As I mentioned in the introduction to this series, the first weekend of the tournament is my favorite weekend in sports. I always spend a lot more time making those picks than the others.
But I think I can use the research I've done on the teams, along with the games I've seen, to make picks all the way through. I'll only add commentary for a game if I find it necessary.
East Region
Sweet 16: UNC, Notre Dame, Louisville, Butler
Elite 8: UNC, Louisville
Final Four: UNC
Midwest Region
Sweet 16: Kansas, Clemson, Wisconsin, Gonzaga
I think the Zags are the real deal, but it's more of a gut pick than anything else.
Elite 8: Kansas, Wisconsin
Final Four: Kansas
South Region
Sweet 16: Memphis, Michigan State, Stanford, Texas
It physically pains me to pick against my Golden Eagles, but I think they'll be emotionally drained after their first round win.
Elite 8: Michigan State, Texas
Recent years have shown that not all four No. 1 seeds are likely to make it this far, and Michigan State is a team that can go toe-to-toe with the Tigers. If Memphis proves me wrong this year, then I might finally have faith in them next March.
Final Four: Texas
West Region
Sweet 16: UCLA, Drake, Baylor, Duke
If you didn't read my other picks (which by the way are much more detailed) you'll find that I don't like the A-10 or Xavier at all.
Elite 8: UCLA, Duke
Final Four: UCLA
Final Four
I've got a Kansas/UCLA title game, with Kansas finally getting over the hump and winning the big one.
Now go, fill out your brackets! Have fun and pick some upsets!
(I've posted a set of five articles dissecting the whole tournament. If you like this one, make sure to check the others out!)
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3 months ago
Baylor?....Baylor? What is wrong with the sports writers in this country. No one picked Purdue, a number 6 seed mind you, to beat Baylor. Why? Did anyone see the game yesterday? Not even close! Not to mention that the Big Ten schools got a raw deal in the seeding this year. Wisconsin, gets a 3 seed, when Duke gets a 2 seed. Duke, mind you, went 5 & 4 at the end of the year, while Wisconsin won the Big Ten outright, and the post season tourney. Something is wrong here. I hope the Big Ten shows them all just how good the upper teams are in the conference. I agree with your feelings about Xavier, which is why not only will Purdue get by them today, but have a real good shot at getting by Duke, that is if they can get by WVU.
from 3 months ago
Ok, so the Baylor game wasn't close. You're right, had I know that ahead of time, it would have made the prediction easy.
And of course, you were wrong about Purdue in the second round (as was I), but maybe you've now seen that it is much easier to second-guess than predict.
I ended up getting 9 or 16 right, which is by no means impressive. But, 7 of my Elite 8 are still alive. I'm not glowing with pride, but I don't think I did a completely miserable job.
Of course Baylor was my worst pick, and is the one that is instantly criticized.
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