SOUTH REGIONAL
No. 1 Memphis (35-1) vs. No. 5 Michigan State (27-8)
8:57 p.m., Houston
Things to know: Expect to see a lot of defense. Michigan State has a lot of big bodies to throw at Memphis, so there should be a lot of physical play. And despite what Memphis coach John Calipari says, free-throw shooting eventually is going to be important.
Players to watch: It’ll be a nice matchup of freshman point guards in Memphis’ Derrick Rose and Michigan State’s Kalin Lucas. Lucas, backcourt mate Drew Neitzel and backup guard Travis Walton have been steady with the ball, but the Spartans’ big men can be turnover-prone.
The line: Memphis by 5
No. 2 Texas (30-6) vs. No. 3 Stanford (28-7)
6:27 p.m., Houston
Things to know: An intriguing matchup of a team that relies on its big guys (Stanford) against a team with a superb backcourt (Texas). Thing is, Texas’ frontcourt is better than Stanford’s backcourt — and this essentially is a home game for the ‘Horns.
Players to watch: Stanford needs big games — literally and figuratively — from the Lopez twins. Brook is a dangerous scorer in the low post and a good rebounder. Robin is an even better defender, though his rebounding and offense lag.
The line: Texas by 1.5
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MIDWEST REGIONAL
No. 1 Kansas (33-3) vs. No. 12 Villanova (22-12)
8:40 p.m., Detroit
Things to know: How many times have you heard this: “Villanova should just be happy to be here”? Well, it’s true. At the same time, the Wildcats could make this interesting for a while if they’re hitting their 3-pointers. Villanova is 14-1 when it makes at least eight 3-pointers in a game.
Players to watch: Kansas has so many weapons. Guards Mario Chalmers, Sherron Collins and Russell Robinson, talented swingman Brandon Rush and low-post guys Darrell Arthur and Darnell Jackson — all six are capable of being the leading scorer on a given night.
The line: Kansas by 11.5
No. 3 Wisconsin (31-4) vs. No. 10 Davidson (28-6)
6:10 p.m., Detroit
Things to know: Davidson wants a fast pace, while Wisconsin would prefer a game in the 60s. Wisconsin allowed more than 66 points only three times this season; the Badgers lost all three games. The flipside: Wisconsin has allowed more than 60 points just once in its past 11 games.
Player to watch: Will Davidson guard Stephen Curry get hot again? Curry is a perpetual-motion machine on offense. He has phenomenal range, a hair-trigger release and can get into the lane. In short, he can flat-out take over games offensively.
The line: Wisconsin by 4.5