No. 3 Notre Dame vs. No. 7 Wichita State

Why Notre Dame will win: Notre Dame is relentless. The Fighting Irish aren’t the deepest team in the tournament, but few play harder. Guard Jerian Grant is Mr. All-Everything, but he’s not ND’s only talent. Zach Auguste is a presence inside, Demetrius Jackson can score inside and out, Steve Vasturia has a knack for hitting the big shot, and Pat Connaughton is the team’s heart and soul. The Irish will live up to their nickname and keep fighting every possession.

Why Wichita State will win: Experience matters. Wichita State has been a power in March for a few years now, and the same core group won’t be intimidated by the surrounding. Point guard Fred VanVleet is one of the best perimeter players in the tournament, Ron Baker is a tough, powerful guy who can shoot, and Tekele Cotton provides a fantastic third option who also can star if you give him too much room. This is a team that doesn’t feature much depth, but the Shockers are one of the more driven teams in the tourney.

What will happen: Notre Dame features good balance and plays hard, but Wichita State plays harder. Look for Jerian Grant to get plenty of points as he breaks down the Shockers off the dribble, but Fred VanVleet will control the tempo, and the Shockers’ defense was lock down ND late.
Prediction:Wichita State 63, Notre Dame 58