Quick-hitting Sweet 16 picks

Been a while on here, but it's been busy at work, where I typically post form. Below are a list of today's Sweet 16 picks:

• Washington-West Virginia: Da'Sean Butler was the X-Factor for the Mountaineers throughout the Big East Tournament en route to the title, and he should prove to be such again in the absence of Daryl Bryant, who will be gone for the remainder of the tournament with his broken foot. Joe Mazzula, who leaves much to be desired shooting on the offensive end, should be able to hold the Dawgs' Isaiah Thomas in check, though Quincy Pondexter could carry his squad into the Elite 8 with another stellar tournament performance. WVU 81-73
• Cornell-Kentucky: John Wall should be showcasing his signature dance after this contest as well. Though I expect the game to be close throughout, especially with Cornell's ability to drain the outside shot (Six players have made more than 20 3-pointer this season). But John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson and Eric Bledsoe should have their way with the Big Red's defense. UK 85-78
• Butler-Syracuse: I'm not a big Andy Rautins fan, but I think he and other Orange guards need to step up in the absence of Arinze Onuaku. Without the big veteran in the middle, the Bulldogs could sag their defense down low, forcing Scoop Jardine, Brandon Triche and Rautins to make jumpers and bring Butler's D out to the perimeter. If that happens, Syracuse should earn another comfortable win. Syr 69-60
• Xavier-Kansas State: While I hate to disappoint those "parity purists" who think this year is especially ripe for upsets, the higher seed picks continue. Despite how impressed I am with former Kentucky Wildcat Joe Crawford's little brother Jordan, who is averaging better than 27 points per contest thus far in the tourney, I don't see any way he can escape the lockdown defense of KSU's Jacob Pullen. The senior guard took BYU's Jimmer Fredette out of last weekend's second round contest, and I expect him to do the same against the Musketeers. Offensively, the Wildcats have a lot of depth, with ten players averaging over 10 minutes per game on the year. I don't see how a less-deep Xavier can keep up with the fresh legs off the bench for KSU over a 40 minute period. KSU 75-61