Well last night we saw that anything can happen in the tournament. At halftime, people were penciling Iona in to upset Marquette, now they have the eraser out once again. Good thing the bracket doesn't count the play-in games, I'd be 0-2. I'll take Vermont and Cal tonight, so hopefully I can split the games. This is my final preview, so I hope you've enjoyed them. Be sure to check out the other regions: South, East, and West. No tips this time, let's get right to the games.
1 North Carolina vs 16 Lamar/Vermont
North Carolina wins 10 of 10
Why North Carolina Will Win. . .
North Carolina came into the season with expectations of winning a national title. They have done nothing so far to make you expect anything less. In their regular season finale against rival Duke, the Tar Heels showed why they were the preseason #1 ranked team. North Carolina is the top rebounding team in the country and the top scoring team in the field of 64. The biggest concern is John Henson's health entering the tournament. If he's good to go, Barnes, Zeller and crew will be favorites to get to the Final Four.
8 Creighton vs 9 Alabama
Creighton wins 5 of 10
Why Creighton Will Win. . .
Creighton is another one of those teams many people think are underseeded. The Bluejays were 28-5 on the season, but didn't play anyone ranked. There is one reason they can win a game in the NCAA tournament, Doug McDermott. McDermott is the top scorer in the tournament at over 23 points per game and is one of the best three-point shooters at 49%. He also adds 8 boards per game and shoots a staggering 61% from the floor. McDermott can carry this team to a victory like many scorers have in the past, but an off night or foul trouble could mean an early exit for the Blue Jays.
Why Alabama Will Win. . .
There really isn't anything spectacular about the Crimson Tide offense, but they are one of the best defensive teams in the country. They don't shoot well, but they also prevent their opponent's from hitting a lot of shots. This team failed to meet the expectations it had early in the season, but a win or two in the tournament could go a long way. This team has the athletes, they just never got everything together this year.
5 Temple vs 12 California/USF
California wins 5 of 10
Why Temple Will Win. . .
The A-10 was solid this year, and Temple was the regular season champion. The Owls come into the tournament having won 13 of their last 15 and have wins against Duke, Saint Louis and Xavier. Offensively, Temple is efficient. Ramone Moore and Khalif Wyatt both average over 17 points per game. Temple is littered with upperclassmen and that experience is valuable come tourney time. This team has Sweet 16 potential.
Why California Will Win. . .
I have California winning the play-in game for one reason, they get assists and high percentage shots. Had California won the Pac-12 tournament, they would've have been the only team to make the tournament. Instead, Colorado got the automatic bid and California is in as an at-large. Balanced scoring and a high shooting percentage can get this team through to the Sweet 16.
4 Michigan vs 13 Ohio
Michigan wins 8 of 10
Why Michigan Will Win. . .
Michigan had a solid season in the Big Ten. They got hot in games where they looked unbeatable, but then they went cold and look very beatable. The Wolverines rely on their outside shooting for offensive spurts. Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. are solid scoring threats, but the team's inability to get to the line could hurt them. This team is talented enough to overcome some scoring droughts, but a Sweet 16 may be the best case scenario for a streaky team.
Why Ohio Will Win. . .
Ohio is over-matched against Michigan. The Bobcats got into the tournament by winning the Mid-American tournament. D.J. Cooper is a solid scorer and they have balanced scoring all around, but they aren't particularly efficient on offense. If this team were to beat Michigan, it would truly be an upset.
6 San Diego State vs 11 NC State
NC State wins 6 of 10
Why San Diego State Will Win. . .
It's difficult to expect much from the Aztecs in a rebuilding year of sorts from their Sweet 16 team from last year. This team lacks an interior defensive presence and has more turnovers than assists. They do have a couple scorers in Jamaal Franklin and Chase Tapley who take nearly 44% of the team's shots. Although this team is the higher seed, they may be the underdog in the round of 64.
Why NC State Will Win. . .
NC State got into the tournament based primarily on the strength of their schedule. They play in ACC with perennial tournament teams. Despite having twelve losses on the season, eight of those came against ranked teams. After a four game losing streak, NC State has played well in their last five, nearly knocking off North Carolina in the ACC tournament. The Wolfpack is solid statistically, having five players averaging in double-digits. The balanced scoring and team play could propel this team into the round of 32.
3 Georgetown vs 14 Belmont
Georgetown wins 9 of 10
Why Georgetown Will Win. . .
Georgetown is on upset alert and for good reason. The Hoyas have been knocked out in the round of 64 in the past two years. This is your typical Georgetown team, anchored by a big man that can do it all. If you didn't see him in the Big East tournament, senior Henry Sims is playing his best basketball. Sims can rebound, score, and pass the ball as well as any big man in the country. This is another talented Georgetown team that has Sweet 16 potential, but needs to focus on their first round matchup.
Why Belmont Will Win. . .
Belmont comes in having won 14 straight games, so momentum is on their side. They don't have any significant wins on the schedule, but they did lose to Duke by only one point in the first game of the season. This team is not as talented as Georgetown, but they can score and distribute the ball well. If the Bruins can pull off the upset against Georgetown, they could be headed to the Sweet 16.
7 Saint Mary's vs 10 Purdue
Purdue wins 5 of 10
Why Saint Mary's Will Win. . .
The Gaels finally overcame Gonzaga to take the West Coast Conference title. Now they have their eyes set on a Sweet 16. The team's top scorer, Matthew Dellavedova, is able to create his own shot and get to the rim, but is also an excellent passer. Along with double-double machine Rob Jones, this team is talented enough to make a run, but they will need solid defensive play to advance.
Why Purdue Will Win. . .
This could be the last time we see Robbie Hummel in a Purdue uniform. Hummel's career has been unfortunately riddled with injuries that kept him off legitimate Final Four teams. This year Hummel is looking to finally lead his team in the tournament. The Boilermakers win games through offensive and defensive efficiency. Their ability to play defense and take care of the ball can take this team into a Sweet 16.
2 Kansas vs 15 Detroit
Kansas wins 10 of 10
Why Kansas Will Win. . .
When you look at Kansas, you see a team full of athletes. Thomas Robinson is a man among boys, and there aren't many teams that can contain him. However, to make a Final Four run, Tyshawn Taylor will have to be on the top of his game. Withey gives the Jayhawks another interior presence and is a premier shot blocker. This team can go as far as they want as long as they play well together.
My Midwest Region Bracket
Sweet 16: North Carolina, California, Georgetown, Kansas
Elite 8: North Carolina, Kansas
Upsets: Cal over Temple and Michigan, NC State over SDSU, Purdue over St. Mary's, Kansas over UNC
50-50 Picks: Creighton over Alabama, California over Temple, Purdue over St. Mary's
Again I have the #1 and #2 seed in the Elite 8, but I have Kansas advancing to the Final Four. I have California winning a couple games, but that may change depending on how they look tonight. In my 50-50 games, I am taking Creighton because of the McDermott and Purdue because of their efficiency. Again, my California pick could change.
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