It's that time again for March Madness! I'll probably be doing the most brackets I've ever done this year so, hopefully, I'll do well on at least one of them! So far, it's looking like I'll have a personal bracket to see how I stack up with the nation and a couple group brackets with some friends. That said, here are some of my picks for this year's tourney!
Second And Third Rounds
I'll start with the Second/Third Rounds as the First Four round will probably be uneventful. I don't have too many upsets, however, there are some games to watch out for.
Sweet Sixteen
You may be surprised at some of my picks for this round.
Second And Third Rounds
I'll start with the Second/Third Rounds as the First Four round will probably be uneventful. I don't have too many upsets, however, there are some games to watch out for.
- Iowa State vs. UConn: Although Iowa State is ranked higher than the Huskies, this is still an upset of sorts for me since UConn comes in as the defending champ. It'll be close but I think the Cyclones could take care of the Huskies in the Second Round.
- VCU vs. Wichita State: I'm a big fan of Shaka Smart and his coaching style, especially come tourney time. I don't think the Rams will have enough to make it all the way to the Final Four like last year but I do think they can beat the Shockers in the Second Round.
- Xavier vs. Notre Dame: This could be one I pay for in my bracket but I honestly think the Musketeers have what it takes to beat the Irish in the 7/10 matchup in the South.
- Virginia vs. Florida: This will be an interesting game to watch in the West. It could also be another one I pay for dearly on my bracket. Although they struggled down the stretch, I think Tony Bennett's team is no joke and they'll get to the next round.
- NC State vs. San Diego State: After being the last team announced on Selection Sunday, I think the Pack are going to upset the Aztecs. Although State struggled somewhat throughout the season, they had a strong showing in the ACC Tourney. If they play like they did in the ACC Tourney, they could go pretty far.
- Belmont vs. Georgetown: Last but not least, I think this will probably be the biggest upset in the tourney this year. The Hoyas do fairly well come tourney time but haven't been as good this year as in the past. Belmont, on the other hand, seems to really do well come tourney time. Let's also keep in mind that this Belmont team lost by only 1 point to Duke at Cameron. They'll be ready to go for this game!
Sweet Sixteen
You may be surprised at some of my picks for this round.
- In the South, I have a rematch of Kentucky and Indiana. I also have Baylor facing Duke.
- In the West, I have Michigan State taking on New Mexico. In the other matchup, I have Frank Haith's Missouri team playing against, yes, Murray State. I think the Racers' 30-1 record is no fluke and they will beat Marquette to play the Tigers in the Sweet Sixteen.
- In the East, I think Syracuse will make it to the Sweet Sixteen pretty easily, facing Wisconsin* in an intriguing matchup. I also have Ohio State facing Florida State in the other game. If the 'Noles can play like they did in the ACC Tourney, there's no doubt they'll go far.
- Finally, in the Midwest, I have Carolina getting to the Sweet 16 pretty easily as well, facing Michigan in one matchup. Then, Pack fans rejoice, I have NC State in the Sweet Sixteen facing the Kansas Jayhawks.
Elite EightLike every year, these games are really tough to pick. However, I'm pretty comfortable with who I have.
Final Four
- South: Kentucky vs. Baylor
- West: Michigan State vs. Missouri
- East: Syracuse vs. Ohio State
- Midwest: UNC vs. Kansas
Final Four
Once again, it's so tough to choose at this stage of the tourney but I think Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio State*, and UNC will make it to New Orleans.
Championship Game
Why not have the two most storied programs in college basketball play for all the marbles? This would be the ultimate national title game for me and many other people I'm sure! In the end, I see the Heels getting revenge against Kentucky. The Cats are very good but very inexperienced as well. I think the battle tested Heels will prevail and win their third title in eight years!
*UPDATE: I've changed my pick from Southern Miss to Kansas State and Temple to South Florida in the Second Round. In the Sweet Sixteen in the East, I've changed Vandy to Wisconsin. Finally, with the loss of Fab Melo, I'm a little nervous about the 'Cuse getting into the Final Four. I may pay for it later but I've put Ohio State in New Orleans.
*UPDATE: I've changed my pick from Southern Miss to Kansas State and Temple to South Florida in the Second Round. In the Sweet Sixteen in the East, I've changed Vandy to Wisconsin. Finally, with the loss of Fab Melo, I'm a little nervous about the 'Cuse getting into the Final Four. I may pay for it later but I've put Ohio State in New Orleans.
Click on the bracket below to check out all of my picks!
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