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NC TO Edge It

Sat 29 Mar, 10:09 AM


NORTH CAROLINA vs LOUISVILLE

Possibly the best game on the slate for the regional finals - or 'Elite Eight' as they are known across the United States - sees top-seeded North Carolina battle a Louisville team fresh off an impressive 19 point thrashing of second-ranked Tennessee. Louisville's speed will worry North Carolina, who were awful for the first half of their 68-47 win over Washington State. UNC's Tyler Hansborough will simply have to improve his first half performance if the Tar Heels continue on - he only managed two points on Thursday night, although he turned it around and put up 16 in the second. However, neutrals and NBA scouts alike will be sure to watch the progress of Earl Clark, who had 17 points and 12 rebounds against Tennessee. Don't be surprised if this one goes to the wire.

VERDICT: NORTH CAROLINA SQUEAKS BY - BUT ONLY JUST

UCLA vs XAVIER

Xavier managed to turn a 16 point lead over West Virginia into a five point deficit in overtime. But thankfully for their fans, West Virginia forgot to shoot at the end of shooting and BJ Reynolds hit two clutch three pointers. But don't expect UCLA to be so merciful. The Bruins, who were frightened but never trailed against underdog Western Kentucky, boast an on-fire Kevin Love, who put up 29 points in his team's 88-78 victory.

VERDICT: UCLA ROLL INTO FINAL FOUR

KANSAS vs DAVIDSON

If the secret wasn't out before Davidson's monster upset of Wisconsin in the Sweet 16, it is now: Stephen Curry is frighteningly good. Curry had a wonderful game for the Wildcats on Tuesday night, hitting 33 points in the tenth-ranked underdog's rout. And now up for Davidson: top-ranked Kansas. The Jayhawks looked more than useful in their 72-57 victory over brave Villanova, helped by Brandon Rush's 16 points.

VERDICT: KANSAS CAN END DAVIDSON RUN

MEMPHIS vs TEXAS

Texas were mighty impressive in their 82-62 thrashing of Stanford. It was meant to be a close game - we predicted a classic - but DJ Augustin & Co made sure it wasn't even close. Mind you, Memphis' clash with Michigan State wasn't exactly close either, as the high octane Tigers offense overcame Michigan State, completing what was an awful day for the Big Ten.

VERDICT: TEXAS TO SHOCK THE TIGERS

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