Thursday
8 LSU vs. 9 Butler (Greensboro, 12:20pm)
I love how the NCAA committee gave no respect to the SEC...frankly, the SEC did not earn respect. I like this Butler team. They are young, but they have showed a lot of promise.
8 BYU vs. 9 Texas A&M (Philadelphia, 12:30 pm)
Another 8 vs. 9 matchup between a mid-major and power conference team. I like Texas A&M in this game, but I always like to see the non-power conference get a win, and BYU certainly has a solid squad.
5 Purdue vs. 12 Northern Iowa (Portland 2:30 pm)
The Missouri Valley has traditionally been a tough out in the NCAA tournament. Northern Iowa is not particularly athletic, but they play smart basketball and can shoot the ball.
As everyone knows by now, 12 seeds almost always beat a five seed at least once in the NCAA tournament. I do not think this is the matchup, not because Northern Iowa is not capable, but because Purdue is really playing well right now. Purdue with a healthy Robbie Hummel is a fine basketball team and can make a nice run.
7 California vs. 10 Maryland (Kansas City 2:55 pm)
Both of these teams have top-notch coaches. Maryland made the necessary run they needed late in the year to make the dance. On their best night the Terps are capable of beating anyone. Cal has been more consistent throughout the season...still, I like the ACC over the Pac-10 in this one.
4 Washington vs. 13 Mississippi State (Portland 5 pm)
With their backs to the wall, Mississippi State made it happen. They won four games in four days to earn their way into the Big Dance. My favorite part of March every year is almost every team in America gets to play until they lose, so in that sense the conference tournaments are an extension of the NCAA tournament...everyone is alive.
Anyone who has not seen Jarvis Varnado play is missing out. He reminds me of Kenyon Martin. Though he does not have the offensive skill Kenyon displayed, he is a better shot blocker...the best in the country.
7 Texas vs. 10 Minnesota (Greensboro 7:10 pm)
The first of the games featuring a mediocre Big Ten team. Minnesota has had their moments this year, but I do not think they are good enough to beat Texas when they play well.
7 Clemson vs. 10 Michigan (Kansas City 7:10 pm)
Clemson has been really falling apart down the stretch. I also have no confidence in any Clemson team to win anything. John Beilein is a heck of a coach. This is a game I think Michigan can win.
4 Gonzaga vs. 13 Akron (Portland 7:25 pm)
I think Gonzaga is capable of making a nice run this year, but I am always interested in seeing the Ohio teams. The MAC has not won an NCAA tournament game in years, I believe since Antonio Gates was killing it at Kent State. I expect that trend to continue.
6 UCLA vs. 11 VCU (Philadelphia 9:50 pm)
Two years ago Eric Maynor lit up Duke as VCU pulled a big first round upset (also as an 11 seed). Maynor is averaging 22 points per game in his senior campaign, and he is aided by sophomore big man Larry Sanders. VCU is certainly capable of a big upset.
5 Illinois vs. 12 Western Kentucky (Portland 9:55 pm)
Another possible 12/5 upset. Western Kentucky was in the Sweet 16 last season. They are probably not as good this time around, but Illinois has been a bit up and down. They will likely be without or at the very best with the limited services of their starting point guard. (And that concludes day one.)
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