Nevada all that's left for those in the west

Hughes Views

By Eddie Hughes

It sure is quiet out west. Nothing can be heard except a howling Wolf Pack.

The only men’s basketball team still alive in the hunt for the national championship is Nevada. The next closest university to Fresno is Oklahoma State—just 1,526 miles away.

Stanford decided to leave the NCAA Tournament a little early. Gonzaga was shoved out by Nevada. Pacific is gone after a spirited fight. It’s hard to remember that Washington was even in the tournament after its early exit. Utah played just one game. Same goes for Eastern Washington, and Arizona, and Air Force and BYU.

So, now, the Western Athletic Conference team must represent the west. Nevada is in the Sweet 16 for the first time and looks to be playing its best basketball of the season.

It’s surprising for some who had never heard of Kirk Snyder until now. It’s even more surprising for others who said the WAC was weak in 2003-04.

But the WAC is the only western conference with a team who is still playing. How long will the Wolf Pack’s dream season continue? Here’s one view of how the Sweet 16 will play out.

ST. LOUIS REGIONAL

UAB vs. Kansas

The Jayhawks ended Pacific’s shot at being the Cinderella Sweet 16 team. Kansas has been to the Final Four two straight seasons, and a third looks quite possible. Alabama-Birmingham’s stunning upset of top-seeded Kentucky gives the Blazers momentum, but the talent of Kansas should lead to a Jayhawks win.

The Pick: Kansas

Georgia Tech vs. Nevada

The Wolf Pack offense was clicking all day in its upset of second-seeded Gonzaga. Nevada has the talent in Kirk Snyder, Garry Hill-Thomas, Kevinn Pinkney and Todd Okeson to compete with anyone. Georgia Tech will be another tough match-up, but if Nevada plays as well as it did Saturday, the Wolf Pack will win.

The Pick: Nevada

EAST RUTHERFORD REGIONAL

St. Joseph’s vs. Wake Forest

The St. Joseph’s backcourt of Jameer Nelson and Delonte West is the best in the country. People always talk about how important guard play is in the postseason. Well, if so, St. Joe’s should be just fine. Wake Forest has five players averaging double figures in scoring. The prediction here is that Wake Forest’s balance will overcome St. Joe’s dynamic guards.

The Pick: Wake Forest

Pitt vs. Oklahoma State

Second-seeded Oklahoma State might be the hottest team in the land. But third-seeded Pitt matches up well with the Cowboys. This game could be a physical battle all the way through. The edge has to go to Oklahoma State, one of the country’s most physical teams. But it will be close.

The Pick: Oklahoma State

ATLANTA REGIONAL

Duke vs. Illinois

Illinois’ blowout win over Cincinnati on Sunday was surprising. The Illini will need plenty of confidence and a little luck to beat Duke though. Duke’s ACC tournament loss to Maryland shows the Bluedevils are beatable, but this is tournament time. Expect Duke to win and be the only top-seeded team to make the Final Four.

The Pick: Duke

Texas vs. Xavier

This promises to be another good match-up. Xavier knocked off a very good Mississippi State team and has a shot to do the same to Texas. The Longhorns looked vulnerable in stretches against North Carolina. Still, Texas should have enough grit and experience to advance to the Elite Eight.

The Pick: Texas

PHOENIX REGIONAL

Alabama vs. Syracuse

It’s not the most exciting game of the Sweet 16. Alabama wasn’t supposed to be here—Stanford was. Syracuse got here by beating Maryland in a match-up between the last two national champs. And with a good draw against Alabama, Syracuse will play its way into the next round.

The Pick: Syracuse

Vanderbilt vs. UConn

Wow. Vanderbilt’s win over North Carolina State was impressive. But UConn awaits. UConn might have the best starting five around with monster shot-blocker Emeka Okafor and versatile Ben Gordon leading the mission. Look for Vanderbilt’s ride to end here as UConn continues toward the Final Four.

The Pick: UConn