NCAA Tournament 2012: Sweet 16 Predictions: East Regional

(2) Ohio State (29-7) vs. (6) Cincinnati (26-10) – 9:45PM ET, Boston, MA, CBS

As we’ve heard all week, this year’s Sweet 16 is all about Ohio. There are four Ohio schools left in the tournament and two of the bigger ones get together tonight. It is also well-documented that Ohio State has pretty much refused to play Cincinnati, unwilling to give little brother a shot at big brother.

In case you haven’t noticed, this is the third Sweet 16 game between the Big East and Big 10, so the two conferences have put together a post season challenge of sorts.

Between the lines, this should be a very competitive game. Jared Sullinger is normally the key for the Buckeyes, but Cincinnati has the size and athleticism to deal with him, so solid games from William Buford and Deshaun Thomas will be essential in order for Ohio State to advance.

The Bearcats are a balanced team on both ends of the floor. Four players average double figures for Cincinnati, so there is no one player opponents can focus on.

Ohio State is also well-balanced and the overall better team in this match-up. However, Cincinnati is gritty defensively, plays with no fear and has proven they can play with and beat the best teams in the country (see Syracuse).

Look for Ohio State to escape by the seat of their shorts.

Prediction: Ohio State 74, Cincinnati 72.