MIDWEST REGION

at Chicago

1. Virginia (29-7) vs. 10. Syracuse (22-13) on TBS at 6:09 p.m.: When’s the time to stop doubting Syracuse? The Orange stole one from Gonzaga on Friday night when coach Jim Boeheim made a nifty move with a full-court press. Their 2-3 zone negatively impacts every opponent. Despite that I still doubt. Virginia is a well-coached team that will find open shots against the zone and the Cavs are big enough to defend Syracuse man-to-man.

EAST REGION

at Philadelphia

1. North Carolina (31-6) vs. 6. Notre Dame (24-11) on TBS at 8:49 p.m.: The Carolina guards are suddenly playing very well. If Marcus Paige shoots like he did Friday night, the Tar Heels will win the national championship. Their frontcourt is rugged, led by Brice Johnson. Notre Dame’s big guys have given no indication they can handle them. The Irish got pushed around by Wisconsin. It will take a monster game for the Notre Dame guards to pull off the upset.

Joe Sullivan