Collegiate Times

In addition to proving his scoring prowess, he also locked down opposing guards, earning the ACC Defensive Player of the Year honor.

He possesses the rare ability to put a team on his back with his scoring talent and lockdown defense, something he put on display in his games against Tech.

Since FSU relies on excellent defense and only averages 68.6 points per game, the Seminoles will depend on Douglas during the tournament - just as they have all season.

BEST POTENTIAL MATCH-UP: DUKE-VILLANOVA

Regardless of one's feelings toward Duke, fans of the ACC must admit they play an exciting brand of basketball: up-tempo, high scoring and guard-oriented with tough defense.

Well, Villanova brings the same style to the table, and if the two teams happen to get together in a Sweet 16, the resulting game will be something to see.

Dante Cunningham (16.0 ppg, 7.2 rpg) provides the Wildcats with an advantage inside, but the Blue Devils have dealt with big men all season without much trouble in the ACC.

This game will ultimately come down to guard play and three-point shooting: With these two teams, there will be plenty of both.

Scottie Reynolds (15.5 ppg, 3.6 apg) and Corey Fisher (10.8 ppg, 2.8 apg) lead the way for 'Nova, and they will be countered by a host of Duke's former McDonald's All-Americans, which may prove to be the deciding factor.

WINNER: PITTSBURGH

Despite the recent postseason struggles, Pittsburgh simply has a complete team that nobody else in the East can measure up to.

With an incredible 3.9 assist-to-turnover ratio, senior point guard Levance Fields runs an efficient offense that protects the ball and eliminates easy buckets for opposing teams.

Their frontcourt goes unmatched with Blair and Young pushing around smaller, less-physical post players.

Pittsburgh received an excellent draw for their bracket, as the rest of the teams depend on superior guard play to win without much of a post threat. That deficiency will be apparent when the Panthers play against undersized teams.

Pitt led the Big East in rebounding margin, an impressive feat considering how brutal the low post play is in their conference.

Whether or not the officials allow them to continue their physicality in the interior will be vital to their success, but if they are allowed to play the way they have all season, the Panthers will take the East, with the only potential upset coming against Florida State.

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