2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Preview

Ah the middle of March. In sports terms it is one of the most unpredictable times of the year on the calendar. No matter what outcomes take place during the first few days of this tournament the drama and excitement is through the roof. And better yet, people’s brackets get busted and if you’re an on air personality you love calling people out for getting their picks wrong. (I’m looking right at a certain man in Buffalo calling out a colleague of ours from PSNTV) Enough talking lets get this marathon of game previews over with because the less said about this part the better.

East:

#1 Duke vs #16 Siena: Another year another sequence where Duke on paper is the most complete roster in the tournament. And better yet for their sake, they’ve committed the fewest fouls in the nation this year. (College Basketball’s version of the REFBALL that Ohio State gets in football) While Cooper Flagg is now rotting away in Dallas thanks to Nico Harrison’s deal with the devil, the rest of the team has picked up the slack, mainly the Boozer Brothers along with Maliq Brown. Those three are the keys for the Blue Devils making yet another push at the title. As I’ve said in years past Coach K Era or not, the only thing stopping Duke are themselves. I know Gerry McNamara worked his magic as a player at Syracuse but as the coach of Siena I feel like his miracle run this year of getting the Saints and star player Gavin Doty who has run roughshod over the MAAC is going to get smashed on Day 1. Prediction: Duke toys with Siena early on and then blows the doors off them in the final 35 minutes.

#8 Ohio State vs #9 TCU: Even though Ohio State is an 8 seed, their fanbase to no one’s surprise has been calling for Jake Diebler’s head because he can’t beat Michigan, their defense has struggled all season and they can’t play on the road. (To be fair few teams stand a chance with the Wolves this year) What is the only thing giving the Buckeyes hope this postseason is the long ball. Usually in this tournament teams that live and die by the 3 are easy pickings. And that’s even with John Mobley Jr and Bruce Thornton leading the charge. Unfortunately for Diebler, he’s going up against Jamie Dixon who has been in this spot many times during his long coaching career. If there’s one thing that the Horned Frogs have done well this year it’s forcing opposing mistakes especially during the 2nd Half of the season. That and excellent free throw shooting has played right into the hands of Xavier Edmonds who over the last 11 games has caught fire. But the question remains. Which TCU team will we see? The one that struggled out the gate as well as beat themselves early in the playoffs or the one that’s been a force since Groundhog Day. If it’s the latter we all laugh at Brutus once again. Prediction: Ohio State gets sloppy in the end as TCU escapes with a close win.

#5 St Johns vs #12 Northern Iowa: I have a hunch that any old school basketball fan that loves defense and ball control will enjoy this one. Both St Johns and Northern Iowa were far and away the best defensive units in their conference and now go head to head against each other in the playoffs. Rick Pitino, he and his scrappy bunch will be out for blood the first chance they get. Zuby Ejofor plus a talented front court around him will be the keys to their success. But the Panthers are no different and have had a reputation of playing the role of Cinderella in the 1st Round. And considering that they led the MVC in 3 point percentage to go along with a strong defense they have a shot. And one more thing, yes Red Storm consumed UConn whole in the Big East tournament but we must remember that they bowed out early last year thanks to Pitino’s bunch getting tired and chucking too many bricks. If it happens again. No one’s going to feel bad for them, especially all of Nova Nation. Prediction: The Red Storm’s arrogance gets the best of them as they are shocked by Northern Iowa.

#4 Kansas vs #13 Cal Baptist: While Kansas may be back in the tournament and looking for another deep run, Bill Self’s team hasn’t been their typical selves, no pun intended. They’ve been way too inconsistent on the offensive side of the ball especially down the stretch where it may have cost them a shot at a 1 seed. But March Madness is a clean slate and with their experience plus a potential generational talent in Darryn Peterson, the Jayhawks have the guns to go far if they decide not to keep beating themselves. Fortunately for them they’re up against a team that got routed by the only other team they faced that made it to March this year in BYU. (Although that was back in December) The Lancers may be an excellent offensive rebounding team this year especially Jonathan Griman but to me this is more like the learning experience for Cal Baptist. Knowing my luck they’ll make this a close game and make me look humble. Honestly I hope I’m wrong but I won’t. Prediction: The Jayhawks offense finally wakes up as they spank the Lancers.

#6 Louisville vs #11 South Florida: When we look back at last year’s tournament I think it’s safe to say that Louisville laid a stinker in the 1st Round. But this time they’ll want to right that wrong as quickly as possible. However I do not trust a team like this trotting out a SmallBall lineup despite its upside. Mikel Brown and Ryan Conwell you’re gonna have to do some heavy lifting from the 3 point line this postseason especially with how their supporting cast failed them a year ago. Why do I bring this up? Because USF has been one of the better offensive rebounding teams in the nation over the last two months. And it played a major role as to how they’ve made it to the tournament for the first time in 14 years. Not to mention the AAC’s DPOY in Izaiyah Nelson will plan to have a massive impact on the game especially with South Florida’s size advantage. Usually I tend to pick the 11 seed over a 6 seed and guess what I’m doing it again. Prediction: The man who had a legendary rant on 90.7 The Lion last year after the Cardinals lost in Round 1 will have another one this year thanks to the Bulls mauling Louisville all game.

#3 Michigan State vs #14 North Dakota State: The Physical Sparty Machine is trying to exorcise at least a decade of narratives thrown against them in the playoffs. Tom Izzo may be getting up there in age but year after year his boys are among the nation’s top teams. This time around he’s got an offensive dynamo in Jeremy Fears who can not only score but he leads the nation in assists. The only downside is that outside of Fears they have little depth around him and Divine Ugochukwu going down for the season hurts. And what does their opponent have that they don’t? Scoring depth. NDS has 5 guys who have 35% or higher looks from the 3 point line and are at least serviceable in rebounding. However the Different Leagues principle must come into play because the Bison play in the Summit which doesn’t feature a team like Michigan State. While Sparty may be as close to a one man team as there is among the top contenders, I don’t think they’ll falter early on. Prediction: Michigan State’s depth shows up for this one as they rout the Bison.

#7 UCLA vs #10 UCF: Any time a UCLA team is a lower seed than expected, that’s when they’re the most dangerous. History has shown us that they are more than capable of getting hot. It would be fitting if they did so because the Bruins have been a soap opera all season long and if Mick Cronin is going to endure himself to the fans in Pasadena once again despite all the drama and defensive struggles they’ve had this season, this would be the time to do it. Fortunately for them, UCF also doesn’t have much of a defense. In the Knights case, they rely on a high powered 3 guard offense to bail them out especially UWM transfer Themus Fulks. On paper you could make a strong case either way, and fittingly the only thing that can stop either one of these teams are themselves. I wonder who will prevail in the end? Prediction: UCLA’s High End Talent comes to the rescue and prevents UCF from making a deep run in the tournament.

#2 UConn vs #15 Furman: Why am I getting this feeling that UConn’s back to back titles earlier this decade feels like an eternity? Probably most of that team is gone but don’t tell Huskies fans that because making deep runs in March is in their DNA. This year’s edition is hard to figure out. One minute they look like a wagon, the next they’re getting hammered by a Marquette team on a down year. I mean they do have four All Big East players on their roster, but depth is a concern compared to years past. That and their ability to get in their own way. If there’s any solace Dan Hurley knows how to win in this tournament. And with his experience they should be fine. Unless Furman does what they did to Virginia a few years ago after the Cavs won a title not too long ago, this should end up as another year where they go deep (They better hope UCLA gets beat in Round 1). Well even if they come up short at least they have hockey? “Chen botches the pass up the ice, AND JANECKE SCOOOOOOOOOORES!” It’s like they never left Allentown at all. Prediction: No upset here, UConn bashes Furman right from the opening tip.

Midwest:

#1 Michigan vs #16 Howard: I wanna say it, I really wanna say it (“AND MICHIGAN STILL SUCKS! MICHIGAAAAAAAN!” -Penn State Roar Zone) but that’s another story. Anyways, its safe to say that Michigan has gone from one of the biggest soap operas in men’s hoops to taking the nation by storm. What they’ve done this year has been utter domination of the Big Ten. A team that not only has the star power like Yaxel Lendecog for example but one that can also roll out 2 excellent lineups. And those are usually the most deadly. Honestly if the Wolverines play up to their potential over the course of this tournament there are few that can stop them. And even better news they won’t have to face UMBC because Howard took them down in the First Four. So that means any hopes of a 2018 repeat are gone. Personally I think the outcome would be no different regardless of the opponent. Prediction: Michigan’s high powered wagon makes an awesome first impression.

#8 Georgia vs #9 Saint Louis: WATS DAT COMIN’ DAWN DA TRAK! It just so happens to be one of the highest scoring teams in the nation. In contrast to their football team, Georgia is an offensive machine that analytical nerds have fallen for since the start of the year. Every starter has averaged more than 12 points a game and on paper that side of the ball rivals last year’s Gators. The downside is that they are one of the worst defensive teams in the nation. Dare I say that this squad would be exceptional in the NBA but not in this bracket mainly because it’s a more physical brand of basketball. Their opponent meanwhile has a balanced attack on both sides of the ball yet is held back by self inflicted wounds. Their depth scoring is certainly one to focus on because 7 players average double figures. We’re either getting a high scoring game or a blowout in favor of Saint Louis. Honestly I’m betting on the latter. Prediction: The Billikens do the unthinkable and contain Georgia’s offense in a beatdown.

#5 Texas Tech vs #12 Akron: If you like a team that plays long ball on a regular basis, Texas Tech is right up your alley. Even without their best player JT Toppin, their offense hasn’t missed a beat from the outside. Christian Anderson in particular has taken the reins from Toppin and upped his game as has most of the team. The problem? You live by the long ball; it’ll be the first thing you die by. The Red Raiders lack an inside scorer and they’ll be facing a team that has an up tempo offense yet can also lock down the paint if need be. However the Zips were a team that a lot of people got burned by when making their brackets last year (Some people I know had them going to the Elite 8. URK!). So there’s reason to be skeptical. Another massive concern? Oh right they can’t defend the 3 ball and Texas Tech makes a living off of those. That’ll settle it right there. Prediction: The Red Raiders high powered 3 point attack exposes the Zips thin perimeter defense all game.

#4 Alabama vs #13 Hofstra: It seems like every year Alabama gets hyped up going into March Madness and then they follow it up with an inexcusable ending against a team they should beat with ease. But can they get over the hump this time? They certainly have the speed and outside shooting game to pull it off, especially a nation leading pace led by an emerging star in Labaron Philon. The issue for the Tide like most years has been their defense. They use all of their energy on offense and down the stretch in games it haunts them. You really are going to let the Pride of Hempstead keep up with you if you can’t score huh? Are you really going to let a team that nearly lost to Pitt of all schools beat you in the opening round? Are you really going to let a team making its March Madness debut with an equally good outside shooting game rip your souls out? Because if so, your punishment will be the rest of the SEC laughing at you again. “Maybe you should go home to Greenbow ALABAMA!” Prediction: The upset rumors will be gone in the form of Philon rising to the moment when need be. Alabama escapes embarrassment.

#6 Tennessee vs #11 Miami OH: BEHOLD! A team that had massive ambitions of a National Championship to start the season is now on the verge of being the highest upset alert team in the opening round of the playoffs. But if there’s any hope for the Vols this postseason it’s that rock solid defense of theirs. Giving up the fewest points in the SEC while a couple of Maryland transfers have led the way on offense. It’s not the juggernaut we all expected at the start of the year, but if there’s ever a time for the Talent Fee to come into play for the school that knows all too well about said term this is it. But they will be facing what was at one point the lone undefeated team in the nation for most the year. And with the way they hammered SMU in the 2nd Half, there is reason to fear the Redhawks especially that they are the complete package. Even their fans, especially their own damn swim team has caused plenty of chaos this year at their games. (What is this Homestead High School with their infamous Jugmen?) Miami OH has been an awesome story but will it continue in the playoffs? Signs point to yes. Prediction: Rocky Top gets way too overconfident as is typical in many of their sports and gets humbled right off the bat.

#3 Virginia vs #14 Wright State: Even with Tony Bennett no longer in the picture, Virginia is still looked at as a program with heavy expectations. Ryan Odom may be in the shadows of a former National Championship coach, but if he’s going to endure himself to those fans this is it. With the size they have especially on defense signs point to another deep run in March Madness especially with how they defend the rim. If only the offense wasn’t so inconsistent then I’d have them as locks for at least the Elite 8 but hey that can all change in a hurry. Even if Wright State averaged almost a 60% shooting clip this season and are riding all of the momentum going into the playoffs, if Virginia can brush off the beatdown they took at the hands of Duke they’ll be alright. If not, well it’s another 1st Round dud in a long line of them. Prediction: There will be no dud as the Cavs defense shuts down the Raider attack for 40 minutes.

#7 Kentucky vs #10 Santa Clara: Kentucky even though their size and rebounding can compete against smallish frontcourts, their recent lack of success in March and being on the losing end of six of their last 10 games seem to be limping into the playoffs, but if Otega Oweh plays up to his full potential and gets some help they could possibly go far. Unless their Achilles heel of facing a hot shooting team in the playoffs burns them again, and trust me Santa Clara does have the outside shooting game to pull it off, in particular Allen Graves. Will this be another instance where the Wildcats go down early, or will they regain mid 2010s form. If it’s the latter, well I guess its a return to normalcy. Prediction: Kentucky pulls off a wild comeback to prevent Steve Nash U from winning its first March Madness game in 30 years.

#2 Iowa State vs #15 Tennessee State: Really? Iowa State is this good again? After the lack of getting quality names in recruiting. Well guess what? Their defense has been outstanding. They’ve held some of the top offenses that the nation has to offer in check and with two way monster Joshua Johnson being a jack of all trades the Cyclones are certainly a team that will try and get back into the picture of being a powerhouse. But to do so they’ll have to overcome being one of the worst free throw shooting teams in the playoffs. Proving that if they can’t blow out their opponents they will be hard to root for down the stretch. Here they shouldn’t have a problem with Tennessee State in that regard. Unless the Tigers try to intentionally force them into going into the bonus. If that happens I’ll laugh hysterically. Prediction: Iowa State comes out of the blocks and pitches a defensive gem to start the tournament.

South:

#1 Florida vs #16 Prairie View A&M: The defending National Champions are looking to do what UConn did not too long ago and win back to back titles. While the main cast of last year’s team left for the NBA, a new cast emerges and the results have been largely the same. A high powered offense with a defense that comes through in the clutch. Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon are a force to be reckoned with, their crunchtime numbers are off the charts and their depth scoring is once again impressive. What’s the only thing holding the Gators back or so it seems. A surprisingly cold 3 point shooting game. This was their bread and butter last year and so far in 2026 it’s been the main thing holding them back. If Todd Golden does what plenty of great coaches have done before him and holds back his playbook, the rest of the nation is in deep trouble. I know Prairie View A&M certainly will be. Prediction: Do we even need to go over the score, Florida is going to win this in a rout.

#8 Clemson vs #9 Iowa: Two teams that completely reflect the identity of their head coach. Brad Bronwell’s team is one of the better defensive units in the country and was 2nd in the ACC in fewest points allowed. Offensive outside of RJ Godrey it has been a struggle. And I mean a struggle. If they’re going to win they must prove that they can score more than 70 points a game. Which in a game like this could be critical because Iowa is a team that has had much success from the mid range. But in March rebounding is super key, and the Hawkeyes have been far from it. Lets just say that any team that loses to Penn State in the year of our Lord 2026 probably is asking to get humiliated by real teams. Iowa you’re about to be just that. Prediction: Clemson is able to help out Godrey on offense for once and wins a close one.

#5 Vanderbilt vs #12 McNeese: If you thought that Vandy would be at this point of the season given that two of their best players went down with injury early on I’d have given you a weird look. But hey this is what battle tested bunches can do. They rise up when things get tough. The men who have risen to the occasion have been Tyler Tanner and a now healthy Duke Miles who can move the ball well and play good defense. And they’ll need that because McNeese also has experience and toughness on their side. After pulling off a 1st Round upset last year they’ll be out to prove that their run to the 2nd Round wasn’t a fluke. And better yet even with a new head coach in Bill Armstrong, they have the best turnover differential in the tournament as we currently speak. Those are the kinds of teams that can make noise. Vandy I hate to say this but what happened to Clemson last year is about to happen to you. Prediction: McNeese forces the Commodores into early mistakes which they ultimately can’t get out of.

#4 Nebraska vs #13 Troy: Since when did Nebraska get good at basketball? It shows you how little I know and more about what a difference good coaching can do for a team. Fred Hoilberg may not be the biggest name but he certainly has his boys locked in. Offensively they are an excellent ball moving team that always looks for high percentage shots. They have no true star but are incredibly excluding interior depth in the rebounding department. And even though Troy isn’t considered as a juggernaut on paper they can counter the Huskers fast pace ball movement by guarding the three point line very well. It’s just that inside the paint it could be problematic. You know what’s crazy. Nebraska has never won a single game in March Madness during their history as a basketball program. But you know what I think that’s about to end here this year. Prediction: The Huskers get that 1st Round monkey off their backs with clutch defense and mistake free play.

#6 North Carolina vs #11 VCU: Don’t let the Caleb Wilson injury fool you folks. If ever there was a program that thrives on being the underdog in March especially over the last decade it’s the Tar Heels. While all eyes will be on Seth Trimble, the supporting cast has also stepped up in the biggest of games. Sweeping Duke in the season series will certainly give you confidence to say the least. If only they could hit clutch free throws, then their seeding right now would be so low by their standards. Fortunately they’ll be facing a VCU team that loves shooting threes. And those are the types of teams that usually play right into Hubert Davis’ hands. But Terrance Hill and company will be out to prove otherwise especially since VCU is a team that seems to be growing more and more tournament experience over the last few years. But here’s the reality, their nonconference record isn’t good while UNC’s is one of the best in the nation. And I think those trends will continue. Prediction: Everyone wants the Tar Heels to fail? Not happening because they’ll maul the Rams.

#3 Illinois vs #14 Penn: The Illini are one of those teams that are truly embraced by analytics, especially on the offensive side of the ball. It’s not a bad thing but rarely do you see an organization or in this case a program driven by such thinking succeed in the playoffs. Brad Underwood’s squad is out to prove otherwise. Although with their defensive system against quality opponents it may be rough sledding if they get lets say UNC in the 2nd Round. But first they’ll have to get past… U Penn? THEY MANAGED TO HAVE A GOOD SEASON AND NOT PSU! I MEAN COME ON! I mean they are in the Ivy League and TJ Power is really good especially now that he’s been given a chance to thrive unlike at Duke. The reason question for the Quakers is whether Ethan Roberts comes back, if so their offense gets a shot in the arm. But it probably won’t be enough. Prediction: U Penn fights hard but runs out of gas in the end.

#7 Saint Mary’s vs #10 Texas A&M: Don’t let the seeding fool you with the Gaels, on paper they have a solid chance to make at least a run to the 3rd Round at the very minimum. Why do you ask? Because they have a lockdown defense and are one of the better crunchtime teams in the country mainly on the backs of Mikey Lewis and Dillan Shaw. The only issue I see is that they have been humbled by legit competition this year and the only time they played a team outside of the WCC that’s in this tournament in Vandy they got spanked. Hopefully for their sake a clean slate works out. On the other side, the Aggies are a team that relies a lot on creating plenty of shot opportunities from the mid range and from the outside. Wait, isn’t this the same formula they used when they got mauled by Penn State a few years ago? Yes Rashaun Agee is as experienced as anyone in this tournament and they have plenty of seniors or transfers looking for some type of a playoff run but if they can’t shoot effectively against that defense. No, just no. Prediction: Saint Mary’s clamps up down the stretch and forces A&M to play hero ball, which ultimately works out.

#2 Houston vs #15 Idaho: Last year shall not be discussed, coming that close to glory only to beat yourselves against the Different League principle when all momentum was in your favor. Now for the new age Phi Slama Jamma times are getting desperate. They know the story. To not only make it back to the Final Four but to ultimately cut down the nets. With the majority of their big guns back from last year and hopefully a smarter Kelvin Sampson who learned from his mistakes against the Gators, the Cougars will definitely be right in the thick of the race. But just like last year if they can’t get anything going from the 3 point line against stronger competition especially if they have to play from behind it’ll be rough sledding. I get that Idaho was far and away the most dominant team in the Big Sky and has no true weaknesses on paper, they don’t know what it’s like to face a team this locked in and this focused on trying to exorcise not only the demons of this current regime but that of their entire history as a basketball program. And if they do that, much salt around the state of Texas will ensue. Prediction: Houston finally exposes Idaho after nobody in the Big Sky could do so all year.

West:

#1 Arizona vs #16 Long Island: It isn’t about the size of the dog in the fight, it’s about the size in the fight of the dog. But what if you had both. Well Arizona’s gotcha covered. They are arguably the most dominant rebounding team that the NCAA has seen in years. On both sides. It certainly helps that every starter of theirs is 6’6 and up. Not to mention Jaden Bradley who has no true weakness in his game. And that’ll be key because he’s probably the only guy on the Wildcats who can consistently drain threes. But with their size and ability to score inside I don’t think it’ll matter early on. You know what’s crazy. AU hasn’t made it to the Final Four in 25 years. Which is saying something because of all of the talent that’s walked through those doors especially over the last decade and a half. But if there’s any team that can do it, it’s this one especially since their playstyle is completely different from those who failed before them. As for this round it’s looking like an all you can eat feeding frenzy on an army of Sharks. Prediction: The maulers from Arizona eat up the boards and destroy LIU in the paint all game long.

#8 Villanova vs #9 Utah State: Prepare the bunkers everyone, the insufferable Nova Nation has come out of their caves to convince us all that they have a bright future. It’s still crazy to see them in the tournament without Jay Wright behind the bench not gonna lie. While this crew lacks postseason experience they more than make up for it with talent and depth. Mainly Acaden Lewis who in his freshman year has given the Cats an offensive jolt they’ve desperately missed over the last few years. And given how they played against some of the powerhouses in the Big East during the last month both in victory and defeat they could make noise. But so could their opponents. Just like Nova, Utah State also has a high powered offense but they really haven’t had to go up against a pressing defense as of late. MJ Collins and company have thrived as the underdogs all year long especially when the spotlight isn’t on them, but how will they fare against a program that is looking to regain its long standing empire? I don’t know but it’ll be interesting to say the least. Prediction: Villanova comes out swinging and drowns the Aggies with a physical pressing defense.

#5 Wisconsin vs #12 High Point: Bucky Badger and an offense that rarely makes mistakes, hey I’ve seen this movie before. This was what carried them to a National Championship Game in 2015 and they’re banking on the same here. This time around they have one of the best guard duos in the nation in Nick Boyd and John Blackwell who have been two way machines since Day 1. Not to mention they too are a team that thrives on beating you from the outside. However there is a massive elephant in the room, its their defense struggling below Big Ten and their fans constantly complaining about REFBALL. Maybe their fortunes change on that front but hey you never know. On the other side, the Land of Nido is looking to build on getting their feet wet in last year’s March Madness. Most of that team is back and experience will certainly help them. But can they defeat a team that rarely makes mistakes on the offensive side of the ball? If so, the entirety of Cheeseland will not be pleased one bit. Prediction: Wisconsin’s high volume 3 point attack does damage early and often and as a result, the Panthers are upset even though they’re the underdogs.

#4 Arkansas vs #13 Hawaii: Stop me when you’ve heard this story before. A John Calipari coached team dominates the regular season, witnesses the likes of Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas produce in bunches on both sides of the ball, is seen as a massive favorite for a deep run and then gets meme’d to death in the First Four Days. And here’s the thing, it could very well happen to him again even if he got out of Kentucky when he did. Especially since their opponents from Hawaii are a team that has been able to capitalize on their opponents mistakes albeit against weaker competition. Not to mention they are also a team that forces a lot of contact which has doomed Calipari in the past. Does it happen to him again in March, OH I THINK IT DOES! Prediction: In the upset of the tournament, the Rainbow Warriors force several late game turnovers and cause the media to have their hands over their heads.

#6 BYU vs #11 Texas: It’s a long standing mystery in this tournament. Which free falling team will live on for at least two more days? BYU led by a generational talent in AJ Dybantsa is trying to overcome a brutal stretch where they have been hampered by injuries especially to that of Richie Sanders who tore his ACL. Even if their defense is still very strong their offense the less said the better. You know who else is in this spot? None other than Texas. They too have been shot down by injuries mostly to their depth pieces and it cost them against high powered opponents in the SEC. Seriously Matas Vokietaitis is probably the only thing keeping the Longhorns afloat this postseason and what’s funny is that if they weren’t playing a team that’s literally been their mere image, they’d be gonzo. Why don’t I see it here? Because the NCAA can’t have Texas lose in Round 1. Prediction: The Longhorns get bailed out by heinous REFBALL as every Cougar fan cries foul for days on end afterward.

#3 Gonzaga vs #14 Kennesaw State: Alright, will this be the year where it all comes together for the Zags? We’ve been asking this question for the last 20 years. This year’s edition features a Top 20 offense and a Top 20. Talent and depth as far as the eye can see, one who has steamrolled their opponents for most of the year. Well lets put it this way the only reason why they aren’t a #1 seed is because they got smacked by freaking Michigan in the heart of Vegas. Ever since that loss they were injected with fire and haven’t skipped a beat. But what could hold them back? Not having a high percentage clip from the outside and mental errors. Seriously this is the same crap that’s been dooming them over and over again. Fortunately unless Kennesaw State somehow exposes those flaws for all to see, Gonzaga will at least get to the Sweet 16 unscathed if they play the way they’ve played all year. You really aren’t going to mess that up aren’t you? Prediction: The worries of another underachieving postseason will be put on hold in the 1st Round as the Zags win easily.

#7 Miami vs #10 Missouri: “IF THEM (BEEP) ONLY KNOW” Wait, wrong team but from the same school. Just like their 7th Floor counterparts on the gridiron, this iteration of basketball from the U features a defense looking to take no prisoners. Steals and rebounding is their name of the game. As is watching Malik Reneau blossom until an excellent two way player. The Canes love to work that ball inside and get good looks so I could see them abandon the 3 ball as quickly as possible. It’s not that they can’t shoot from the outside but rather they choose not to. And funny enough that could all change because Mizzou is YOU GUESSED IT one of the worst teams in the SEC at defending the 3. But the Tigers are one of the best at shooting just that, especially former McDonald’s All American Mark Mitchell. If Mizzou is going to overcome a late season it’ll be on his shoulders as well as that of Trent Pierce. If not, well Miami will have another reason to be insufferable. Prediction: The 7th Floor is where Tigers go to get slaughtered by Hurricanes thanks to having no answers for their physicality.

#2 Purdue vs #15 Queens: The Boilermakers. What needs to be said about them. A team that when playing up to their potential has an opportunity to make another run at the Final Four. Even if Matt Painter’s lack of postseason success is something to consider, but the talents of Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer should be good enough to avoid those rumors surrounding their head coach having his job on the line. As has been the case in most years the only thing stopping Purdue are themselves or whenever they have to face freaking Michigan. Their defense looks like gods one game, yet nearly loses to the worst Maryland team since they joined the Big Ten. The offense looks unstoppable yet they let Ohio State hang around with them when they should have no business playing down to competition. It’s another boom or bust situation and as long as the good version of the Boilermakers shows up come March, they’ll be fine at least early on. You really don’t want Queens of all schools pulling an FDU on you eh? Prediction: There will be no FDU sequel as Purdue crushes the King of Queens early and often. PAUSE.

You get to the point where you finally need a break after working so hard to put this document all together and guess what I’ve reached that. But before we wrap up, we need a Final Four prediction.

Prediction: I rarely see any upsets taking place mainly because the stronger schools as proven over the last few years can adapt to their opponents playstyles in no time. And it also doesn’t help that just like College Football the TV timeout situation always favors the squads with more talent. This time around it’ll be an interesting choice for me to make. The four teams making it to the Desert will be Duke, North Carolina, Gonzaga, and of course Michigan. UNC and Michigan may be short handed but those two have thrived when the odds are stacked against them (Crazy saying that about Michigan when they are a #1 seed). Anyways, let’s cut to the chase and play some hoops!