No. 1 Villanova vs. No. 8 North Carolina State

Why Villanova will win: There aren’t many teams that can deal with the balance Villanova brings to the floor. Opponents can’t concentrate on any one player, and the Wildcats’ unselfishness makes defenses scramble. ‘Nova will control the glass, it won’t make many mistakes with the ball and it can play any style it wants. This is a confident, poised team that is focused on making a run.

Why North Carolina State will win: When a team rallies from a double-digit deficit to win at the buzzer, it can feel like it’s a team of destiny. That can help the Wolfpack refocus and carry momentum over from its second-round win over LSU. The Big Mo can only go so far. Guard Trevor Lacey is going to have to do better than shot 4-of-15 from the floor to push N.C. State past ‘Nova, and the Wolfpack need to keep the ball moving to force the Wildcats to guard all over the floor.

What will happen: The question is whether there will be a letdown by North Carolina State after the emotional win in the second round. Villanova cruised, and it’s playing with a lot of confidence. Look for the Wildcats to get off to a hot start and assert themselves in the paint, then keep the Wolfpack at bay down the stretch. ‘Nova’s defense will keep N.C. State’s shooters from finding their rhythm.
Prediction:Villanova 70, North Carolina State 63