March Madness
First Round
By: Chris Oles 1 Arizona (30-4) vs. 16 Weber State (19-11) A 16 seed has never upset a number 1. Things are not about to change. Arizona wins big. 8 Gonzaga (28-6) vs. 9 Oklahoma State (21-12) This is an exciting backcourt matchup. Arguably the best backcourt in the Big 12 with Marcus Smart and Markell Brown, both averaging about 17 ppg. However, Gonzaga’s guards are no slouches; Kevin Pangos and David Stockton (combines 7.9 assists per game) run this team. Despite all that, Cowboys by 10. 5 Oklahoma (23-9) vs. 12 North Dakota State (25-6) The dreaded 5-12 matchup in the west could be a good one. The Sooners have a high octane offense (scoring 82.2 ppg), but if they’re not careful North Dakota State could upset them. Guard, Taylor Braun (18.2 ppg) leads them to a NCAA best 50% field goal percentage. Oklahoma will hold on and win this one. 4 San Diego State (29-4) vs. 13 New Mexico State (26-9) The Aztecs, led by Coach Steve Fisher, have been playing good defense lately, holding teams to 56.6 ppg. That’s going to be useful going up against The Aggies. They are on a five game winning streak and have also been playing stingy “D”. The Aztecs will find their offense and move on. 6 Baylor (24-11) vs. 11 Nebraska (19-12) The Cornhuskers are coming in hot! They’re 10-3 in their last 13 and with and 11-7 conference record in the competitive Big 10, look to upset the 6th ranked Baylor Bears. Baylor has also played well as of late winning 10 of their last 12. Despite that, look for Nebraska to pull off the upset this week. 3 Creighton (26-7) vs. 14 Louisiana (23-11) The Ragin’ Cajuns are an offensive force, thanks to a high shooting percentage and offensive rebounds. Unfortunately, shaky defense could be their downfall as they might struggle to contain Doug McDermott (26.9 ppg). The Bluejays will power their way through this one, winning big. 7 Oregon (23-9) vs. 10 BYU (23-11) BYU is averaging 84 points a game behind their leading scorer, Tyler Haws. But with the absence of guard, Kyle Collinsworth, The Cougars could be at a loss. Look for athletic forward, Mike Moser, and sharpshooter, Joseph Young, to lead the ducks past The Cougars. 2 Wisconsin (26-7) vs. 15 American (20-12) 6-foot-11 Center, Frank Kaminsky has led this offensive powered Badger team all year. Along with explosive scorer, Sam Dekker, Wisconsin will have a bit of a home court advantage playing this game in Milwaukee. They will have no problems with The Eagles of American. 1 Arizona (30-4) vs. 9 Oklahoma State (21-12) The matchup everyone will be watching in this one is Nick Johnson vs. Marcus Smart. Both of these young guards have led their respective teams all season and their teams don’t function properly without them. In a high scoring battle, Arizona will move on. 5 Oklahoma (23-9) vs. San Diego State (29-4) The Sooners are averaging about 12 more ppg then San Diego State, however they also give up nearly 20 more points than the Aztecs. It’s going to come down to whether The Aztecs can make shots. I think they will. 11 Nebraska (19-12) vs. 3 Creighton (26-7) Nebraska will have the same problem as most teams would when playing the Bluejays of Creighton, Doug McDermott. It’s hard to talk about them without mentioning the Wooden Award Finalist’s name. Nebraska’s upset run is short lived, Creighton rolls by. 7 Oregon (23-9) vs. 2 Wisconsin (26-7) The Badgers have the weapons offensively to beat any team in the country. However, Oregon is no surprise to the upset, beating teams like Arizona and UCLA this year, the Ducks look to keep it rolling. The Ducks will stun The Badgers and move on to the Sweet 16. Third Round
1 Arizona (32-4) vs. 4 San Diego State (31-4) The Wildcats blew out Gonzaga in the round of 32 to advance to the Sweet 16. San Diego State will pose a slightly bigger threat, however, the way Nick Johnson and Aaron Gordon have been performing. It’s going to take everything The Aztecs have to win. Wildcats advance to the Elite 8. 6 Baylor (26-11) vs. 2 Wisconsin (28-7) A lot of people had Wisconsin getting upset early this year, but people are forgetting that the Badgers just always find a way to win. Guard, Traevon Jackson and 7-footer, Frank Kaminsky have led the way in the tournament, but a long, athletic Baylor team could be trouble. Baylor’s speed and 3-point shooting will be too much for Wisconsin this time. |
First Round
By: Doug Vincent 1 Virginia (28-6) vs 16 Coastal Carolina (21-12) A No. 1 seed has never lost to a No. 16 seed (116-0) and that’s not gonna change now. Virginia rolls over Coastal Car. 8 Memphis (23-9) vs 9 George Washington (24-8) George Washington’s defense is gonna be the difference in this game, G Wash sneaks out of this one with the W. 5 Cincinnati (27-6) vs 12 Harvard (26-4) Harvard has 5 double-figure scorers and is shooting 47% from the field, and 39% from deep. Harvard comes up with the upset over the Bearcats. 4 MSU (26-8) vs 13 Delaware (25-9) The Hens have three scorers averaging over 18 ppg and if they play some defense I think UD shocks the world and upsets the Spartans. 6 UNC (23-9) vs 11 Providence (23-11) The Tar Heels aggressive play is gonna be too much for the Friars to handle and UNC wins big. 3 Iowa State (26-7) vs 14 NC Central (28-5) The Cyclones fast paced offense is gonna give the NC Central nightmares, and the Cyclones cruse to the win. 7 Connecticut (26-8) vs 10 St Joe’s (24-9) St Joe’s offensive skill is going to keep them in the game but at the end Connecticut is gonna over power the Hawks. UCon wins a close one. 2 Villanova (28-4) vs 15 Milwaukee (21-13) Villanova is too big and fast for Milwaukee to handle, Villanova rolls to easy win. Second Round
1 Virginia (28-6) vs 9 George Washington (24-8) Virginias has the experience playing in the ACC conference and with their effort on the defensive side of the ball it is gonna be too much for Colonials who are turnover friendly. Virginia wins easy. 12 Harvard (26-4) vs 13 Delaware (25-9) The Harvard boys will have no chance against the high powered offensive attack from the UD blue hens. UD rolls over Harvard, double digit win. 6 UNC (23-9) vs 3 Iowa State (26-7) UNC may have struggled at times this season but have proved they can be one of the top teams in the country, and with UNC controlling the glass they will come out of this one on top. UNC wins a close one. 2 Villanova (28-4) vs 7 Connecticut (28-4) Villanova’s 3-point shooting is gonna make or break this game, and I think they’re gonna knock them down. Villanova wins. Third Round
1 Virginia (30-6) vs 4 MSU (28-8) The MSU vs. Virginia match up looks to be a good one, but with the way Payne and Dawson have been playing look for MSU to run the floor and make some shots. MSU wins. 3 Iowa state (28-7) vs 7 UConn (28-8) Iowa State has the higher seed in this game but since the tournament has started UConn senior guard Shabazz Napier has been playing lights out. You can tell this kid doesn’t want his season to end with a loss, and it’s not going to end now. UConn wins. |
First Round
By: Jalien Anderson 1 Florida (32-2) vs. 16 Albany (19-14) The Gators are well prepared to cruise through the first round 9 Pittsburg (25-9) vs. 8 Colorado (23-11) A possible nail biter for college fans, this one could be a tough matchup. One team hits the hardwood with a deliberate plan (Pittsburg) but I feel Buffalo will put more points on the board. All in all this one should be a close game. 12 Stephen F. Austin (31-2) vs. 5 VCU The Rams, whose steals and turnovers rank among the nations best, offer a relentless defense to opponents. Although the Lumberjacks are coming off a 28 game winning streak, with 9 of those wins being of 20+ points, I feel the Rams might advance to the second round. 4 ULCA (26-8) vs. Tulsa (21-12) Expect Tulsa to come through with a possible upset if they can contain the Bruins bug time scorers, Kyle Anderson (14.9 ppg) and Jordan Adams (17.3). 6 Ohio State (25-9) vs. 11 Dayton (23-10) I’m calling UD to send the Buckeyes home early. Each Ohio State possession seems methodical and they are a poor outside shooting team giving Dayton a slight advantage if they just contain the paint. 14 Western Michigan (23-9) vs. 3 Syracuse (27-5) With the Broncos being in the NCAA tournament for the first time in a decade, Syracuse should have the upper hand in this one. 7 New Mexico (27-6) vs. 10 Stanford (21-12) This is your classic matchup between a mid-major with a gaudy record and a middle-of-the-pack major conference program. Stanford finished with a 10-8 mark in the Pac-12, but had trouble against elite competition most of the year. This one could be close but I’m calling the Lobos for the win. 2 Kansas (24-9) vs. 15 East Kentucky (24-9) No stranger to National championships I can see the Jayhawks taking this game away Second Round
1 Florida (32-2) vs. 8 Colorado (23-11) The Buffalos will have trouble trying to keep up with these snapping Gators hot streak. The number 1 seed Florida has an explosive offensive attack. Gators advance to the next round 5 VCU (26-8) vs. Tulsa (21-12) The Rams defense is coming in hot and I’m not sure Tulsa will able to put up much points. Look for VCU to advance to the next round 11 Dayton (23-10) vs. 3 Syracuse (27-5) NCAA fans might have their hands full with this one. Though we have become accustomed to seeing the Orange break early dreams, I just don’t see UD giving up easy. I’m calling UD Dayton for the upset 7 New Mexico (27-6) vs. 2 Kansas (24-9) I feel the Jayhawks will bring a different kind of fire power to the NCAA tournament but I feel the Lobos have a chance to take the W. Third Round
4 UCLA (28-8) vs 1 Florida (34-2) It’s hard to bet against Florida even though the Bruins bring a lot of firepower. The Gators haven’t lost a game since December 2 so they are coming off a hot streak, but the Bruins have proven to be a tough matchup for opponents. Fourth-seeded UCLA, earned an extremely impressive victory in the Pac-12 title game against the No. 1 seed in the West, Arizona. So this one could be interesting but I’m calling Florida for the win. 11 Dayton (25-10) vs 10 Stanford (23-12) Both teams have broken NCAA Tournament brackets with their impressive upsets of previous opponents. With both teams being unpredictable I feel this game comes down to offensive production. Dayton lacks a consistent scorer, but they like to get up and get down as they have taken advantage of transition points. Stanford has a scorer in Junior G Chasson Randle, averaging 18.9 ppg on the season. I’m definitely seeing this game come down to the wire but in the end I’m putting my faith in the UD boys. Fourth Round
1 Florida (36-2) vs 7 UCONN (30-8) This game can come down to screen defense. Senior guard, Shabazz Napier is the premier played for UCONN. Averaging 18 ppg, Napier also leads the team in rebounds (5.9 rebounds). Florida's defensive scheme should definitely include slowing down the savvy young guard. Though Florida hasn't lost a game since December, UCONN has just as much an equal chance to advance to the national championship. Through a battle of momentum, I'm calling UCONN for the win. (REMINDER) UCONN handed the Gators their last lost. 2 Wisconsin (30-7) vs 8 Kentucky (28-10) After an upset of number one seeded Arizona, the Badgers, have some momentum coming into the game. Even though the Badgers were a number two seed, I’m sure they have interrupted many brackets throughout this tournament. Though no stranger to national titles, the Wildcats have probably had the toughest tournament schedule. With wins over Wichita State, Louisville, and Michigan, these Kentucky Wildcats are coming in hot. Look for Kentucky to take it away National Championship 7 UCONN vs. 8 Kentucky Despite the youth captivated in this Kentucky team, they have managed to overcome the odds of what can be classified as the toughest schedule in this year’s tournament. Julius Randle, averaging 15 a game, is coming into this one ready for battle. On the other side you have the explosive senior guard, Shabazz Napier who continues to show up and show out each game. Many might think the youth of this Kentucky team could cause some jitters on the hardwood much like OKC in the 2012 Finals. I really don’t see that playing a factor in this one. I’m predicting a whole lot of offense in this national championship game. Huskies win BIG! |
First Round
By: Justin Hill 1 Wichita State ( 34-0) vs 16 Cal Poly (13-19) This team went undefeated in the regular season, and will be a tough contender the whole tourny. 9 Kansas State (20-12) vs 8 Kentucky (24-10) I picked this team just because I want them to beat overated Kentucky. 5 Saint Louis (26-6) vs 12 NC State ( 21-13) Saint Louis has a higher seed than NCS , and in the regular season they only lost by 5 to undefeated Wichita State. 4 Louisville (29-5) vs 13 Manhattan (25-7) After a long run in the tournament last year, Louisville must be hungry for another championship. 6 U Mass (24-8) vs 11 Tennessee (21-12) Against top 25 teams they are 2-0 which is better than their opponent who is 1-5, also having only lost 8 games in the regular season they can make a run in tournament also. 3 Duke (26-8) vs 13 Mercer (26-8) Duke has a powerful offense with a bunch of shooters, and always been a powerhouse in college basketball. 10 Arizona State (21-11) vs 7 Texas (23-10) Even though their seed is lower than texas they have a backcourt like no other team and that can be tough for teams. 2 Michigan ( 25-8) vs 15 Wofford (20-12) Doing very well in the regular season coming close to being a number 1 seed they have a easy first round team they are going up against so they should breeze by them. Second Round
2 Michigan (27-8) vs 11 Tennessee (24-12) I want Michigan to win this game because they are a better team and have a better chance of winning the whole thing. 8 Kentucky (26-10) vs 4 Louisville ( 31-5) I am picking Louisville because of their strong offense and coming off of last year’s championship. They want to have the same chance this year. |