ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (1:53 PM)

Mark will be here at 2 p.m. ET to take your questions!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:01 PM)

OK, hope everybody enjoyed the first two rounds and had a great weekend. Here we go...

Mack (Durham, NC) [via mobile]

Duke vs Villanova. Who do you think will win, who has the advantages?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:04 PM)

I kind of like Villanova. I think Nova's guards are good enough to lock down Duke's perimeter defenders, and the Blue Devils might have a tough time stopping Cunningham inside. Duke has done a great job of taking care of the basketball since Scheyer took over at the point, but Nova really played tough defense against UCLA on Saturday. Should be a good game.

Jason (Chicago)

I need Purdue bad in my bracket. Do they have any chance against UConn?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:05 PM)

I think they have a chance because of the way JaJuan Johnson. He kind of neutralizes Thabeet. But U Conn really rolled through the first two rounds. Playing really, really well. Moore and Hummel will have to shoot it very well.

Matt (Omaha NE): [via mobile]

hey mark i was wondering who u have 2 win the tourney this year? i have louisville but im shocked how they have played in tourney time only beating siena by 7 not good wat do u think?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:06 PM)

I have Louisville, too. I wasn't shocked by the Siena score. The Saints have a very good team. Hansbrouck is a very good player. I think the Cards probably feel better about themselves after coming back from a late deficit. They're battle tested now, which might help down the stretch.

Josh PA

Can anyone beat a healthy North Carolina team?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:11 PM)

With the way Lawson played in the second half against LSU, the Heels are really clicking on all cylinders. They're going to be tough to beat. Can Heytvelt and Dane contain Hansbrough? The Bulldogs can't get into a track meet, so they'll have to try to beat them in the half-court sets. We'll see how tough and physical Gonzaga can play. They didn't look very tough against Memphis back in February, but the Bulldogs are playing awfully well right now.

Mike(Rochester,NY) [via mobile]

Is Syracuse for real? Can they win it all?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:12 PM)

If Flynn and Devendorf keep playing the way they're playing, I think Cuse might have a shot. Obviously, Harris, Onaku and Jackson are going to have their hands full with Griffin, but that zone might make it difficult on the Sooners. I keep waiting for Syracuse to look tired, but it hasn't happened yet.

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Mark, which matchup would you rather see in the Elite 8 - Psycho T v. Griffin OR Lawson v. Flynn?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:13 PM)

Both would be fantastic. I think Hansbrough against Griffin is the matchup that would really grab everyone's attention, though.

Shane (Los Angeles)

Since you picked Louisville, I suppose you give Arizona no shot at the upset. If Arizona is going to pull the upset, what do they need to do to win vs Louisville?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:14 PM)

I think Arizona is playing really well. They have two NBA players in Budinger and Hill. Wise is playing really, really well, too. I picked Louisville before the tournament started. I didn't think Arizona would play that well, but I thought they deserved to be in the tournament after beating some high-end teams during the regular season. I think it will be a close game.

Matt (Atlanta, Ga) [via mobile]

How long can Rick Barnes stay off the hot seat in Texas with several seasons now of underperforming?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:15 PM)

The guy put Texas basketball back on the map. He needs a point guard, but I wouldn't call the second round underachieving. They struggled at the point all season.

Mike (Chicago)

If you're an NBA GM looking for a guard, is James Harden really still at the top of your list and Cedric Jackson still nowhere to be found?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:16 PM)

Harden didn't play well in either NCAA game, that's for sure. He almost seems too passive. He doesn't like to force things, but at some point you have to try to take over the game.

Charles (San Jose)

Mark, you didn't answer Shane's question.What would Arizona need to do to pull the upset?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:17 PM)

Pound the ball inside and don't turn it over against Louisville's press. Keep shooting foul shots at a high rate. They'll have a chance.

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

Outside of Siena/OSU this has been a pretty boring tournament. I suppose the last couple minutes of WKU/Gonzaga was good. Do you see it getting better next weekend? I don't fill out a bracket, so I just want exciting games.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:17 PM)

I think it's been pretty high-quality basketball, but there haven't been the upsets everybody (including me) likes to see. But I think the best teams have moved forward. These were the best teams during the regular season.

Jake (KC, MO)

What'd you think of the Buzz Williams meltdown at the end of the Mizzou/Marquette game?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:18 PM)

I would have been upset after the injured player went back into the game a few seconds later after not taking the foul shots. But he actually had a higher free throw % than the freshman who took the shots. Hayward stepped over the line, so the official didn't have a choice. Just awful timing for that call, but it was the right call.

zack, toronto canada [via mobile]

Who has been the most impressive number one seed so far and which one has the best chance to win the tournament?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:20 PM)

U Conn is really the only team that wasn't tested in the first two rounds. Pitt struggled a little bit in both of its games, and Louisville had to come back against Siena. LSU gave UNC a good game for about 30-35 minutes. I think the remaining brackets are about even. Arizona is a No. 5 seed in the Midwest, but the Wildcats aren't playing like a 12.

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

there's a story up in these parts quoting Flynn saying he will be returning for his Junior season no matter what. You buying it?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:21 PM)

I hope so. It would be good for college basketball. He's talented enough to play in the NBA, but could use another season in college.

Mark (Freehold, NJ)

Why is everyone saying Pitt is struggling? Pitt proved they can play a high tempo back-n-forth game like the one against Ok State, and we all know they are even better at a slow-em-up, grinding it out game. Has this tournament made Pitt looking tougher to the other coaches (Xavier, UNC, etc), as opposed to weaker?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:22 PM)

I think the fact they beat Oklahoma State by eight with Blair not doing much offensively says a lot about Pitt's depth. OSU has a good team. They shot lights out in the first half. Pitt did a nice job of adjusting at halftime. With Blair, Fields and Young, they'll have a chance to win it all.

Bobby (Chicago, IL)

Mark, what do u think of the memphis missouri matchup? any predictions?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:23 PM)

I really like the way both teams are playing right now. Memphis is as deep and versatile as any team left in the field. Tyreke Evans will have to avoid turnovers against that full-court pressure. Mizzou really like a fast-pace tempo, but Memphis can slow teams down with its defense. Should be interesting to see which team wins the pace. Memphis can run, too.

Ben (Queen Creek, AZ)

I know this year is not over but if Henderson stays on campus, the Dukies should be the favorites next year right?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:25 PM)

They need some imposing players in the front court. I'm guessing that's eventually going to catch up with them in this tournament. If Scheyer and Henderson aren't shooting well, they really can't score inside. And they've had problems stopping big guys, too. But they'll be a top-10 team if Henderson comes back.

James (Athens)

Fellow UGA alum here. What do you know about Anthony Grant taking the UGA job? I have seen conflicting reports on this, and thought you may have some insight.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

I've been told there has been no contact between the two parties. I think he's on the list, though.

Sean (Lawrence, KS)

Mark, who is your favorite to win the Naismith Award this year thus far?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

I think you have to go with Blake Griffin. If he doesn't suffer a concussion against Texas, the Sooners might be the No. 1 overall seed. He's been an absolute beast in the NCAAs.

Cheese San Mateo

I love that the Jayhawks seem to be flying out under the radar. It seemed that everyone discounted them after losing to Baylor. Collins and Aldrich are playing well and the other kids seem to be getting their footing in the tourney. I am starting to think they can make the Final Four. Also do you ever envision single games during the tourney being available on a single game PPV basis? I think this would be genius! I didnt get to watch the game out here on the west coast on my big screen!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:28 PM)

If Aldrich keeps playing the way he's playing, they'll have a chance. I'm amazed by his development the last two years. Taylor and Morris will have to contribute big, too.

Evan (Auburn, AL) [via mobile]

Who do you think will need to play better for their team? Robbie Hummel or Jeff Adrien?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:29 PM)

Adrien had to step up after Dyson went down. But Price can score 30 points a night. Purdue is at its best when Hummel is healthy and playing well. I'd say Hummel.

Jeremy ((burnsville, MN))

i see most people picking N.C. to make it to the final four, but i just don't see it. I think oklahoma will make it to the final four blake griffin is a beast. whats your opinion?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:29 PM)

I think both teams will get tough matchups in the Sweet 16.

Barry, Chesapeake Va [via mobile]

Do you UVA has a ligitimate shot for Capel,or Tubby or Miller as HC ?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:31 PM)

It might be the most attractive job out there because it's in the ACC and U. Va. has that beautiful new gym. Capel and Tubby have obvious ties to Virginia, but Tubby says he isn't going anywhere. I think it will be difficult for anyone to lure Capel away from Oklahoma. Miller is being paid a handsome sum by Xavier, too.

Chad (Las Vegas)

Why is the NIT still around?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:32 PM)

You're actually missing some very good basketball if you haven't watched any of the NIT games. At least you can watch Stephen Curry vs. Patty Mills tonight.

Nikko (Ringgold)

Who's your champ in the big dance

Mark Schlabach

  (2:32 PM)

I'm sticking with Louisville. That's what I called before the tournament. I think U. Conn is playing better than everyone else right now, though.

Tom (Seattle, Wa)

Will Brad Stevens stay at Butler or will he be a candidate for a bigger job this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:33 PM)

I think Stevens is a great coach. He's still very young. He's an Indiana guys and does a great job recruiting the state. He has a very young team, too. I'd be surprised if he left this year.

Chad (Las Vegas)

Doesn't watching the tourney make you want a playoff instead of the BCS?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:33 PM)

More than you know...

ken

A great, deep field in the NIT. Who do you think we will see in the Garden?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:35 PM)

San Diego State, Notre Dame, Baylor and Florida are my predictions. Notre Dame vs. SD State for the title. Irish win.

Ryan (Lexington, KY)

Will Billy Gillispie be fired by Kentucky in the coming days?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:36 PM)

I'd be surprised. But crazier things have happened in the Bluegrass State. Give the guy a chance to bring in his own players for a couple of years.

Mitul (Morris Plains, NJ)

What is more exciting to watch in the Elite 8, Syracuse or Oklahoma vs UNC?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:37 PM)

They would both be great games. As someone mentioned earlier, it's tough to decide between Lawson vs. Flynn or Griffin vs. T-Psycho.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:37 PM)

Or Psycho-T rather.

Peter (Norman, OK) [via mobile]

If you had to pick a final four at this point, who would it be?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:37 PM)

U Conn, Pitt, UNC and Louisville. How's that for creativity?

Will J (Portland, OR)

Mark, nothing against Villanova, but are you surprised that UCLA really looked that outmatched against them, in terms of athleticism, toughness, and size?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:39 PM)

Howland never got this team to play defense like they did in the past. Other than Shipp and maybe Collison, not a great scorer on the floor, either.

Caleb (LA, CA)

Zona's coach next year...what is your guess?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:40 PM)

If Arizona beats Louisville, how could you not go with Russ Pennell? He might deserve the job now for the way he's held this team together. Not many teams would survive losing their coach in October.

John (Chicago, IL)

Mark, any concerns with the reffing in the tourney? i certainly am upset with the officiating. take for example the florida state game. is this an issue in ur opinion?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

I haven't had many issues, other than a couple of questionable calls for hanging on the rim on dunks.

B (Deleware)

What do u think the biggest upset is so far?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:42 PM)

Cleveland State over Wake. When I saw the Demon Deacons back in January, they looked like the best team in the country. They have two or three NBA players. Just never played well away from Winston-Salem for the most part. Too young, I guess.

Caleb (LA, CA)

And if Zona doesn't beat Louisville...

Mark Schlabach

  (2:43 PM)

Hire Pennell anyhow. Or try to hire Jamie Dixon or Sean Miller.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:44 PM)

OK, folks, I have to run. Enjoy the week and the games this weekend. I'll be in Memphis for the South Region, and I'll be back again next Monday before the Final Four. Thanks again for joining the chat.