:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45994486/usa-today-8450888.0.jpg)
(1) Kentucky vs. (3) Notre Dame 8:49pm EST on TBS
It looks like Notre Dame is not following West Virginia's strategy of mouthing off about beating the number one team in the country that is undefeated on the season. That said this matchup isn't going to be easy for the Wildcats. Notre Dame can play basketball and has an opportunity to shock everyone with a trip to the Final Four here. Still, KenPom gives the Irish a less than 1-in-5 chance to win. They'll need a hot shooting night like their 10-20 performance against UNC in the ACC Championship to shock the world.
(1) Wisconsin vs. (2) Arizona 6:09pm EST on TBS
These two teams met in the Elite 8 a season ago when their seeds were flipped, and the Badgers won 64-63 in OT to advance to the Final Four. A 2015 matchup pits KenPom's #2 (Arizona) and #3 (Wisconsin) teams. This one may once again be the best game of the tournament.
Bo Ryan is a good coach and could guide his team back to the Final Four for the second consecutive year. He'll want to slow the pace and work it to his senior in the post, Frank "the Tank" Kaminsky who averages 18.4 PPG and 8.1 RPG. For the Wildcats, they look to freshman Stanley Johnson, a likely top 10 pick in the upcoming NBA draft to lead the way. The 6'7" SF shot 30 fewer three-pointers than Donte Grantham (who led Clemson in attempts), but made more than anyone on the Tigers. He's efficient and well-rounded.
KenPom and Ryan Kantor give the edge to Arizona as they seek revenge, while seeding and Brian Goodison point towards a return to the Final Four for the Badgers. Kraken, mark it down!
Join us below to discuss the action and lament the fact that Clemson can only dream of getting to this point.