Check out our game previews for the Sweet 16 … I know, we picked a lot of chalk. If we have to pick a #1 seed to lose, my gut says USC takes down UNC. (Which probably means UNC wins in a blowout.)

[BE SURE TO CLICK THROUGH TO THE ACTUAL PREVIEWS. THEY HAVE WAY MORE COMMENTARY AND INFO]

THURSDAY GAMES

Kansas vs. Southern Illinois:
Kansas’s depth, offensive rebounding, and ball security wear down the Salukis’ defense. Both teams clank a lot of FT’s. If the pace is fast, Kansas wins running away. If slow, it’s closer.

Memphis vs. Texas A&M:
If Chris Douglas-Roberts plays, this should come down to the wire. And by “wire” we mean Acie Law IV. He’s the difference.

UCLA vs. Pittsburgh:
As close to a toss-up as you can get. UCLA’s defense, combined with the home crowd, give them the slightest of edges in a narrow, low-scoring game. They’d probably win a best-of-9 series 5-4, so anything can happen Thursday.

Ohio St. vs. Tennessee:
Tennessee’s guards get a lot of penetration with surprisingly few Oden swats, but Ohio State just survives. It’s their lucky month.

FRIDAY GAMES

Florida vs. Butler:
Butler’s only chance is to slow it down so much that the energetic Gators get frustrated with having to play defense for 35 seconds every trip down the court. A slow pace, combined with poor Florida shooting (unlikely), is the only way they keep it close.

Georgetown vs. Vanderbilt:
It sure looks like Georgetown runs away with this. Well, maybe jogs away. Vandy just can’t stop Hibbert.

Oregon vs. UNLV:
The Ducks can’t keep the Rebels off the boards, or get the ball out of their hands. This puts a lot of pressure on their offense, and unless they’re on fire from downtown, UNLV comes away the winner.

North Carolina vs. USC:
Gabe Pruitt shuts down Ty Lawson like he did DJ Augustin, UNC’s defense continues to allow teams to shoot well, and USC limits their turnovers. The game is close late in the second half, but UNC pulls ahead late.