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AROUND THE NATION 5
XAVIER XAVIER VS. KANSAS STATE
The Wildcats have a big chance to advance to the Elite Eight against a Xavier team that just pulled off an upset of the Pittsburgh Panthers. Kansas State might have faced a greater challenge from the Panthers because of their rebounding abilities, but the Musketeers could also be a tough test. Junior guard Jacob Pullen scored 34 points in Kansas State's victory against BYU on Saturday and he looks capable of leading his team to the Final Four. However, Xavier has been to the Sweet 16 the last two years and its experience should not be underestimated.
SAINT MARY'S VS. BAYLOR
This game features two teams that have flown under the radar for most of the season. Baylor has an explosive lineup that is as athletic as any tournament team while St. Mary's has relied on great offense to make it into the third round. Center Omar Sanham has been leading all scorers in this year's Big Dance with more than 30 points per game, but Sanham and the Gaels will have a hard time surprising the Bears. Coach Drew knows that his team has a great chance to advance if it sets the tone early and play an up-tempo game that favors its athleticism.
This is easily Duke's best chance to win a National Championship in several years. Purdue presents a tough challenge for the Blue Devils, but they should have too many weapons for the Boilermakers' defense to contain. Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler, and Nolan Smith are all capable of having big games and leading their team into the Elite Eight. The Boilermakers took a big hit when they lost star forward Robbie Hummel late in the season, but they were clearly the best No. 4 seed in the field. Purdue should keep it close, but Duke's big-game experience will make the difference.
UNI NORTHERN IOWA VS.MICHIGAN STATE S
After pulling off the upset of the tournament against top-seeded Kansas, Northern Iowa is in a great position to make the Elite Eight. Michigan State barely slipped past Maryland in the second round and star guard Kalin Lucas is doubtful for Friday's game. If guard Ali Farokhmanesh keeps shooting well from outside, the Panthers could really give the Spartans' defense some problems. Northern Iowa is playing with great confidence right now, but Michigan State coach Tom Izzo will have his team prepared. Expect a low-scoring defensive game from these two teams.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Georgia Tech's Derrick Favors, left, and Iman Shumpert, right, double team Ohio States Evan Turner during the second half of their game in Milwaukee on Sunday. The Buckeyes held on for a 75-66 victory.
OHIO STATE VS.
TENNESSEE
Star forward Evan Turner will have to keep playing great for the Buckeyes to hold off a big challenge from the Volunteers. Tennessee has already knocked off Kansas and Kentucky this season, and coach Bruce Pearl knows his team is capable of pulling out another big win. Tennessee will have to find a way to slow down Turner and forward Wayne Chism needs to play well for the Volunteers to have a real chance to win. The Buckeyes are the highest seed left in the Midwest and this regional is theirs to lose.
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THE WAVE MARCH 24,2010
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