No. 6 Xavier vs. No. 14 Georgia State

Why Xavier will win: You have to pick your poison with the Musketeers. If you pay too much attention to the perimeter, Matt Stainbrook is going to beat you inside. If you pack the paint, Dee Davis and Myles Davis will rip you apart from the outside. This is a strong Xavier team, one that felt disrespected leading into the tourney. XU will control the tempo and force Georgia State to make mistakes on both ends.

Why Georgia State will win: The Panthers showed a lot of heart in rallying past Baylor in the second round, it was their ability to create turnovers that got the job done. Georgia State just kept attacking the Bears on the defensive, and Baylor couldn’t handle the pressure. If the Panthers are going to reach the Sweet 16, they’re going to need to keep the defensive intensity high and get a fantastic night from guard R.J. Hunter.

What will happen: Stainbrook will be a force without an answer for Xavier. He will control the game as a hub on offense, and on defense, he won’t give up many easy buckets. Georgia State will try to push the tempo, but XU’s guards won’t allow it.

Prediction: Xavier 74, Georgia State 65