50%

There's something to be said for 50%... One out of two, one half, the flip of a coin... In baseball, batting .500 is amazing. In hoops, shooting 50% from deep is equally as impressive. But when you're picking Sweet 16 games, getting 50% correct isn't so great. So it's time to butter me up and call me toast.

Anyway, some quick thoughts on the Elite 8 games, though my opinion clearly isn't good for much in this year's tourney:

Lousville over Michigan State -- Despite another terrific coaching job by Tom Izzo, the Cardinals are too much for Morgan, Lucas, and co. to handle.
UCONN over Mizzou -- Missouri does everything it can, but another terrific performance from A.J. Price along with the sheer size and strength down low give UCONN the advantage here.
Pittsburgh over Villanova -- This was the hardest choice for me. Villanova has been very convincing, and if you go by how they look, they win this one easy. Pittsburgh's been in three close games, but have done enough to win each. Levance Fields has come up big in the clutch, while DeJuan Blair's strength inside is undefendable, and Sam Young is one of the best wing players in the country. Another close call for Pitt, but they manage yet again to do just enough.
UNC over Oklahoma -- A terrific battle between Griffin and Hansbrough down low, but Lawson leads the Tar Heels to the Final Four as the difference maker. Tourney MVP? If he continues to make the difference in leading the Heels to the Title, then I say a resounding yes.

So that's it. The year after the first ever all #1 seeds in the Final Four, it happens again. This tournament should be called LeBron 'cause it's all about chalk.