I've posted a set of five articles dissecting the whole tournament. If you like this one, make sure to check the others out!
West Region
(1) UCLA vs. (16) Mississippi Valley State
I only know two things about the Delta Devils: they have a cool nickname, and Jerry Rice went to school there. What I know about UCLA is that they are probably the best basketball team in the country right now. I wish someone would start giving Berman-style nicknames to athletes in every sport, and start with Kevin Love. There's a ton of possibilities. My vote is for Kevin Love "Is a Battlefield." As for this game, it shouldn't be close for more than five minutes.
The pick: UCLA
(8) BYU vs. (9) Texas A&M
This was the last game I filled in. I'm really not sure what to do with it. But I don't think either team can beat UCLA anyway. I'm not sure about this one, but I've seen A&M play more and they're in a better conference.
The pick: Texas A&M
(5) Drake vs. (12) Western Kentucky
Drake is this year's team that most fans love despite having not seen them play very much. The WKU Hilltoppers (this field is loaded with great team names) earned their bid by winning the Sun Belt tournament, and had a decent season. They have this guy named Courtney Lee who is a legit big-time athlete. Go search YouTube and watch him dunk. He’s an exciting player who is super athletic.
But Drake pretty much dominated the perennially strong Missouri Valley conference in a down year for the league. Their coach, Keno Davis, has to be commended for taking a historically below-average team and having this much success.
They surprised most experts by going to Butler and picking up a win in the most important BracketBuster game of the year, and they probably earned their seed (and lowered Butler's) because of that game. They didn't play a schedule like Butler's, but by winning that game they showed that they compete with a seasoned team. Despite being new to the national scene, it would surprise me to see Drake give in to the pressure of the situation.
The pick: Drake
(4) Connecticut vs. (13) San Diego
USD earned their way into this tournament by winning the WCC title on their home floor. Without that home court advantage, they'd probably be preparing for the NIT. They've got a long trip to Tampa, and should be surrounded by UConn fans, who typically travel well. It looks like they're a team who has already accomplished a goal that has made their season a success, win or lose this game.
Add UConn to the list of good teams that disappointed in the Big East tournament. They don't have the same swagger or air of invincibility of a typical UConn team, which might be a good thing in this game. They should be motivated to improve upon their conference tournament performance, and not brimming with the over-confidence that can leave a team prone to an upset.
The pick: Connecticut
(6) Purdue vs. (11) Baylor
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