Sully's Court

A brief look at Thursday's regional semifinals:

Washington State vs. North Carolina: Both teams are coming off impressive second-round victories, Washington State over Notre Dame and North Carolina over Arkansas. As it usually is with Washington State, this is a clash of styles. Washington State is all about defense and patient offense (keeping the scoring in the 50s). North Carolina leads the nation in scoring. It doesn't seem possible to slow down North Carolina too much but Washington State will keep the Tar Heels under their average 89.9 points per game. How far under? That's the key. Not far enough I think. Winner: North Carolina.

Tennessee vs. Louisville: This is not a contrast as both teams will play quickly and press full-court, stamina will be a key, and being able to function in a chaotic game will be crucial. Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl spoke yesterday about changing starting point guards from Ramar Smith to J.P. Prince. Prince had good statistics against Butler (9 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists) but he didn't look natural at the position. This is troubling. Louisville has gotten better as the season has gone on and looked tremendous in its two NCAA games. I've said it before, I'm not a true believer in Louisville being able to sustain success. This has the makings of a wild three-overtime affair. Winner: Tennessee.

MIDWEST REGION
West Virginia vs. Xavier: Bob Huggins has done a great job coaching West Virginia. In the first two rounds, the Mountaineers played like they're ready to crack the Final Four. It's not impossible but it will be difficult, starting with Xavier. The Musketeers have six players who average double figures, they play great defense and they're experienced. They looked like a Final Four team in the last 10 minutes of their victory over Purdue. Experience wins out. Winner: Xavier.

UCLA vs. Western Kentucky: UCLA did not play great against Texas A&M but made all the plays it had to to win the game at the end. Center Kevin Love is an All-American but the Bruins' backcourt, Darren Collison and Russell Westbrook, stacks up against anyone. Western Kentucky has benefitted from a great play (or lucky shot) to win in the first round and San Diego's upset of UConn, which gave them an easier second-round game. Courtney Lee is a great guard and point guard Tyrone Brazelton has had two impressive performances. It won't be enough, however. Winner: UCLA.