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Monday, March 12UNC, Florida waiting for Spartans to stumble
By Andy Katz
ESPN.com
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo is concerned about his team's hunger and passion to win the national title. That could open up the South bracket for a team like Florida or North Carolina if the Tar Heels can get their effort back to an elite level. But the Spartans were protected to the Elite Eight. Cal and Fresno State, meanwhile, should stage a classic battle in the first-round 8-9 game. The two teams are separated by three hours of driving. They met a few years ago in the NIT, but the difference will come down to whether or not Melvin Ely can get the best of Sean Lampley in the post. Whoever wins the game will probably struggle to beat Michigan State. Gonzaga is set up for a potential showdown with the Spartans in the Sweet Sixteen. The Bulldogs have the point guard in Dan Dickau to give the Cavaliers fits. Virginia will want to run with Gonzaga and the Bulldogs can match their athleticism in the post with Casey Calvary. This is a classic 5-12 upset. Oklahoma could be next in the second round with the Sooners vulnerability at the point. Dickau could get hot and the Sooners could go south if they struggle to score against the Bulldogs' switching 'D.' The bottom of the bracket is open for Florida to get to the Elite Eight. The Gators, especially if they get Brent Wright back in the lineup, should get past whoever wins the offensive struggle between Texas and Temple. Providence has the shooters to beat Penn State and a defensive stopper in John Linehan to shut down Joe Crispin. But Providence could cause plenty of problems for Carolina in the second round. Linehan could be a pest for Ronald Curry. If the Tar Heels can survive the second round then Florida should be waiting and the Tar Heels might not match Brett Nelson at the point. The Gators have the size and strength inside to match the Tar Heels and should set up a rematch with the Spartans -- which they could be in a better position to win this year. If that were the case, then they would complete a rare feat and be a No. 3 seed in the Final Four. The only No. 3 seed to win the national title was Michigan in 1989. Andy Katz is a senior writer at ESPN.com.
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