Lines, Odds, Picks and Preview
(2) West Virginia (29-6) vs. (11) Washington (26-9)
The breakdown: The Big East champions face off against the Pac 10 champions in the Sweet 16. Amazingly, that is the difference between a 2 seed and an 11 seed, which happens when two teams have distinctly different paths to the NCAA Tournament.
Why West Virginia will win: The Mountaineers have been the more consistent team throughout the regular season, and have won big games when it mattered. Take, for example, the Big East Tournament, where West Virginia won three games by a total of seven points.
Why Washington will win: Without Bryant, Washington’s chances of winning improve slightly. The Huskies will need good and efficient, turnover free games from point guard Isaiah Thomas and senior forward Quincy Pondexter. When those two combine for 40 points or so, Washington becomes one of the scarier teams in the field.
Pick: West Virginia by 3.
