Much like the East Region, here are my predictions for the first round of games for the Midwest Region.
(1) Kansas vs. (16) Portland St.
Much like UNC, Kansas wins this one easily. As I have said in the past, no No.1 team has ever lost to a No. 16 and it definitely won't happen here.
Don't get me wrong—Portland. St. is a good team, but Kansas will win this game by more than 20.
(8) UNLV vs (9) Kent St.
UNLV wins this one game, a game where you could pick this game on your bracket by flipping a coin. I think Kent St. is the better team, but UNLV is more experienced after reaching the Elite 8 last season.
This is one of one games in this part of the bracket in the first round that will be a coin flip choice.
(5) Clemson vs. (12) Villanova
Villanova gets the upset here in the always scary 5 vs. 12 matchup.
Clemson made a nice run in the ACC Tournament, but the players looked so dejected after losing in the finals that I feel it will carry over to this game.
'Nova will go as Scottie Reynolds does, Nova also will show why they were chosen for the tournament over teams like ASU or Virginia Tech.
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(4) Vanderbilt vs. (13) Siena
Vanderbilt wins this one in what many are calling a possible upset alert matchup, I think otherwise as Vanderbilt advances winning by 10+ points over a pesky Siena team.
(6) USC vs. (11) Kansas St.
USC wins this one in a battle of extremely talented freshmen, Beasley goes for 30+ but is no much for Mayo's 25 and Mayo's reliable role players, Hackett and Jefferson.
USC wins this one, sending Beasley into the NBA draft after a first round exit.
This is the second of my three games that I picked out as coin flip choices—no clear cut favorite in this game.
(3) Wisconsin vs. (14) CS Fullerton
Wisconsin wins this one with some great defense.
Fullerton can shoot the ball well but Wisconsin's defense proves too tough.
Wisconsin is definitely a darkhorse team to make the Final Four.
I think they play good basketball and are very consistent and could pose a threat possibly to Georgetown in the Sweet 16 if both teams get there.
(7) Gonzaga vs. (10) Davidson
In what may be the most entertaining matchup in the first round of this region, Davidson wins and extends its winning streak.
I don't feel that this Gonzaga team is as good as teams in the past and Davidson is an extremely good shooting team with Stephen Curry leading the way.
Gonzaga heads home early this season as Davidson moves on in a close one.
This is my third game that I picked out as a coin flip choice—there is no clear cut favorite in this game although I do feel Davidson will advance.
(2) Georgetown vs. (15) UMBC
Georgetown wins this one easily holding UMBC to points in the mid 40's.
Their defense is that good and might be the catalyst in what gives Georgetown and extended run through the tournament.
Recap of the winners from the first round of the Midwest region:
(1) Kansas
(8) UNLV
(12) Villanova
(4) Vanderbilt
(6) USC
(3) Wisconsin
(10) Davidson
(2) Georgetown
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5 months ago
Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 months ago
I agree with you. The USC-Kansas State game is almost a coin-toss. There is no favorite, and it will be a great game to watch; along with the Gonzaga-Davidson game.
(I think I'm coming down with the flu on Thursday by the way...)
Gotta love March Madness.
5 months ago
Love the 'Nova pick over Clemson. Flat out, it'll be a close game, but Clemson couldn't make free throws if the bucket was the size of a hula hoop. And, I must interject as well, Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
5 months ago
I like the approach you took with these picks, particularly with the 5/12 game.
Clemson definitely looked beaten down after the ACC final loss, and it's good that you picked up on that psychological perspective. I think Clemson will come back with a renewed sense of focus and win the game, but I agree with your assessment that the Tigers' psychology is one of the most important aspects of this matchup.
Don't sleep on the Zags either. The perception is that they're down this year, but I think a lot of that is because St. Mary's run has forced them to share the WCC spotlight. And since the Gaels are a fresher story than Gonzaga (who simply wins every year), they've gotten as much coverage nationally as the Zags. TBut the Bulldogs beat UConn, Western Kentucky, VT, and St. Joe's out of conference. They played both Memphis and UT tough too. I love Davidson and they're a great story, but picking the Zags is a great way to get a leg up on everyone who is hopping on the Davidson bandwagon. (But of course they have to win... haha.)
All that said, I like what you've done here and will be checking out your other regions.
And if anybody's interested in seeing another opinion on game-by-game projections, I've dissected every region and posted them up as articles.
5 months ago
Good read. I selected the same winners in my bracket.
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