BY: Tony LiebertThis years College Basketball season has been nothing short of spectacular. Now it's time for the greatest postseason in all of sports... FIRST FOUR (March 19-20) #16 NC Central vs. #16 North Dakota State NC Central won the MEAC conference tournament, and NDSU won the Summit League. I think NC Central seems to have always been in the tournament, and I think their experience takes them over the Bison. Prediction: NC Central #11 Belmont vs. #11 Temple Belmont is one of the most talented mid majors in the country. They are led by NBA prospect Dylan Windler. Temple has been quite inconsistent this year but they are led by talented guard Shizz Alston Jr. I think Belmont takes down Temple in a close one. Prediction: Belmont Dylan Windler following a big win for Belmont. #16 Fairleigh Dickinson vs. #16 Prairie View A&M Prairie View A&M started the year 0-11 and they are now 21-12, that insane streak makes me think they advance to the round of 64 Prediction: Prairie View A&M #11 Arizona State vs. #11 Saint John's Saint John's has one of the most exciting players in the country Shamorie Ponds. I think St. John's struggles on the defensive end which will lead to Arizona State and HC Bob Hurley taking home the win. Prediction: Arizona State Round 1 (Round of 64) East Region #1 Duke vs. #16 NC Central Duke loosing to NC Central would be the greatest upset in history of modern sport. Prediction: Duke #8 VCU vs. #9 UCF UCF has one of the most polarizing players in the country 7'7" Tacko Fall. But I think UCF's recent inconsistency will be too much to get over. VCU played very well against many tournament teams, and I think the Rams advance to the round of 32. Prediction: VCU #5 Mississippi State vs. #12 Liberty Mississippi State is led talented guards Quinndary Weatherspoon, and Lamar Peters. I think that one two combo will be too much to handle for a slow paced Liberty team. Prediction: Mississippi State #4 Virginia Tech vs. #13 Saint Louis Virginia Tech is led by great defense and three point shooting. They have two talented guards Nickeil Alexander-Walker, to go along with Justin Robinson who is returning from injury. The Hokies will be too much to handle for Saint Louis. Prediction: Virginia Tech #6 Maryland vs. #11 Belmont I think Dylan Windler and Belmont will be one the cinderella stories of this tournament. I think they will add another win against Maryland. Prediction: Belmont #3 LSU vs. #14 Yale LSU's head coach Will Wade is currently suspended for "reportedly" paying his players. I think Yale's NBA guard Miye Oni to along with LSU's controversy, will be too much to overcome and Yale will get the upset. Prediction: Yale Ivy League player of the year, guard Miye Oni #7 Louisville vs. #10 Minnesota Minnesota has been playing their best basketball of the season as of late with Jordan Murphy bullying opposing teams in the post, and I think head coach Richard Pitino will want to make his father proud defeating his old team. Prediction: Minnesota #2 Michigan State vs. #15 Bradley Bradley will be incredibly outmatched in this game and expect Michigan State to roll. Prediction: Michigan State Round 2 (Round of 32) #1 Duke vs. #8 VCU Although VCU is a very underrated team, they don't have enough fire power to slow down Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett, and Cam Reddish. Prediction: Duke #4 Virginia Tech vs. #5 Mississippi State I think the combo of Alexander-Walker, and Justin Robinson, will be too much to handle for Lamar Stephens, and Quinndary Weatherspoon, and Virginia Tech will advance to the Sweet 16. Prediction: Virginia Tech #11 Belmont vs. #14 Yale Dylan Windler vs. Miye Oni would be and incredibly underrated matchup. Belmont's depth will lead them overtop of Yale. Prediction: Belmont #2 Michigan State vs. #10 Minnesota Minnesota's horrendous three point shooting will catch up to them, and Michigan State PG Cassius Winston will take advantage of Minnesota not having a true point guard. Prediction: Michigan State Cassius Winston, Michigan State point guard. Sweet 16 (Round of 16) #1 Duke vs. #4 Virginia Tech Duke is 333rd in the country in 3 point percentage... that is out of 351 teams. I think Duke's putrid shooting will lead to them getting upset, and Virginia Tech is the team to do it. They are great defensively and top 10 in 3 point shooting, while having two talented guards Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Justin Robinson to lean back on. Prediction: Virginia Tech Justin Robinson (left) Nickeil Alexander-Walker (right) Virginia Tech's star tandem of guards. #2 Michigan State vs. #11 Belmont I think Belmont's magic will run out. Cassius Winston is the best point guard in the country and I expect him to facilitate and find Belmonts weaknesses. Prediction: Michigan State Elite 8 (Round of 8) #2 Michigan State vs. #4 Virginia Tech Michigan State is a guard led team, Cassius Winston. To go along with big man Nick Ward. I think Virginia Tech big man can shut down Nick Ward, and like I've said Virginia Tech's guards are very talented. The Hokies and Buzz Williams will be my first team in the final four. Prediction: Virginia Tech Round 1 (Round of 64) West Region #1 Gonzaga vs. #16 Prairie View A&M Gonzaga may be the most talented team in the country behind Duke, I don't expect much of a competition in this one. Prediction: Gonzaga #8 Syracuse vs. #9 Baylor I never like to pick against Syracuse in the tournament, their "famous" 2-3 zone will be too much to handle for Baylor. Prediction: Syracuse #5 Marquette vs. #12 Murray State This might be the most exciting matchup of the first round. Ja Morant, Murray State guard vs. Markus Howard, Big East player of the year. I think Morant gets the best of Marquette and advances to the round of 32. Prediction: Murray State Ja Morant (left) Markus Howard (right). #4 Florida State vs. #13 Vermont Florida State is one of the deepest teams in the country, and is coming off a big ACC tournament performance which will lead to a victory over Vermont. Prediction: Florida State #6 Buffalo vs. #11 Arizona State Buffalo is one of the most talented mid majors in recent memory, and are led by multiple seniors. I think Buffalo's experience from last season taking down Arizona last March, and talented guard C.J. Massinburg will lead to another tournament run. Prediction: Buffalo #3 Texas Tech vs. #14 Northern Kentucky Texas Tech's Jarrett Culver, is one of the most talented players in the country. I think Texas Tech's intense defense will be too much to handle for Northern Kentucky. Prediction: Texas Tech #7 Nevada vs. #10 Florida Nevada is one of the most experienced teams in the country, with their starting lineup averaging an age of 23. I think Jordan Caroline, plus twins Caleb and Cody Martin will take down Florida. Prediction: Nevada #2 Michigan vs. #15 Montana Michigan point guard Zavier Simpson and his patented hook shot will be too much to handle for Montana. Prediction: Michigan Round 2 (Round of 32) #1 Gonzaga vs. #8 Syracuse Gonzaga is led by Japanese born forward Rui Hachimura, elite level shot blocker Brandon Clarke, and terrific point guard Josh Perkins. Gonzaga also just got back Killian Tillie from injury, who is an elite level three point shooter. Gonzaga's fire power will be too much for Syracuse's zone defense. Prediction: Gonzaga Rui Hachimura, Gonzaga forward. #4 Florida State vs. #12 Murray State Murray State's Ja Morant has been arguably the most exciting player in the country this season. Morant will most likely be a top 3 pick in this year's draft. Florida State may be deep, but they don't have a true PG to guard Morant. So I expect the Racers to move onto the sweet 16. Prediction: Murray State #3 Texas Tech vs. #6 Buffalo Buffalo's trio of CJ Massinburg, Nick Perkins, and Jeremy Harris will be to much to handle for Jarrett Culver, and Texas Tech's lack of depth. Prediction: Buffalo #2 Michigan vs. #7 Nevada Historically all four two seeds very rarely make it to the sweet 16 and I think this year will be no different. Nevada's big man Jared Caroline will be too much for Jon Teske or Iggy Brazdekis. I think Nevada will pull the upset here. Prediction: Nevada Sweet 16 (Round of 16) #1 Gonzaga vs. #12 Murray State I think Murray's State's lack of depth catches up with them and their run ends here. Gonzaga's front court of Brandon Clarke, Rui Hachimura, and Killian Tillie, is far superior to Murray State's. Prediction: Gonzaga #6 Buffalo vs. #7 Nevada This was a very tough matchup for me. But I think Nevada having a sweet 16 appearance last year and Buffalo not having a real post presence with lead to a Nevada win. Prediction: Nevada MAC player of the year C.J. Massinburg. Elite 8 (Round of 8) #1 Gonzaga vs. #7 Nevada Both teams have incredible talent and experience and both have a great chance to win. But at the end of the day Gonzaga plays in games like this year after year, and they will pull out a win in a close one. Killian Tillie would be the x-factor. Prediction: Gonzaga Nevada's twin guards Caleb and Cody Martin. Round 1 (Round of 64) South Region #1 Virginia vs. #16 Gardner-Webb Gardner-Webb is no UMBC and I think Virginia will be motivated to win by nearly 1 billion points. Prediction: Virginia #8 Ole Miss vs. #9 Oklahoma Both of these teams have been incredibly mediocre this year. I expect Oklahoma's three point shooting and guard Brady Manek to take them past Ole Miss. Prediction: Oklahoma #5 Wisconsin vs. #12 Oregon Wisconsin struggled mightily to score the ball this season. Oregon has won 10 games in a row, while winning the Pac 12 Championship. They has two talented guard Payton Pritchard, and Louis King, which will lead the Ducks past Wisconsin. Prediction: Oregon #4 Kansas State vs. #13 UC Irvine UC Irvine has been playing terrific, mowing through their conference tournament. When I look for an upset team I like the team to have a star they can lean on, when they begin to struggle. UC Irvine does not have that, so I expect K-State to squeeze by. Prediction: Kansas State #6 Villanova vs. #11 Saint Mary's Saint Mary's played a perfect game against Gonzaga to even get into the tournament. I think Villanova's experienced players Phil Booth, and Eric Paschall will be play themselves into the round of 32. Prediction: Villanova #3 Purdue vs. #14 Old Dominion Old Dominion is one of the feel good stories of the whole tournament. Their head coach Jeff Jones is currently battling prostate cancer, and I think Old Dominion will carry coach Jones into the next round. Prediction: Old Dominion Pictured above: Old Dominion head coach Jeff Jones #7 Cincinnati vs. #10 Iowa Cincinnati is one of the best defensive teams in the country, and they are led by AAC player of the year, guard Jaron Cumberland. Iowa has struggled as of late and I think their struggles will continue. Prediction: Cincinnati #2 Tennessee vs. #15 Colgate Tennessee will be incredibly motivated following a disappointing end to their regular season, so I expect them to roll. Prediction: Tennessee Round 2 (Round of 32) #1 Virginia vs. #9 Oklahoma Virginia's offensive fire power is arguably the best ever in the "Tony Bennet era." Kyle Guy is one of the best 3 point shooters in the country, DeAndre Hunter in one of the best defenders, and Ty Jerome is one of the best point guards. That trio will be way too much for Oklahoma. Prediction: Virginia #4 Kansas State vs. #12 Oregon Kansas State's best player, Dean Wade has struggled with injuries his whole career, and it may lead into the tournament. Oregon's Louis King will have no real competition on the wing and expect the Ducks to play themselves into the sweet 16. Prediction: Oregon Oregon celebrating a Pac 12 championship win, and a 10 game winning streak. #6 Villanova vs. #14 Old Dominion I think Old Dominion's lack of a top scorer, will prove to be too much to overcome. And Villanova will take advantage and advance into the next round. Prediction: Villanova #2 Tennessee vs. #7 Cincinnati The combination of veteran "all SEC level players" Admiral Schofield, Grant Williams, and Jordan Boone will not accept an upset, and they will get past Cincinnati. Prediction: Tennessee Sweet 16 (Round of 16) #1 Virginia vs. #12 Oregon Virginia's terrific defense, and depth will finally take advantage of Oregon's flaws, and the Ducks magical run will end here. Prediction: Virginia Virginia's star big 3 Kyle Guy (left), DeAndre Hunter (middle), Ty Jerome (right) #2 Tennessee vs. #6 Villanova This is quite an intriguing matchup. Villanova matches up well against Tennessee, Paschall v.s. Grant Williams, and Schofield vs. Booth. The x-factor in the game will be Jordan Boone vs. Colin Gillespie, and I trust Jordan Boone more than Gillespie. Prediction: Tennessee Elite 8 (Round of 8) #1 Virginia vs. #2 Tennessee Both Virginia and Tennessee are nearly identical teams. They again matchup very well. I think Virginia is tired of being the team that always "chokes." They will finally break through and make the final four. Prediction: Virginia Round 1 (Round of 64) Midwest Region #1 North Carolina vs. #16 Iona Iona is one of the weaker teams in the entire field, with a 17-15 record. UNC will dominate. Prediction: North Carolina #8 Utah State vs. #9 Washington Utah State is coming off a big Mountain West tournament championship and they are led by guard Sam Merrill. Washington has struggled tremendously the last few weeks, along with defensive star Matisse Thybulle, so I expect all of these trends to continue. Prediction: Utah State #5 Auburn vs. #12 New Mexico State New Mexico State may be a popular upset pick, but I think otherwise. Auburn's great run to the SEC tournament championship, and great three point shooting is too much to overlook. Jared Harper, and Bryce Brown will lead Auburn past New Mexico State. Prediction: Auburn #4 Kansas vs. #13 Northeastern Northeastern is another popular upset... but not so fast. Kansas has an all-american forward Dedric Lawson, and I think that he will help the Jayhawks avoid an upset. Prediction: Kansas #6 Iowa State vs. #11 Ohio State Iowa State looked terrific in their run to the Big 12 tournament championship. Mariol Shayok, and Lindell Wigginton will continue their hot streak past Ohio State. Prediction: Iowa State #3 Houston vs. #14 Georgia State Houston is another incredibly strong defensive team, who is led by all league forward Corey Davis Jr. Houston's combo of three point shooting and defense will lead them past Georgia State. Prediction: Houston #7 Wofford vs. #10 Seton Hall Wofford is led by guards Fletcher Magee, and Storm Murphy. This will be a great matchup against Seton Hall who has all Big East guard Myles Powell. Wofford was the only team that went undefeated in regular season conference play, I expect their depth to lead them past Seton Hall. Prediction: Wofford #2 Kentucky vs. #15 Abilene Christian Kentucky has one their most veteran teams in the "John Calipari era." I expect Kentucky to roll... but if I HAD to pick one 16 of 15 seed it would be Abilene Christian. Prediction: Kentucky Round 2 (Round of 32) #1 North Carolina vs. #8 Utah State I think Utah State's lack of depth after Sam Merrill will catch up to them. And UNC's big 3 of Coby White, Cameron Johnson, and Luke Maye will roll past Utah State Prediction: North Carolina #5 Auburn vs. #4 Kansas Kansas does not have a real identity of their team. I think Auburn having a great hot streak from behind the three point line will be lead them to the Sweet 16. Prediction: Auburn #3 Houston vs. #6 Iowa State Iowa State has too much fire power on offense to ignore. Iowa State's length and versatility will be too much for Kelvin Sampson's Houston squad. Prediction: Iowa State Iowa State's All-Big 12 forward Marial Shayok #2 Kentucky vs. #7 Wofford If Wofford were playing any other 2 seed I would pick them to win. But Kentucky's unbelievable depth to go along with experience is too important. Kentucky is led by Tyler Herro and P.J. Washington who have been elevating their play throughout the whole year and will lead Kentucky past Wofford. Prediction: Kentucky Sweet 16 (Round of 16) #1 North Carolina vs. #5 Auburn Auburn may have incredible three point shooting, but their defense lacks tremendously. I think Luke Maye will be big in this game and lead the Tar Heels past Auburn. Prediction: North Carolina #2 Kentucky vs. #6 Iowa State This games x-factor on Kentucky's side will be Keldon Johnson, and Iowa State's side Talen Horton-Tucker. Horton-Tucker has played more consistent as of late and I think he will lead Iowa State to the Elite 8. Prediction: Iowa State Elite 8 (Round of 8) #1 North Carolina vs. #6 Iowa State Iowa State and UNC are very similar teams. I think UNC is just a better version of Iowa State though. I think Coby White will dominate Lindell Wigginton, and lead UNC to another Final Four. Prediction: North Carolina Left to right: Coby White, Nassir Little, Cameron Johnson, Kenny Williams, Luke Maye FINAL FOUR #1 Gonzaga vs. #4 Virginia Tech Virginia Tech's front court depth is nothing close to what Gonzaga has and I think it will prove to be too much for Virginia Tech and Gonzaga gets back to the National Championship. Prediction: Gonzaga #1 Virginia vs. #1 North Carolina North Carolina and Virginia matchup very similarly. I would say North Carolina's big three of Maye, White, and Johnson is nearly just as good as Virginia's of Guy, Jerome, and Hunter. I like North Carolina's role players more than Virginia's therefore I think we see a rematch of Gonzaga UNC in the championship. Prediction: North Carolina NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP #1 Gonzaga vs. #1 North Carolina
Gonzaga has their most talented team of all time, so why not prove you're the best in the country by getting revenge over North Carolina on the biggest stage. And the Zags will be cutting down the nets in Minneapolis. Prediction: Gonzaga
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