Elite 8 picks

Phoenix tickets up for grabs

We now have eight teams left in the quest for the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball tournament title. The Final Four will be determined over the next two days in what has been a wild ride over the last 48 hours.

My pick of a Gonzaga-North Carolina final is alive but my bracket did not survive...

So...let's pick a Final Four!

West Region

Xavier (11) vs Gonzaga (1)

It can be pretty certain this one will be heart-stopper. Though the Zags are the top seed, Xavier has gotten healthy and are a force to contend with. 

As the game goes on, look for Gonzaga to try and wear down the Musketeers from the inside and through change of pace offensively. either way, the winner will make their first Final Four appearance so it will be a never say die type of affair.

Gonzaga by 5

Midwest Region

Oregon (3) vs Kansas (1)

Though a #3 seed, Oregon was expected to be an upset victim due to their injury concerns but the Ducks have survived.The Jayhawks present a major obstacle though and it could be ugly if the Ducks let Kansas control the tempo. 

Oregon will have to be frenetic on defense in this one but on the other end of the floor, they will get the same from Kansas. Oregon will need to make it a "win ugly" one but Kansas will stay poised.

Kansas by 7

East Region

South Carolina (7) vs Florida (4)

At the least, this one will give the SEC a team in the Final Four.

This one will be a physical defensive battle similar to the 57-53 South Carolina win back in January.

The Gamecocks are in uncharted waters but pretty much on equal footing with the Gators. Ball control and defense in the paint will decide it.

Do the Gators have anything left in the tank?

South Carolina by 4

South Region

Kentucky (2) vs North Carolina (1)

The regular season meeting saw these two throw everything at one another with Kentucky needing every point of Malik Monk's 47 to win by three.

This time around, the Tarheels are healthier and looking to make it back to the championship game. 

Don't look for any Wildcat to score over thirty, if the want to win again, it will take balance. 

In the end, Carolina is on a mission to get redemption for last season.

North Carolina by 7

Final Four picks next week.