No. 4 Georgetown vs. No. 5 Utah

Why Georgetown will win: You have to love the way Georgetown turned up the defense in the second round to get past Eastern Washington, and the Hoyas showed some great balance offensively as well. That balance will be key vs. Utah. Guard D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera will be the best player on the floor, but he can’t try to do too much on the floor. If the Hoyas can limit turnovers and assert themselves in the paint, they should be headed to the Sweet 16.

Why Utah will win: The Utes play fantastic fundamental basketball, and they turn up the defense without ever getting rattled on either end. They get plenty of production out of Jordan Loveridge and Delon Wright on the perimeter, and Jakob Poeltl is efficient in the paint. This is a team that doesn’t do anything great, but it won’t hurt itself, either. Utah’s steady approach can take this team far.

What will happen: Georgetown will use its quickness to get into the paint and set up the drive-and-kick game, and the Hoyas’ perimeter shooting will force Utah away from the bucket. That will open even more driving lanes, which will lead to foul trouble for the Utes’ bigs. Utah won’t wilt, but it won’t have enough athleticism to win.
Prediction:Georgetown 56, Utah 49