No. 2 Virginia vs. No. 7 Michigan State

Why Virginia will win: The Cavaliers are still feeling disrespected from Selection Sunday and know they need to get to the Sweet 16 to prove they are a contender. UVA can beat teams from a lot of angles, whether it’s guard Malcolm Brogdon doing the damage or forward Anthony Gill, and guards London Perrantes and Justin Anderson can take over as well. The Cavs’ defense coupled with their balance will make them tough to stop.

Why Michigan State will win: The Spartans are playing their best basketball of the season, and they have the talent to get to the Sweet 16. Forwards Denzel Valentine and Branden Dawson are both inside-outside guys, and they are tough on the glass. The X-factor will be guard Travis Trice, who can create off the dribble and get UVA’s bigs into foul trouble. Consistency has been an issue for MSU, and the Spartans have to put together a full 40-minute game.

What will happen: Virginia is going to control the tempo from the opening tip, and the Cavaliers’ defense is going to force MSU to work for everything it gets. UVA has better depth and is playing with more of a purpose right now, and the Cavs’ guard play will push Virginia to the Sweet 16.
Prediction:Virginia 64, Michigan State 59