March Madness, we’ve reached that time of the year. One of the addicting times on the sports calendar with chaos and gobs of deus ex machina all over the place. Once again, the rules are simple. 68 teams enter, only one is crowned National Champion. What storylines are in place this year?
East:
#1 UConn vs #16 Stetson: Coming off one of the most dominating runs in recent NCAA Tournament History, the Huskies are back to defend their title. And with most of their roster from 2023 returning, they have the guns to go far. Their 3 guard offense as usual strikes fear into their opponents especially with the speed they have. (Which is key in the modern game) My only doubt on them is if they get way too comfortable. This isn’t a 7 game series, this is win or go home, and if you don’t play your A game you’re done. Hopefully UConn realizes that as this tournament goes on. As for the Opening Round, Stetson you had a good run, but you must deal with fate itself ending your season. Don’t feel too bad, it’s not really your fault. Prediction: Huskies cruise to victory after a slow first five minutes.
#8 FAU vs #9 Northwestern: The Cinderella Story of last year’s tournament against the most underrated team in the BIG10 this season. Something that will cause a lot of pundits and fans to have issues on who to pick. On paper this is about as even as you can get. Both of these teams have talented guards to work with; Boo Buie has led the way for Northwestern by averaging nearly 20 a game despite playing through injury early in the season, while Johnell Davis is looking to pick up where he left off a year ago. The thing that could work against the Owls is that they don’t have the depth they had a year ago, but sometimes top heavy teams can go far if given the right opportunities. You know what. Despite the Wildcats depth advantage, we will see more deus ex machina coming out of Florida Atlantic. Prediction: FAU pulls a rabbit out of their ass in the final two minutes with the help of REFBALL.
#5 San Diego State vs #12 UAB: Don’t let the seeding of this matchup fool you, this is one of the most intriguing matchups that we will see in the 1st Round. A Blazers team that has already shocked us all by winning the AAC against a team that made it to the National Championship Game a year ago. Why can’t we get more 5 v 12 matchups like this? The Aztecs once again are led by Jaedon LeDee who is making a strong case for Mountain West Player of the Year with an outstanding 2nd Half. However they don’t have much else around him unlike last year, but as I said with FAU the tournament is a clean slate. UAB right now is one of the hottest teams going into the tournament with a starting five that destroyed Temple in the AAC Championship Game. From how I see it there is one conclusion. Begin the chaos. Prediction: UAB stuns the Aztecs in the final seconds despite LeDee’s heroics.
#4 Auburn vs #13 Yale: The Auburn Tigers over the past few seasons have put together some of the more talented rosters in the SEC. But it has rarely translated over to the tournament. This time they’re hoping that they can shed all of their past narratives and make a deep run. However there is one concern. Like most years the Tigers are a top heavy team that heavily relies on their big guns in the starting five, if they are going far, the depth needs to step up. It’s too bad that they’re going up against a Yale team that boasts just that. The Ivy League’s highest scoring offense will be looking to pull off a massive upset any way they can, especially with how Danny Wolf has been playing as of late. (He averaged 20 a game in the Ivy League tournament) Do I think that the Dawgs will live up to their namesake, in this case yeah. Prediction: Yale stuns War Eagle late.
#6 BYU vs #11 Duquesne: With the way BYU started the season it looked as if they were headed towards a Top 2 seed. They’ve slipped a bit since but hopefully they can regain their early season form. The thing about the Cougars is that they don’t have a true #1 star, but they have balance and can strike in different ways. However this team does run a SmallBall lineup. And even if the Dukes don’t have the size that some of these teams on the East side of the bracket has, the only way they can go far is if they outscore teams to death. (Have fun doing that against UConn) The good news for BYU is that Duquesne is literally two players single handedly carrying to relevance. Dae Dae Grant, and Jimmy Clark. If one of them struggles the Dukes are in deep trouble, and against the high powered offense that BYU has, good luck going shot for shot. Prediction: Cougars win in a shootout.
#3 Illinois vs #14 Morehead State: This is a matchup that a lot of NBA Draft scouts will have their eyes on. Two of the best scorers in the country going head to head in the 1st Round. (How often does that happen? Not much) Terrence Shannon, one of the most versatile scorers in the country, is on a warpath and looking to make his case as a potential Top 5 pick in the upcoming draft. Riley Minix has averaged over 25 a game during the last 12 contests. Did I mention that both of these teams have depth up and down the lineup. But here’s the kicker, which team has the tougher defense. Morehead State defensively started strong, but as of late it’s been inconsistent. The same goes for the Illini. Who will make their stamp on this potential dandy? We can only wait. Prediction: The Illini gets bailed out by High End Talent especially Shannon despite being down for much of the game.
#7 Washington State vs #10 Drake: A concrete wall that has stopped some of the better offensive units in the PAC12 going up against the MVC Champion with an offense that is built on the long ball. That, and Washington State has a balanced attack on offense. They don’t have a glamourous attack, but they do specialize in delivering in the clutch. Drake as mentioned is a long range shooting machine. Five players this year have a 3 point shooting percentage over 40% including Tucker DeVries who has been the heart and soul of that roster. Like most 7V10 games this one can easily go one way or another, but if I had to choose who wins, it usually is the team that can make the most big shots. I’m torn over this. Prediction: Screw it, Drake wins in a rare case where the 10 seed is favored.
#2 Iowa State vs #15 South Dakota State: The Cyclones fresh off of their BIG12 Championship are looking to ride that momentum to a deep playoff run. Led by one of the better defenses in the country with a man-to-man package that has consumed most of their opponents in its path. That Houston game is all you need to know. Even if their offense has been inconsistent they can still get away with that especially if Milan Momcilovic continues to lock down some of the better scorers they face. Even if the Jackrabbits boast Zeke Mayo, one of the more efficient scorers in the Summit Conference, they’ll be going up against a brick wall that is looking to feast. Prediction: Iowa State holds South Dakota State under 55 points in a 15 point win.
West:
#1 North Carolina vs #16 Wagner: Once again we enter a timeline where UNC is imposing its will and is getting hot at the right time. Even if they lost to NC State in the ACC Championship Game, the Tar Heels are looking to prove that their performance against the Wolfpack was a fluke. RJ Davis is on his way to becoming another in a long line of great UNC guards that can score at every level. Armando Bacot has come up big time for them down the stretch especially in that big game against Duke at Cameron Arena. Wagner I hate to say this, but you’re running a SmallBall lineup that’s about to get eaten alive. There are many ways to get beat, which way will you choose? Prediction: UNC imposes its will in a rout.
#8 Mississippi State vs #9 Michigan State: Tom Izzo and Michigan State have been regulars for the tournament for the better part of nearly two decades. This time around they have more questions than answers. Mainly when it comes to the lack of a true X Factor. Tyson Walker, this is where you step in. I know the media is going to say that he isn’t a game changer, but he’s shown flashes of that. If he and Malik Hall can produce some consistent performances, they can go far. (It sucks that UNC would be next for them) On the other side it’s the same damn narrative. Josh Hubbard has been the Bulldogs star, but the rest of the team has failed to support him. Especially since they are not a good 3 point shooting team. Identity Crisis “THE MATCHUP!” Who will prevail? Prediction: Sparty plays up to their potential and pulls out a double digit win.
#5 St Mary’s vs #12 Grand Canyon: Just like Iowa State and Washington State, St Mary’s has been known for defense. It’s the main reason why they won the West Coast Conference this season. Now we get to see if Mitchell Saxon, one of the best defensive centers in the nation, can make an impact on the big stage. His wingman Aidan Mahoney leads the way on offense and has averaged 18 a game since February. But they will be going up against a scrapy opponent who knows a thing or two about having an elite defense. The Lopes may not have the size that the Gaels have, but they can play some good defense. That and Tyon Grant-Foster is probably the most talented scorer in comparison of the two teams. If Grand Canyon is going to advance, it’ll be on his shoulders. Which I could see happening. Prediction: Foster’s big game overcomes St Mary’s defense and lifts Lopes to an upset win.
#4 Alabama vs #13 Charlestown: Roll Tide! The question right now is how far will they roll during the tournament. The last few years they’ve had great rosters and have been picked to go deep only to crap the bed at the worst times. They’re hoping to not let that happen again. Mark Sears may not be as dominant as Brandon Miller was last year, but he’s still damn good. Bama may not have the scoring depth that they’ve boasted in years past, but they make up for that defensively. Speaking of defense, that’s the identity of the Cougars. After a rough start, they’ve turned it around, and riding off of a CAA Title they have momentum going into March. But will it be enough to take down the Tide? Possibly. Prediction: Despite Charlestown’s efforts, Alabama survives a close one.
#6 Clemson vs #11 New Mexico: This one to me smells upset in the making. Yes Clemson on paper is the better team and rightfully so thanks to the best big man in the ACC PJ Hall putting up gaudy numbers, but I do have to criticize them for one thing. You can’t be limping into the tournament especially if you are facing a white hot team. The Lobos are just that. They are marching into Memphis off of a Mountain West Championship with Jaelen House and Jamal Mashburne Jr III leading the way by combining for almost 50 points in each of their last 3 games. The one thing the Tigers do have going for them is that March Madness is a clean slate, but in this matchup, NOT ON MY WATCH! Prediction: That dynamic guard duo of the Lobos dominates again.
#3 Baylor vs #14 Colgate: Baylor is gearing up for another run towards a National Championship. The entirety of their 2021 team may be gone, but they still have that hunger that few former champions have. And once again, defense is their calling card. They may not have the unit that their conference rivals in the Cyclones have but it’s still damn good. However their first test will be against a Raider team that has lost only 2 games since the turn of the calendar year. And they too have been known for defense. In my opinion whoever can generate enough offense in the 2nd Half should win this game. Conclusion, Baylor’s talent and experience will be the X Factor. Prediction: Colgate starts hot, but folds under the late game pressure.
#7 Dayton vs #10 Nevada: These are two teams that always fly under the radar when it comes to March Madness. They always make the tournament but never get enough love from the pundits. That’s because neither of them are name brand schools that draw a huge crowd. But to me both of them should be. (Especially since both of them have been known to make unexpected runs over the years) It’s too bad one of these two teams has to lose. Will it be DaRon Holmes who has enjoyed his coming out party over the last 2 months with a 23 PPG average during that span, or the duo of Blackshear and Lucas who can each shoot lights out. I must say if Dayton gets knocked out here, that’ll be another incident where the Wolfpack has taken down a team in the Cincy area in March. They’ve done that a lot over the years. Prediction: Nevada stuns Southern Ohio basketball fans, AGAIN!
#2 Arizona vs #15 Long Beach State: Arizona, you there, just don’t let last year happen again. I know the Beach Boys aren’t as potent as Princeton was, but you can’t take a team for granted. Especially with this much on the line. Caleb Love has picked up where he left off last year but can he prove that the dud against the Tigers was not a fluke. Luckily he’s got help this time around from Oumar Ballo who’s been his pick and roll partner all year. Sometimes I feel like teams that have a big chip on their shoulders do well in March. That’s exactly how I see it with the Wildcats. Prediction: No 1st Round hangover for Arizona this time.
South:
#1 Houston vs #16 Longwood: The modern day Phi Slama Jama. That team that took College Basketball by storm in the 80s is what this Cougar team has been often compared to. Now they get the chance to do what that team never did. Win the National Championship. And they have the High End Talent to do just that. When you run a 3 guard offense as potent as they do, plus you can rebound better than any SmallBall lineup in the nation. You have a real shot. However I do have doubts for them especially after Iowa State just ran them over. But sometimes getting beat like that before the tournament gives a team confidence. 2016 Villanova is a prime example of that thinking. Prediction: Why didn’t you mention Longwood? Because they’re about to get crushed!
#8 Nebraska vs #9 Texas A&M: Two former BIG12 rivals going head to head for high stakes. Are we back in the Tom Osborne Era? Speaking of the Huskers it’s very weird to see them on the March Madness stage considering what that program has gone through. They remind me a lot of last year’s Penn State team. (Texas A&M may know a thing or two about that team) A feel good story that no one saw coming led by a cast who has no true star. Sometimes teams like that can be dangerous since you don’t know who will score the majority of those points. (They have 6 guys averaging 10 a game) A&M meanwhile has been a roller coaster ride all season long. Everyone not named Wade Taylor and Tyrece Radford have been the equal of the tar sands. Maddeningly inconsistent. The Aggies better chose their form quickly because if not, they could be out early again. PICK A FORM BOYS! Prediction: For the 2nd straight year A&M loses to the Cinderella Story of the BIG10 in the 1st Round.
#5 Wisconsin vs #12 James Madison: Oh boy does this matchup open my eyes wide! One of the traditional powers of the BIG10 against a team that has been on fire for the entire season. If James Madison was a more name brand school, they’d have the #1 seed. Their 31-3 record is all you need to know. It comes with Terrance Edwards and TJ Bickerstaff being unguardable for most of the season. But they will be going up against a Badgers team that yes struggled in the 2nd Half, but has a ton of experience in March. AJ Storr and company better put together a good game plan because they will be tested early and often. I know my friends in Milwaukee will go after me for saying this, but their time might be up. Prediction: The Dukes hot streak they’ve endured lives on for another game.
#4 Duke vs #13 Vermont: Everything is not what it seems. That is the fate that the Blue Devils have been dealing with over the past two weeks. Once the North Carolina game happened, Duke appears to have lost their swagger in some ways especially after NC State roughed them up too. But then again this is a program that has dominated in March for a long time. Plus we saw this happen during their Final 4 run in 2022. This is a very top heavy team led by a bruising Center in Kyle Flipkowski, and they have the team to once again make a run. However I do have one issue. If they go against a team with depth like the Tar Heels and Wolfpack, they will get beaten. The Catamounts have depth but it’s inconsistent at times. Well that wasn’t the case in the America East tournament. But even with that being said there’s no way the NCAA is letting Duke go down early. Prediction: Duke despite its flaws gets bailed out by relentless deus ex machina.
#6 Texas Tech vs #11 NC State: Boy is this going to be a fun one to preview. Two of the hottest teams right now in College Basketball enter, only one comes away with a win. The Wolfpack in particular have all of the momentum going for them. They just took down Duke and UNC thanks to the DJ Bros, Horne and Burns, putting up almost 40 combined points in those two games. Ah but they’ll be going against one of the deepest rosters in the country. Despite playing down to their competition early in the season, the Red Raiders have rebounded and other than a recent loss to Houston look determined to make a run. Why do I say the deepest roster? They have 7 players averaging 8 or more points a game. Which in the college ranks is impressive. Which of these high flying offenses will advance? Right now it’s up for grabs. Prediction: NC State picks up where they left off in the ACC tourney and holds off MahomesLand.
#3 Kentucky vs #14 Oakland: It sucks for a team that makes the tourney for the first time in an age to have to face one of the blue bloods in the 1st Round. That’s what the Golden Grizzlies have to deal with. They get the honor of facing a Kentucky team that’s on what I call the definition of a Redemption Tour. After bowing out early last year and early in the SEC Tournament, the Wildcats know that their time to strike is now. Antonio Reeves and company know that they cannot afford yet another ugly performance. That right there is the one thing Oakland has going for them. They’re playing with house money and that’s a dangerous sign. However, I don’t see them doing the unthinkable especially with how ticked off the Wildcats are going into this thing. Prediction: Kentucky puts their bad loss to the Aggies in the rearview mirror… for now.
#7 Florida vs #10 Colorado: It says something that the arrival of Coach Prime to Boulder would spark the basketball team more so than the football team. (Although Deion’s plotting a takeover plan in the gridiron regards) Well strange times. Anyways, this matchup can best be described by one thing. High powered offenses. KJ Simpson and the Buffaloes were near the top of the PAC12 in scoring, while Walter Clayton and the Gators were in the same boat in the SEC. Normally this kind of matchup would be highly regarded in football standards, but this is not football. This is the hardwood. And from how I see it this is going to be a physical game despite it being back and forth. Give me the Buffs please. Prediction: Even though he has nothing to do with this the NCAA will rig it for Deion.
#2 Marquette vs #15 Western KY: Welcome to the Revenge Tour of Shaka Smart! This man has been plotting something big over this season, and it’s about to be revealed to the NCAA World at any moment. Kam Jones and Tyler Kolek have been molded in his image. Hard workers who have the ability to do whatever it takes to win. They know what they need to do. Erase the memories of their early exit of a year ago. They have the coaching and skillpower to do so. As long as they don’t run into an experienced coach like Tom Izzo, they should be fine. I think. Sorry Hilltoppers, you just happen to be the first victims. Prediction: The Golden Eagles start their run at payback with a bang.
Midwest:
#1 Purdue vs #16 Grambling: I’m not comfortable with talking about how loaded Purdue is. I know analytics love them but I’m not making this mistake twice. This team needs to prove that they aren’t the biggest meme in College Basketball. Although the thing they have going for them is simple. They’re back at the scene of the crime. The #1 seed in the entire tournament with Zach Edey averaging 25 a game. But here’s where the monkey’s paw comes in. They laid an egg against Wisconsin in the BIG10 Championship. That alone proves that the alarm sirens are going off in West Lafayette. Let me be very clear… Boilermakers, if you lose to Grambling of all teams you will be mocked like no American sports team college or the pros has ever been mocked before. GOOD LUCK! Prediction: Purdue avoids being the meme of memes by knocking out the Tigers.
#8 Utah State vs #9 TCU: Just like Shaka Smart at Marquette, Jamie Dixon is also on a Revenge Tour. They’re coming off a gut wrenching loss to the Zags last year plus a shellacking by the modern day Phi Slama Jama not too long ago. The Horned Frogs may be limping into March, but like I said it’s a clean slate for them. The same goes for Utah State who was just routed by the Aztec Empire. Osobor the Great is looking to bounce back after a rough outing against San Diego State, and something tells me he’ll rise to the moment if need be. Even with his heroics it might not be enough. Experience usually trumps talent in March, and TCU has just that. Prediction: Dixon and co. take no prisoners in this evenly matched contest.
#5 Gonzaga vs #12 McNeese: I don’t know how they do it but the Zags each year manage to find this infamous potential they always boast about. It’s not as clear as years past but it won’t stop them from trying. Drew Timme may be gone, but that doesn’t mean that they are in trouble all of a sudden. Instead of relying on their big men, they must now rely on their forwards. Graham Ike and Anton Watson have led the way for the Dawgs this time around. But the question remains. Can they get the monkey off of their backs? They’ve done everything they can, but could this finally be it? I don’t know, but if they somehow let a 30-3 McNeese team and Shahada Wells off the hook, it could be a long summer for ZagNation. Prediction: Sleep on Dem Boys? NAH! The Zags got dis’.
#4 Kansas vs #13 Samford: I was wondering where Kansas was in the bracket. Part of me felt like they missed the tourney all together having to just look through it. But alas they’re back, and aiming to reclaim the title. Leading the way for this year’s iteration of the Jayhawks is perhaps the best pick and roll combo in the nation. Kevin McCullar and Hunter Dickinson. Boy are those two players a team to watch. (Excluding a blowout loss to… CINCINNATI?) Even if they laid a massive egg against the Bearcats in the BIG12 tournament, they can brush things off in a hurry with the experience they have. There’s just one problem. NO DEPTH! And their opponent has just that, plus one of the most name brand players in college hoops in Achor Achor. This is a popular upset pick in the eyes of ESPN. I don’t blame them one bit. If either Dickinson or McCullar is neutralized, it could be doomsday for them. Prediction: Doomsday it is, Bulldogs pull the upset.
#6 South Carolina vs #11 Oregon: Another no brainer as to the type of matchup. Both teams boast strong defenses that can change the game at any minute. The Ducks captured the PAC12 Title by shutting down the offensive juggernaut of Colorado, and are looking to do the same to the Gamecocks. But the Gamecocks have a few tricks up their sleeves. Their defense may not be as dominant as Oregon’s, but with the way BJ Mack is playing it definitely can’t be ignored. The only issue for SC is not that the boys squad is overshadowed by the girls team, but because they got stomped by War Eagle in their last outing. How will they fare following that 30 point loss? Prediction: They fare better, but Oregon puts them to sleep.
#3 Creighton vs #14 Akron: Both of these teams have been inconsistent as of late so it makes sense that something has to give in this round. The Blue Jays though have the benefit of being battle tested by having to run through Marquette and UConn so at least they have that going for them. What else do they have going for them? Well Baylor Scheierman is putting up an efficient field goal rate. 50% worth of it. Fun fact, his counterpart Enrique Freeman boasts the same thing only in this case he’s not a PG. Both of those guys are going to have a massive input on this game. And whoever makes the bigger impact will win the game. I would say Scheierman, but I’ve yet to pull out a shocker. Here it is. Prediction: The Zips force the Jays to get zipped out of March.
#7 Texas vs #10 Colorado State: The Longhorns may not have the same caliber roster they had last year (Which is why I picked them to win the NATTY) but it doesn’t mean that they don’t have a chance to make another run at it. Dylan Disu may not have Timmy Allen or Sir’Jabari Rice around him but Max Abmas has become his new wingman. To the point where he has identical numbers to Disu. As I said, they may not have the talent they had last year, but they more than make up for that with experience. Which is good because Colorado State lacks just that. But it doesn’t mean that they aren’t pushovers. Isaiah Stewart would agree with you. His hot play over the last 5 games has gotten the Rams into a 1st Round matchup with this Texas team that is out for blood. Something tells me that this could either be a 1st Round shocker or a blowout in favor of the Horns. Conclusion. HOOK EM! Prediction: Disu dominates the Rams like he did the Nittany Lions last year.
#2 Tennessee vs #15 Saint Peter’s: Good old Rocky Top, trying to get the bad taste of losing to FAU last year out of their mouths. However they’ve got big fish to fry early on. Why? Because the team they’re going up against is in the exact same situation they were in back in 2022. What did that team do? Become the first 15 seed to ever make it to the Elite 8. That’s what the Peacocks are gunning for again. This time around they have fewer scoring options excluding Corey Washington, which could haunt them since Dalton Knecht has been lights out from deep all year long. One of the most deadly scorers in the SEC is looking to make his mark. (Kentucky didn’t have that kind of scoring weapon that season) On paper this should be an easy win for the Vols, but Saint Peters could play spoiler. Can they really pull off some more chaos like Loyola did a few years ago? Prediction: They cannot. Despite their best efforts, Knecht and Tennessee are just too much for them. PAUSE.
Even though I haven’t followed this as closely as years past, something tells me that weird things are about to happen in this tournament. There are a bunch of teams you could make cases for to reach the Final 4 in Glendale. From how I see it, I’m going with UConn, Marquette, North Carolina, and Texas. All of those teams are battle tested and look hungry for a run. I’m going to be wrong again by the Monday between Rounds 2 and 3 aren’t I?
Bragging Rights Sports 