My Super Sweet 16

2 North Carolina vs. 11 Marquette, 7:15 PM ET, CBS

Carolina barely escaped Washington its last time out, and now gets 11-seeded Marquette. The Golden Eagles are showing exactly how deep and dangerous the Big East really is despite being one of the only two teams remaining from the 11 selected to the tournament. Watch for the match-up between MU's Jimmy Butler and UNC’s Harrison Barnes.

Starting Lineups

North Carolina: Tyler Zeller (F), John Henson (F), Harrison Barnes (F), Dexter Strickland (G), Kendall Marshall (G)

Marquette: Chris Otule (C), Darius Johnson-Odom (F), Erik Williams* (F), Jimmy Butler (G-F), Dwight Buycks (G)

*Williams played only four minutes against Syracuse last game.

Player to Watch: Jimmy Butler, G-F, Marquette

The Golden Eagles’ second leading scorer will need to play a complete game Friday night if the Big East is going to have two teams in the Elite 8. Butler will likely draw Barnes on defense, and will therefore need to play well on both sides of the ball. Averaging roughly 16 points and three assists per game, Butler might be relegated to more of a passer.

In my bracket: UNC

I had Syracuse’s 2-3 zone beating Carolina here, but as a result of their loss, I’ll take the Tar Heels to advance to the Elite 8 over Marquette. The Golden Eagles’ rebounding ability and strong defense will keep the game close though.

- David F. Baer