Lavin fills in Sweet spots

Wednesday, March 22, 2006 | 7:11 a.m.

On a sports-betting radio show, a professional gambler praised ESPN college basketball analyst Steve Lavin for correctly predicting that Kentucky would play Connecticut tough Sunday.

Kentucky lost the second rounder, 87-83, and the radio personality said Lavin gives some of the best insight in the industry.

"No question, that's nice that there are fans out there who appreciate the research and background work you bring to the table in your second career," Lavin said.

Lavin, 42, attended 13 consecutive NCAA tournaments, first as an assistant coach at Purdue and UCLA, and then as the Bruins' head coach. As the UCLA boss, he took the Bruins to five Sweet 16s over six seasons. Only Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski matched that feat over that stretch.

After his plane landed in Los Angeles on Monday, Lavin gave the Sun his exclusive predictions for the Sweet 16 and beyond.

Atlanta regional

LSU over Duke

Texas over West Virginia

Texas over LSU

"I like the Longhorns' guard play, with Kenton Paulino and Daniel Gibson. And LaMarcus Aldridge might be the best pro prospect in the entire college game. Glen Davis is a water buffalo for LSU. But I wouldn't be shocked if Texas wins it all."

Oakland regional

Memphis over Bradley

UCLA over Gonzaga

UCLA over Memphis

"I'll give the edge to UCLA. UCLA will have a clear advantage on the perimeter against Gonzaga. Against Memphis, the Bay Area would be rocking in sup-port of the West Coast and a Pac-10 team, and travel will be no factor for the Bruins."

Washington, D.C., regional

Connecticut over Washington

George Mason over Wichita State

Connecticut over George Mason

"UConn is too dominant. They have six or seven players who will be drafted. And their Hall of Fame coach (Jim Calhoun) has won two national championships. He can push all the buttons coming down the stretch. They're just too much."

Minneapolis regional

Boston College over Villanova

Georgetown over Florida

Boston College over Georgetown

"Georgetown was impressive in the first weekend, beating Ohio State in its own back yard in Dayton. The Hoyas' spread-court offensive principles control the tempo, but Boston College has the toughness and speed to throw that spread offense off-kilter."

Final Four at Indianapolis

UCLA over Texas

Connecticut over Boston College

Connecticut over UCLA

"Should be a competitive final game, and UCLA would clearly be the underdog. The fact that UCLA has played at a deliberate pace would help them because UConn limits possessions. The Bruins have a chance to pull off the upset. But, in the end, UConn has more firepower."