East region still has its top four seeds in tact. Halfway across the country in the Midwest, one surprise 12 seed is the lone blip on the radar. So who is left in the Midwest? Louisville stands tall. Oregon continues to surprise. Michigan St. keeps rolling. Duke stays in cruise control. 

Two big Friday night match-ups to watch:

Louisville )#1) vs. Oregon (#12)

Oregon's run through the PAC-12 tournament and into the Sweet 16 has been a cute story. But can they really handle this Louisville squad? The Cardinals, who seem to have turned from contender into shoe-in favorites, come into this match-up on top of the world. The most complete team in the nation, Louisville almost seems unstoppable at this juncture. Russ Smith scored 27 points as the Cardinals demolished a very good Colorado State team in the Round of 32. While most number one seeds were busy either losing or squeaking out nail-biters, Louisville seemed to be playing the JV squad in preparation for the next round. On the other side of the ball, Oregon comes into the Sweet 16 full of confidence and ready to prove themselves yet again. Winning an underrated PAC-12 conference championship, the Ducks have used that momentum to catapult themselves into a match-up with the nation's number one overall seed. Many people had the St. Louis Billickens easily making the Sweet 16 and giving Louisville a run for their money (I'm raising my hand). The Ducks had a different plan. Up 35-19 at the half, Oregon steamrolled St. Louis from the opening tip and never looked back. Damyean Dotson poured in 23 points to anchor an Oregon squad that shot 52% from the floor. 

photo cred: www.louisville.com

Now what can we expect on Friday at 7:15? First, expect Oregon to cool off. The length and athleticism of Louisville causes every opponent problems. Oregon will have to work very hard to find open looks. Oregon shot 72% from beyond the arc against St. Louis. Quite frankly, they're going to have to shoot lights out again if they want to win this game. Gorgui Dieng provides a very tough mismatch in this contest. Oregon center Tony Woods only played 12 minutes against St. Louis because of foul trouble. The Cardinals are going to feed Dieng early and often and Woods better be ready for a fight. Finally, the Ducks need to slow down Russ Smith from the start. If he makes his first few shots of the game Louisville is going to win by 15 at the least. If Oregon can slow him down they have a small shot. I think the Ducks Cinderella slipper falls off on Friday. Louisville by double digits. 

Michigan St. (#3) vs. Duke (#2)

This is going to be one of the best match-ups of the Sweet 16. Two of the best coaches in college basketball, Coack K and Tom Izzo, both know how to win. Michigan St. has transformed into tournament form as usual while defeating Valparaiso and Memphis handily. Duke, on the other side, has played well in two victories over Albany and Creighton. If it was merely up to coaching, this game could go to three overtimes. Actually that would be pretty hilarious. Coach K in short shorts. Anyways, the outcome of this game relies on two things. First, will Keith

photo cred: www.bleacherreport.com

Appling play? After a shoulder injury against Memphis, Appling says he is confident he will suit up against Duke. Appling is the key to the Spartans success. If he doesn't play they will lose. Second, will Duke continue to shoot well from beyond the arc? It is no secret that the Blue Devils live and die by the jump shot. They got away with a victory against Creighton by using their speed and athleticism to get to the hole. This Michigan St. team won't let that happen. Derrick Nix is an absolute beast under the

photo cred: www.college-basketball.si.com

basket, and expect him and Plumlee to punch each other for 40 minutes straight. 

If Appling plays, I believe Michigan St. has the upper hand. A more complete team with more experience, the Spartans can rely on different facets of their game to find success. Duke will need Curry to go for 25 and Plumlee to stay out of trouble. The Duke freshies bailed them out against Creighton. I don't see that happening again. Duke keeps it close down the wire, but Michigan St. leads most of the way and wins by 8. 

Bake your cookies, buy your Twizzlers and mix your chocolate milk. This round is going to be SWEET. Louisville and Michigan state advance to the Elite 8. Let me know what you think.