2009 NCAA Tournament: Prediction Brothers Midwest Region Preview

West Region Preview from Sunday
South Region Preview from Monday
East Region Preview from Tuesday

First Round Thoughts and Predictions

(Dayton, OH)-Friday

#1 Louisville vs. #16 Morehead State: Louisville will win this game but it will be by less than 20 points. Mark it dude. Pick: LOUISVILLE

#8 Ohio State vs. #9 Siena: Siena blew out Vanderbilt in last year's first round, and they return almost everyone. Ohio State runs everything through Evan Turner, but their defense can be suspect at times. Probably the easiest 8/9 game to pick, Siena will win this matchup. Pick: SIENA

(Miami, FL)-Friday

#5 Utah vs. #12 Arizona: Why is Arizona in the tournament? I agree with the fact that they played a tough non-conference schedule. I agree with the fact that they probably have three players who will play serious minutes in the NBA. But I also agree with the fact that this game should be Utah vs. St. Mary's. And I agree with the fact that can knock down shots and 7-footer Luke Nevill will make his force known on the inside. Pick: UTAH

#4 Wake Forest vs. #13 Cleveland State: Cleveland State won the Horizon with an upset of Butler but I don't see the same happening Friday. The Vikings are deficient on shooting and it will hurt them dearly against a team that can put up 81 a game like the Deacons. Pick: WAKE FOREST

(Minneapolis, MN)-Friday

#6 West Virginia vs. #11 Dayton: Dayton has been one of those tough teams to get a gauge on since an injury to Rob Lowery really hurt their offense. They have a win over Xavier which shows their mettle but I don't think it will be enough. Pick: WEST VIRGINIA

#3 Kansas vs. #14 North Dakota State: This will be the game where a huge underdog makes some shots early. Then the favorite makes a few and takes a small lead. Then the underdog brings it in at halftime down by 3-5, and Greg Gumbel's head explodes. Then North Dakota State takes the lead in the second half and Verne Lundquist salivates because he gets to make another David vs. Goliath comparison or network bumper saying, "We were made for these moments..." Then Kansas takes the dead, ripping our hearts out of our chest. It will be that ruthless. Pick: KANSAS

(Minneapolis, MN)-Friday

#7 Boston College vs. #10 USC: USC will win the game if it doesn't get into foul trouble. The game is that simple. Pick: USC

#2 Michigan State vs. #15 Robert Morris: I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that...Michigan State should be a #1 seed. They'll show why Friday. Pick: MICHIGAN STATE