NCAA Tournament 2012: Sweet 16 Predictions: West Regional

(1) Michigan State (28-7) vs. (4) Louisville (28-9) – 7:47PM ET, Phoenix, AZ, TBS

Two hot teams led by Hall of Fame coaches meet up for what should be a great game. Both squads advanced past the first two rounds in pedestrian fashion, but tonight’s game should be knock-down, drag-out.

Draymond Green is the all-everything power forward for Michigan State. On the offensive end, everything starts and ends with Green, who leads the Spartans in points, rebounds and assists. Though Louisville has been stellar defensively over their last four games, containing Green will be a tough task.

For Louisville, the key player is point guard Peyton Siva. Siva has bounced back from early-season injuries to have an impressive second half of the season. In order for Louisville to come out victorious, Siva will have to be the catalyst on offense, which means getting into the paint and making good decisions once he’s in there.

Rick Pitino is also looking to avenge his crushing 2009 regional final loss to Tom Izzo and Michigan State, back when it was the Cardinals who were the #1 seed.

Look for a hotly contested game from start to finish. But, it is the Spartans who have been the better offensive and defensive team all season, at least as far as points scored/points given up is concerned. Pitino will have to wait for another chance at revenge as Michigan State advances on.

Prediction: Michigan State 69, Louisville 65.