No. 2 Arizona vs. No. 10 Ohio State

Why Arizona will win: Talent means something, and the Wildcats are dripping with it. Forwards Brandon Ashley, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Stanley Johnson are just better than most players in college basketball, and center Kaleb Tarczewski is a game-changer in the paint. The Wildcats are balanced and deep, and their offensive efficiency is special. ‘Zona is going to create a lot of turnovers on the defensive end, too, and the ‘Cats’ length is going to be a problem.

Why Ohio State will win: The Buckeyes might have the best player on the court in this one in guard D’Angelo Russell. There’s nothing the kid can’t do, and he thrives when the lights are brightest. But Russell isn’t a one-man show. Amir Williams brings good size. Sam Thompson and Marc Loving can give the floor balance, and Ohio State’s defense is usually pretty decent. Plus, OSU won’t be impressed by Arizona’s athleticism and will bring some swagger to the floor.

What will happen: Arizona rolled in the second round, but it won’t be quite so easy vs. the Buckeyes. Look for the Wildcats’ guards to be aggressive with the ball early to try to create foul trouble for the Buckeyes inside, and Arizona’s depth will be too much in a close game. Russell will have a big outing, but it won’t be enough for OSU.
Prediction:Arizona 74, Ohio State 72