College GameDay: Picks for Sunday's NCAA Tournament Elite Eight

After an exciting Saturday where Duke and Villanova punched tickets to New Orleans, ESPN brought the College GameDay crew back on Sunday to preview the remaining two showdowns of the Elite Eight. First, Miami will look to defeat Kansas, as both teams survived close battles in the Sweet 16. Then, we’ll find out if clock has struck midnight on Cinderella, as Saint Peter’s takes on North Carolina in Philadelphia.

To begin, Kansas advanced to the Elite Eight with a 66-61 win over No. 4 Providence in the Sweet 16, while No. 10 Miami beat No. 11 Iowa State by a score of 70-56 to make it to this point. As the Jayhawks had to battle in their Sweet 16 contest, the Hurricanes were able to cruise to a dominant double-digit victory to get in the Elite Eight.

Elsewhere, North Carolina’s Caleb Love had one of his best performances of the season in the Sweet 16 against UCLA, scoring 30 points, including 27 in the second half, including two clutch 3-pointers in the final two minutes to help the Tar Heels advance to the Elite Eight.

On the other hand, Saint Peter’s is once again coming off a victory over a potential national title contender after defeating Purdue 67-64 on Friday. It was more of a team effort for the Peacocks against the Boilermakers, as seven players scored at least five points in the win.

Can Saint Peter’s take down yet another blue blood? If they want to make the championship game, they’ll have to go through North Carolina and then Duke. If any team is up to the challenge, it’s the fearless Peacocks.

Now, something has to give — and College GameDay is trying to predict who gets the victories.

College GameDay: Picks for Sunday’s NCAA Tournament Elite Eight

Midwest Region — No. 10 Miami vs. No. 1 Kansas: “As I’ve said before, Remy Martin on this Kansas team — because of his ability to change speeds, change directions, create shots for himself and his teammates — makes them a Final Four team. Problem is, they’re playing against a Miami team that has three of those guys. I have Miami beating Kansas,” stated Ellis.

“I think Remy Martin’s the difference in their ability to keep the ball in-front and contest shots. I don’t think Kanas turns it over — they win,” stated Greenberg.

“I had Kansas going to the Final Four in the initial bracket, I’m going to stick with it. But Ochai Abaji has to have one of his better games. He hasn’t performed at as high a level as he did during the season,” stated Bilas.

East Region — No. 15 Saint Peter’s vs. No. 8 North Carolina: “North Carolina dominates the offensive glass, I have them moving on,” stated Ellis.

“I think North Carolina handles the pressure, fights to get open on the win, stronger with the basketball. Playing two point guards is huge. I think they handle the pressure and win,” revealed Greenberg.

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and I’ve not picked Saint Peter’s in one game and look whats happened. But I think Carolina is going to win the game,” explained Bilas.

CGD Crew Picks:

Jay Bilas: Kansas, North Carolina

LaPhonso Ellis: Miami, North Carolina

Seth Greenberg: Kansas, North Carolina