+
AROUND THE NATION
The Wave previews the Sweet 16 CORNELL VS. KENTUCKY
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kentucky guard deMarus Cousin (15), DeAndre Liggins (34), Patrick Patterson (54), and Eric Bledsoe (24) react on the sidelines near the end of the Wildcats' win against Wake Forest on Saturday. The Wildcats defeated the Demon Deacons 90-60 to advance to the Sweet 16.
Wall, Wildcats set to tangle with Big Red
With Kansas out, Kentucky is the clear favorite to win the National Championship. John Wall has showed no signs of inexperience in the Wildcats' two blowout wins and his supporting cast has been superb. However, the Wildcats will have to defeat a Cornell team that has been just as impressive in this year's tournament. Guard Louis Dale and forward Ryan Wittman have been sensational for the Big Red during back-to-back upsets in the first two rounds. Expect this one to go right down to the wire.
After an early exit in the Big East Tournament, Syracuse has looked every bit like a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Orange destroyed a Gonzaga team that some thought would provide a tough test, and forward Wes Johnson has been playing some of his best basketball of the season. The Butler Bulldogs have defeated two mid-major teams to advance to the Sweet 16, but they will have to play even better to hang with Syracuse. The Orange's 2-3 zone defense could give the Bulldogs problems, but Butler is capable of making enough threes to bust the zone.
WASHINGTON VS.
WEST VIRGINIA
The Washington Huskies have surprised everyone by making it to the Sweet 16. After rolling past No. 3 seed New Mexico in the second round, forward Quincy Pondexter and the Huskies look as if they will be tough for any team to knock out of this year's tournament. West Virginia was supposed to make it this far, so it's no surprise that the Mountaineers will be the favorites heading into this game. They do not usually blow teams out though, so the Huskies should be able to keep it close. Look for West Virginia forward DaSean Butler to hit some big shots down the stretch.
THE WAVE MARCH 24,2010
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN