Predictions: UNC/UK and KU/VCU

Half of the Final Four is set, as the Butler Bulldogs are back for a second straight year, while UConn and Kemba Walker continued their impressive post-season run by knocking off Arizona.

Two more teams will be heading to Houston to join them, as we’ve got a few great games to close out the Elite Eight schedule.

Let’s take a look at what to expect from these matchups:

1 Kansas vs. 11 VCU – 2:20 PM ET, CBS

It seems like we’ve seen this situation a lot in this year’s tournament. That is, Kansas playing a double-digit seed. However, all seeding goes out the window when we talk about this VCU team, who have proven all the doubters wrong by making an improbable run to the Elite Eight. Seriously, think about that for a second. This is a team that didn’t even have a viewing party for the tournament selection show because they didn’t think they were going to get in. Now, they sit one win away from the school’s first ever trip to the Final Four. This is why we love March Madness.

As for the Jayhawks, sure, the bracket has opened up quite well for them. And from bunch that is remaining in the tournament, they are the best team from top to bottom right now. I also said that about Ohio State, and well, look what happened to them. So anything is possible. Especially considering the type of run that Shaka Smart‘s squad has made.

This entire game will be about tempo, and whether or not VCU can speed up Kansas to the point of controlling the turnover battle. I do think the Jayhawks can play that type of game, but it’s certainly not something that they want to do. The pressure by VCU could give them some trouble, probably more-so early in the game. If the Rams can build some confidence early, then it’s going to do nothing but help their energy and momentum for the rest of the game.

In the grand scheme of things though, Kansas has too many weapons. VCU is great on the perimeter, but the inside game with the Morris twins will be the difference here. Kansas will be able to own the paint and control the boards, and that’s really the biggest weakness for VCU at this point. Bill Self‘s team will exploit that, and move on to Houston.

Prediction: Kansas 72, VCU 63

2 North Carolina vs. 4 Kentucky – 5:05 PM ET, CBS

One thing that this game isn’t lacking is drawing power, as two winningest programs in college basketball square off in the East regional with a trip to the Final Four on the line. Unlike some of the other Elite Eight matchups, this wasn’t that far-fetched when the tournament started, as we all knew that Kentucky had the talent to compete with the top overall seed and they proved that on Friday.

The biggest surprise for the Wildcats in this tournament (and perhaps the season) has been the play of Josh Harrellson inside, as he’s just been superb as of late. Yes, we all know about Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones. But Harrellson has been just as important for Kentucky. He’s been able to rebound and play great defense, and that’s going to be key once again in this game if this team wants to get back to the Final Four for the first time since 1998.

North Carolina has come on strong in the second half of the season, and Tyler Zeller has been a big part of that. So while you’ve got the stars like Harrison Barnes and Jones facing off, it’ll likely be the dirty work inside by the big fellas that will determine who survives and advances. There’s an intriguing matchup at pretty much every position, but again, we’ve really got to keep a close eye on this one.

We talk about a game between two evenly matched teams all the time, and this is as close as it gets to that. This will be a grind it out type of game, with defense being the focus. It’s hard to imagine anyone gaining a big lead in this game, as I just think this thing will be tight all the way to the end. Kentucky’s had a great run to get here, but overall, North Carolina is the better team. Barnes has really stepped his game up, and I think he puts on a great performance to send the Tar Heels to the Final Four.

Prediction: North Carolina 71, Kentucky 67

Well, there’s my picks. Now it’s your turn. Who will win today’s games?

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