Saint Peter’s Peacocks vs North Carolina
The Elite Eight features a 15-seed for the first time in NCAA Tournament history as Saint Peter’s takes on No. 8 North Carolina. It’s also the first time in history that an 8-seed goes up against a 15-seed and it’ll happen in Philadelphia. This is the first meeting between the two programs as well and they got here via completely different paths.
The Peacocks had karma on their side Friday night as it was National Peacock Day across the country. And the Cinderella Peacocks’ latest conquest was a 67-64 victory over Purdue, thanks in part to 15 turnovers with six of those coming from their best player, All-Big Ten guard Jaden Ivey.
Earlier in this Tournament, the Peacocks stunned No. 2 Kentucky 85-79 in overtime and defeated No. 7 Murray State 70-60.
North Carolina won the battle of the blue bloods knocking off No. 4 UCLA 73-66 on Friday night. Caleb Love played all 40 minutes and shot 11-for-24 from the court with six of those makes coming from long range to produce a career-high 30 points. Three other Tar Heels chipped in with double digits while holding the Bruins to just 12 points over the last 10 minutes. UNC’s other two victories were 95-63 vs. No. 9 Marquette and a 93-86 (OT) upset of No. 1 Baylor.
Prediction: Saint Peter’s +8.5
Miami vs Kansas
Miami is in the Elite Eight for the first time ever thanks to its defense, which harassed Iowa State into a lot of missed shots from long range and 18 turnovers on Friday night. Kansas is a win away from its 16th Final Four appearance in part due it to its own defense, which helped the Jayhawks hold off a scrappy Providence team. Kansas also is the only top seed to make it this far.
Yes, Miami is another team that managed to highlight a new history. As we said before they are first time ever in the Elite Eight, as a No.10 seeds, a thing that will be remembered at least at their school.
There may be a little pressure on Kansas as the last remaining No. 1 seed in this NCAA Tournament, but it’s nothing that is considered new for the program. But the Miami defense will give the Jayhawks some fits that will make for an ugly game at times. If the Hurricanes can create some turnovers and convert those opportunities into points, then Kansas will be in for a real battle all the way down to the final minute. However our last prediction is that this will be a good game for Kansas and Kansas will cover.
Prediction: Kansas -5.5