2012 NCAA Tournament Third Round Predictions

East Region

#1 Syracuse over #8 Kansas St.

In their second round game against UNC-Asheville, I think we can all agree they Syracuse got lucky. There might have been a missed call that gave Syracuse the game. Fab Melo or not, Syracuse will come out to play against Kansas St. I am feeling that we could see a big game out of Syracuse because they want and need to prove that they are a #1 seed and that they should be feared in this tournament and region.

#5 Vanderbilt over #5 Wisconsin

Vanderbilt is feeling it right now. Ever since they won the SEC Conference Tournament, Vanderbilt has been on a roll and showed this in their second round game against Harvard. Wisconsin will be a tough opponent, but I have a simple message for this game. If Vanderbilt can beat Kentucky by more then 3 (shot at Indiana), then they can beat anybody in this tournament.

#3 Florida St. over #6 Cincinnati

Florida St. almost joined the upset party in a bad way in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. St. Bonaventure almost got the upper hand, but fell short. Expect Florida St. to come out in the third round with a chip on their shoulder. They need to prove that they are a conference champion and that they can beat anyone. I’m expecting a win for Florida St. in this one.

#2 Ohio St. over #7 Gonzaga

In my opinion, Michigan St. and Ohio St. are on a collision course to a rematch in the NCAA Tournament finale. Ohio St. will keep the party going because of their two prime time forwards of Jared Sullinger and Deshaun Thomas. Expect these two players to have another double-double game each with double digits in points and rebounds. Ohio St. advances to the Sweet 16.