WASHINGTON — The favorites are coming! The favorites are coming!
Ohio State (-4 1/2) over Wichita State: In a tournament filled with upsets, order will be restored — for at least one day. The Buckeyes have won two straight games in the last second, blowing the cover by a half-point against Arizona, but I won’t hold a grudge. They also have won 11 in a row, knocking off Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan State (twice). Ohio State’s defense is a constant that carries it every game and the Shockers have had several issues with scoring at times this season. Wichita State hasn’t made the Final Four since 1965 and the wait will continue, with Ohio State advancing for the second straight season.
Syracuse (-3 1/2) over Marquette: The Golden Eagles won the lone meeting between the teams this season, 74-71 at home, during the Orange’s worst stretch of the season. Marquette relied on a huge free-throw disparity to win that battle, but won’t be able to push around a Syracuse defense playing its best all season. The Orange manhandled Indiana’s Cody Zeller in the paint on Thursday. Jim Boeheim’s last Big East season, perhaps his last season ever, will continue for one more weekend.
Record: 21-17-1
2011-12 Record: 48-26-1
Follow @HowieHoops on Twitter for bonus selections.