March Madness: West Virginia & Kentucky Tip Off the Third Round, Followed by Florida-UCLA

I concluded the “second” round 26-6 on my picks (28-4 in the TBL II bracket, why I switched Michigan State and Penn State picks, I don’t know), so at least I managed to finish in front of just picking the higher seeds. Though I’m not qualified to lead the free world, which was in doubt until my bracket picks came in.

EAST REGIONAL- #4 Kentucky vs. #5 West Virginia (CBS, 12:15, announcers: Eagle/Spanarkel)

This should be a defensive struggle. Kentucky is very good at blocking shots and limiting quality looks inside. West Virginia plays its typical hard-nosed halfcourt defense under Huggins and gets out on shooters well. Brandon Knight will be the key to this game. He’ll need to penetrate to create open looks for Kentucky’s shooters. Kentucky is among the national leaders at 3-point shooting, while West Virginia is among the best at defending the line.

West Virginia’s offense isn’t very good at shooting from outside, and relies on second chance points. Can Terrence Jones and company limit this in this game? That will likely determine the outcome.

The Pick: Kentucky

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL- #2 Florida vs. #7 UCLA (CBS, 2:45, announcers: Eagle/Spanarkel)

This one is going to feature two active, long and athletic front lines, with three starters each taller than 6’7″. Florida is good at getting on the glass, and creating fouls for the opponent. UCLA, like Kentucky (the only team to beat Florida in the last 12), can block shots and plays good post defense. 

The difference is on the other end, where UCLA is not nearly as good from the outside as Kentucky. If UCLA hopes to pull the upset, they will need to shoot above their average from outside. The perimeter shooting of the guards is the X-factor in this game where points in the paint will be a battle.

The Pick: I know I said Florida was the weakest #2 seed, but they have the advantage in this matchup if they can just neutralize UCLA on the interior. Florida.

[photo via Getty]