*The team in blue denotes the winner
Midwest Region – Round of 64
(1) Kansas vs. (16) Texas Southern/Texas A&M-CC
For what it’s worth, we have Corpus Christi moving on to play Kansas in the Round of 64. Unfortunately for the Islanders, their season will end in blowout fashion to the top-seeded Jayhawks.
(8) San Diego State vs. (9) Creighton
None of the 8-9 matchups are particularly easy to predict, but this one feels especially close. Creighton is coming off a strong showing in the Big East tournament despite ultimately coming up short against Villanova in the title game. The Aztecs are fresh off a close loss to Boise State, but have been particularly strong down the stretch. The difference in this game might be San Diego State guard Matt Bradley. The former Cal transfer can fill it up from the perimeter. Aztecs in a nail-biter.
(5) Iowa vs. (12) Richmond
The Spiders are not backing down from this matchup. Richmond is a team filled with experienced vets. The team is exuding plenty of confidence following an immaculate Atlantic 10 tournament run. However, they’re running into the absolute buzz-saw that is the Iowa Hawkeyes. Fran McCaffrey’s group is red-hot, and boasts a bit too much firepower for Richmond to handle. The No. 2 scoring team in the nation rolls to the Round of 32.
(4) Providence vs. (13) South Dakota State
The Friars have found ways to win close games all year long. However, that trend could end up costing them an early round matchup against a supposedly inferior team. Providence enters a matchup with South Dakota State as the proverbial favorite. However, the Jackrabbits could turn those projections on its head. The Summit League champions haven’t lost since December 15th, and went 18-0 in conference play before winning the Summit League tournament. Led by a trio of wing scorers, South Dakota State will pull off the upset.
(6) LSU vs. (11) Iowa State
There isn’t a whole lot to like about LSU’s current situation. Former coach Will Wade was fired earlier this week, which means assistant Kevin Nickelberry will serve as interim coach for the NCAA tournament. The Tigers have been up-and-down all year, and Wade’s firing only adds to the turmoil. On the other side, Iowa State is an experienced team that was battle tested in the Big 12. Izaiah Brockington and company pounce from the opening tip and take down the Tigers.
(3) Wisconsin vs. (14) Colgate
This is a bit dicey for a Wisconsin team that hasn’t been able to put away opponents all year long. Colgate is not your typical 14-seed. They essentially returned the same team which gave Arkansas a run in the Round of 64 last year. The Raiders boast plenty of experience and are one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country. However, Colgate does not have Johnny Davis. The National Player of the Year candidate takes over as Wisconsin escapes with its first win of the tournament.
(7) USC vs. (10) Miami
Two teams that started off strong but tailed off late. The Hurricanes were arguably the second-best team in the ACC, and had Duke on the ropes in the conference tournament semifinal. Coach Jim Larranaga has done a wonderful job with Miami, and signed a two-year extension last week. Though it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Canes advance, this one goes to the Trojans. USC has the more talented team, and will lean on the length of Isaiah Mobley and Drew Peterson to pull off the victory.
(2) Auburn vs. (15) Jacksonville State
Don’t be so quick to cross off Jacksonville State here. The Gamecocks play an up-tempo style which generates a ton of three-point attempts. With the game being played around noon, we could see a situation where Auburn is slow from the start. That being said, the Tigers aren’t bowing out this early. Auburn has a minor scare, but ultimately comes out victorious.
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South Region – Round of 64
(1) Arizona vs. (16) Wright State/Bryant
Bryant’s Peter Kiss leads the nation in scoring and loves to talk trash. If Kiss can lead Bryant by Wright State, he will have an opportunity to score some points against Arizona. However, Kiss can score 40 points and it still wouldn’t matter. Zona rolls.
(8) Seton Hall vs. (9) TCU
This is a very even matchup. Both Seton Hall and TCU defend at a high clip, and also struggle to score — especially TCU. The Pirates and Horned Frogs have notched some impressive wins, as well. This game is a true coin flip, but we are giving Seton Hall the edge for one reason — TCU turns the ball over a ton (23% of its possessions).
(5) Houston vs. (12) UAB
Despite losing Marcus Sasser and Tramon Mark to season-ending injuries, Houston finished the regular season with an impressive 29-5 record. In the AAC tournament, Houston smashed Memphis 71-53 to claim the trophy — avenging two losses to the Tigers in conference play. UAB is a talented team, but Houston is far better and ranks top-12 in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
(4) Illinois vs. (13) Chattanooga
One year ago, Illinois entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed and was a favorite to win the title. Instead, the Illini lost to Loyola Chicago in the Round of 32. This year’s team isn’t as talented and faces a Chattanooga squad that is capable of pulling off the upset. Chattanooga’s backcourt is lethal. Malachi Smith, the SoCon Player of the Year, and David Jean-Baptiste are going to shock the Illini.
(6) Colorado State vs. (11) Michigan
Michigan shouldn’t be in the NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines finished the year 17-14 and lost their opening game in the Big Ten tournament. Colorado State (25-5) earned its 6-seed and boasts double-digit wins over Creighton and Saint Mary’s. Colorado State is the better team, but the better team doesn’t always win.
(3) Tennessee vs. (14) Longwood
The Vols are humming right now as we hit March. Rick Barnes knows how to get the most out of his team — which offers a nice mixture of youth and experience. Longwood, frankly, has virtually no chance in this contest. Look for UT to win handily.
(7) Ohio State vs. (10) Loyola Chicago
This is not a fun matchup for Ohio State. E.J. Liddell is legit, and Malaki Branham has been a revelation this season. Unfortunately, Loyola Chicago is a very deep, experienced ballclub. It’s highly-effective from an efficiency standpoint in both two-point and three-point attempts. With a trio of seasoned players in Marquise Kennedy, Braden Norris and Lucas Williamson, look for the Ramblers to pull the minor upset.
(2) Villanova vs. (15) Delaware
The Big East tournament winners are looking towards another deep run in March. Villanova isn’t going to ‘wow’ you with high-end talent. However, this is a gritty, physical team with a true leader at the point (Collin Gillespie), a potent wing scorer (Justin Moore), and one of the best coaches in the country (Jay Wright).
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West Region – Round of 64
(1) Gonzaga vs. (16) Georgia State
No reason to get cute here, Gonzaga’s stars should be done playing shortly after halftime — there will be no UMBC-like upset this year.
(8) Boise State vs. (9) Memphis
Playing in the Mountain West Conference, Boise State has flown under the radar all year long. Conversely, Memphis has remained in the discussion since it began the season ranked No. 12. The Tigers are a talented group, but they turn the ball over on more than 20-percent of their possessions. Boise State, the regular season and MWC tournament champ, will ride its hot-shooting to victory.
(5) UConn vs. (12) New Mexico State
The New Mexico State Aggies cannot be overlooked. The Aggies are strong on the boards and defend well — both at the rim (top-10 in the nation in blocked shots) and beyond the arc. However, UConn is just as potent defensively and is the nation’s best offensive rebounding team. While this one may be close, UConn’s talent will carry the day.
(4) Arkansas vs. (13) Vermont
Arkansas is a good team. The Razorbacks finished fourth in the SEC during regular season play and can easily advance to the Sweet 16. With that being said, however, we smell an upset in this matchup. Vermont went 17-1 in conference play — with its lone loss coming by one point. In what will be a close game, Arkansas’ poor shooting will ultimately result in an upset for the Catamounts.
(6) Alabama vs. (11) Rutgers/Notre Dame
Which version of the Crimson Tide is going to show up — the one who beat Gonzaga, Tennessee, Baylor, and Houston? Or the Alabama squad that lost its last three games of the season and looked rather poor in doing so? For one night, we are banking on the ‘good’ Bama to show up. The Tide will take down Rutgers at the buzzer.
(3) Texas Tech vs. (14) Montana State
The Red Raiders are legit. While Montana State is capable of keeping things close thanks to its three-point shooting, Texas Tech’s stout defense will be too much to overcome. Tech advances.
(7) Michigan State vs. (10) Davidson
Steph Curry isn’t walking through the door for Davidson, but the Wildcats are still going to upset Sparty. The Wildcats are talented offensively and aren’t going to settle for poor shots — which is why they are a top-10 offensive team in the country. Michigan State is a sloppy, turnover-happy team. That doesn’t work in March.
(2) Duke vs. (15) CSU Fullerton
It’s nice to see Fullerton in the tournament, but the Big West tournament champs are not going to upset Duke. The Blue Devils have far too much talent to lose this game.
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East Region – Round of 64
(1) Baylor vs. (16) Norfolk State
Even with injuries to LJ Cryer and Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua, this should be an easy victory for the Bears. They will overwhelm Norfolk State with their combination of length and athleticism — not to mention Baylor’s propensity for turning people over. Norfolk State senior Joe Bryant leads the team in scoring with close to 17 PPG. For the Spartans to have a prayer in this contest, he’ll have to go off.
(8) North Carolina vs. (9) Marquette
North Carolina isn’t a deep team — though it’s one with some firepower in the starting lineup. Armando Bacot is a load inside, Brady Manek is adept at stretching the floor, and Caleb Love has emerged as a go-to guy from the perimeter. Shaka Smart’s team will try to rough Carolina up with their depth and pace. Justin Lewis and Darryl Morsell are rugged players with the ability to carry Marquette on any given night. However, Marquette is objectively horrible at rebounding (outside the top-300 nationally in both offensive and defensive rebounding rates). As such, Bacot will feast on the boards.
(5) Saint Mary’s vs. (12) Wyoming/Indiana
Saint Mary’s is no joke. Though they play at a glacial pace, this is a team which beat Gonzaga earlier in the year. Randy Bennett is a fantastic coach — and the Gaels are loaded with a combo of experience and international pedigree. Whether it’s Wyoming or Indiana, it doesn’t really matter. Saint Mary’s may have the technical denotation as a mid-major. However, the talent on the roster suggests otherwise.
(4) UCLA vs. (13) Akron
The Bruins won’t be overlooking Akron in this contest. Mick Cronin — an Ohio native — is all too familiar with the Zips. He even has a strong rapport with Akron HC John Groce. Remember, UCLA is returning its top-seven players from last year’s Final Four team. Not to mention — it also added a McDonald’s All-American (Peyton Watson) and an All-Pac-12 First Team Defense member in Myles Johnson. The Bruins have big aspirations, and those will be realized beyond this contest.
(6) Texas vs. (11) Virginia Tech
Texas is the more talented team. The Longhorns were built primarily through the transfer portal by new head coach Chris Beard. With that said, the Longhorns are not very deep. They’re also quite small across the board. As for the Hokies, Va Tech made a Cinderella run to the ACC tournament crown (which was punctuated by destroying Duke in the final). The Hokies have won 13-of-15, and appear to have a ton of momentum heading into this contest.
(3) Purdue vs. (14) Yale
The Bulldogs should not be overlooked. We’ve seen countless Ivy League teams give bigger programs trouble. We’re talking about three-point potency and a controlled style of play. Unfortunately for Yale, the team collectively shoots less than 33-percent from three. Purdue is an offensive juggernaut — featuring size up front and the dynamic stylings of future first-round pick Jaden Ivey. The Boilermakers will avoid the upset and move on without much trouble.
(7) Murray State vs. (10) San Francisco
It’s a shame these two have to square off with one another. They are two of the best non-Power 5 teams in the country. USF has some legitimate star power in the backcourt with Khalil Shabazz and Jamaree Bouyea. The Racers, on the other hand, are highly efficient on both ends of the floor. This one is a toss-up — though we’ll give Murray State the narrow edge.
(2) Kentucky vs. (15) St. Peter’s
Despite being upset in the SEC tournament, the Wildcats will not suffer the same fate here. John Calipari’s team will overwhelm the much smaller Peacocks.
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Midwest Region – Round of 32
(1) Kansas vs. (8) San Diego State
The tournament really starts here for the Jayhawks — who enter as one of the clear favorites in the field. Kansas is 5-1 in March and boast an All-American talent in Ochai Agbaji. While the Aztecs have enough wings to throw Agbaji’s way, they don’t have nearly enough size to contend with Kansas down-low. Expect big games from Kansas bigs David McCormack and Jalen Wilson (who are each coming off strong Big 12 tourney finals).
(5) Iowa vs. (13) South Dakota State
The two highest scoring teams in the NCAA meet up in an unlikely showdown. Iowa is 9-1 over its last 10. South Dakota State hasn’t lost in three months. Something has to give. While both teams are offensively adept, Iowa has a distinct advantage in the turnover department. The Hawkeyes rarely turn the ball over, and that will be key for them in making a deep playoff run. The hottest team in basketball stays hot. Iowa advances.
(3) Wisconsin vs. (11) Iowa State
The Badgers will be in for a doozy in this potential matchup. Iowa State likes to grind it out, and have no qualms playing the possession game. However, the Badgers are particularly skilled at limiting turnovers. Wisconsin will not afford Iowa State extra possessions. If it comes down to crunch time, Wisconsin will lean on the aforementioned Davis as well as Brad Davison to close it out. The Badgers pull out another close one.
(2) Auburn vs. (7) USC
In a matchup of frontcourts, USC-Auburn will feature some of the most skilled bigs in the nation. The Trojans boast one of the biggest starting lineups in the league, featuring three players listed at 6-foot-9 in addition to the 6-foot-10 Mobley. Auburn has a pair of giants in their own right in 6-foot-10 Jabari Smith and 7-foot-1 Walker Kessler. Auburn’s guards will have trouble navigating the paint against the trees, but the Tigers can find success if they work the offense through Smith and Kessler. Smith proves why he should be one of the top picks in the upcoming NBA Draft with a virtuoso performance in this one. Auburn advances.
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South Region – Round of 32
(1) Arizona vs. (8) Seton Hall
Seton Hall is only 3-6 versus Top 25 teams this year. Losing Bryce Aiken to a concussion certainly hasn’t helped — though a number of players have stepped up in his absence. With all of that said, Arizona is a bad matchup for the Pirates. UA is easily the most talented team they will have faced up to this point. Arizona can beat you from the outside, in the paint, in transition, in the half court, and virtually in every possible way.
(5) Houston vs. (13) Chattanooga
After upsetting Illinois, the Mocs get to face another veteran team in Houston. The Cougars didn’t get much respect all season long as they primarily banked wins versus non-tournament teams. However, Houston ramped it up in the AAC title game by blowing out Memphis. Chattanooga is actually the bigger team in this game. However, Houston is the more experienced, physical bunch. The Cougars are ranked in the top 15 nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
(3) Tennessee vs. (11) Michigan
Tennessee is riding a wave of momentum that should power them through this matchup. While the Wolverines will be amped with Juwan Howard’s return to the bench, the team hasn’t been up to snuff all year long. Hunter Dickinson will pose some problems for the Vols frontline, though nothing Tennessee is unaccustomed to. Tennessee’s ability to attack the basket will pressure Dickinson into some early fouls, giving the Vols a clear advantage. Tennessee rolls.
(2) Villanova vs (10) Loyola Chicago
The aura of Sister Jean has us tempted to side with the Ramblers in this one. Loyola-Chicago is a sound defensive club that shouldn’t be overwhelmed by Villanova’s perimeter-centric attack. If the Ramblers can get a few shots to fall, it will put the Wildcats defense into a peculiar position. With that said, Villanova has bit too much experience in addition to its guard depth to let this one slip. Jay Wright just knows how to win in March, and he pushes all the right buttons on his way to another Sweet 16 appearance.
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West Region – Round of 32
(1) Gonzaga vs. (8) Boise State
While another former Gonzaga assistant has led his team (Arizona) to a No. 1 seed, Mark Few must take down another former assistant, Leon Rice, in the Round of 32. The Broncos are tough defensively and can push the Zags on the boards. If they remain hot from downtown, Boise may stay within reach down the stretch — but we don’t see it happening. Gonzaga is too deep for the Broncos.
(5) UConn vs. (13) Vermont
Will the Catamounts be this year’s Cinderella? No. Despite knocking off Arkansas in its opening game, Vermont doesn’t quite have enough to take down UConn. The Huskies shoot the ball better than the Razorbacks and present a handful of matchup problems for the Catamounts. Vermont is certainly capable of pulling off another upset, but UConn will impose its will late.
(3) Texas Tech vs. (6) Alabama
We picked Alabama to escape an upset to open the tournament, but the Crimson Tide will bow out in the Round of 32. Texas Tech’s defense will smother Bama’s attack and force it into a ton of turnovers and bad shots. In the end, the Red Raiders win by double-digits.
(2) Duke vs (10) Davidson
Coach K’s farewell tour will continue to the Sweet 16. Davidson should be proud that it knocked off Michigan State, but it will not be the program to end Coach K’s career. After a competitive first half, Duke’s talent will overwhelm the Wildcats after the intermission. Paolo Banchero will lead the charge with 23 points and eight rebounds.
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East Region – Round of 32
(1) Baylor vs. (8) North Carolina
Baylor matches up quite well with UNC. The Bears can throw Flo Thamba at Bacot — not to mention the likes of Jeremy Sochan, Matthew Mayer, and Kendall Brown at Manek. Baylor defends at a much higher clip across the board. Duly, it’s a team with more postseason experience.
(4) UCLA vs. (5) Saint Mary’s
Saint Mary’s wants to slow the pace down and grind it out. This is a problem — primarily because UCLA wants to do the same thing…except the Bruins have more collective talent and experience. UCLA struggles with teams that have insane length and athleticism. In this contest, UCLA doesn’t have to worry about that.
(3) Purdue vs. (11) Virginia Tech
This is a scary matchup for Purdue. Virginia Tech is on a roll, and the Hokies aren’t bashful when it comes to connecting on a high percentage of three-point attempts (39.3-percent as a team). We’ve also seen Va Tech take down Duke — which shows that it is capable in beating a team with superior talent. However, we can’t see the Boilermakers ending their season here. The combination of Ivey and Zach Edey will get it done.
(2) Kentucky vs. (7) Murray State
Can Murray State win this game? Absolutely. The Racers have lost only two games all season long. They’ve beaten Memphis — which concludes that elite athleticism doesn’t necessarily bother them. Plus, 6-foot-10 big man K.J. Williams is a beast on the boards. However, Kentucky big man Oscar Tshiebwe isn’t a slouch in that category, either. Keep an eye on Davidson transfer Kellan Grady. He could be a major X-Factor for the Wildcats.
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(1) Gonzaga vs. (5) UConn — Sweet 16
The nation’s No. 1 team isn’t going to bow out this early. As a team, Gonzaga leads the nation in points per game (87.8), field goal percentage (52.7 %), and point differential (+22.4). Additionally, the Zags are a top-3 team on the glass with 41.5 RPG and block 5.9 shots per game — the fifth-best mark in the nation. In this contest, Gonzaga’s clinical offense will run over the Huskies.
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(2) Duke vs. (3) Texas Tech — Sweet 16
An argument could be made that Texas Tech should be considered the favorite in this matchup. While the Red Raiders’ offense isn’t as potent as Duke’s, their ability on the other end of the floor will be the difference in this Sweet 16 showdown. Tech is too tough for this young Blue Devils squad. Coach K’s career will come to an end with yet another disappointing run in March.
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(1) Arizona vs. (5) Houston — Sweet 16
Illinois just misses out on the Sweet 16, robbing fans of a potential rematch of the 2005 regional final between the two clubs. In their place, Houston looks to return to the Elite Eight (and Final Four) for the second consecutive year. Standing in the Cougars way is a stacked Arizona squad featuring a potential NBA lottery pick in Ben Mathurin. Though Arizona point guard Kerr Kriisa could potentially be ready for this matchup (ankle), reserve guard Justin Kier is a worthy replacement. Arizona simply has too much going for them, and marches towards their first Elite Eight since 2015.
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(2) Villanova vs. (3) Tennessee — Sweet 16
Tennessee and Villanova pits two of the hottest teams in basketball in a delectable Sweet 16 matchup. Both squads are represented by elite guard play. Nova’s Colin Gillespie and Justin Moore combine to score over 30 points per game, and are each efficient shooters from every spot on the floor. Tennessee guard Kennedy Chandler is one of the most explosive athletes in the nation, and he’s backed by the great three-point shooting of Santiago Vescovi and Zakai Zeigler. The Vols feel slighted about their seeding, and ultimately prove the committee wrong as they earn a spot in the Elite Eight over the Wildcats.
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(1) Baylor vs. (4) UCLA — Sweet 16
Baylor’s bad fortune as it pertains to health will hurt in this contest. UCLA is battle-tested as a group, and has proven it can take down multiple National Title contenders this season (Arizona, Villanova). Without LJ Cryer, Baylor’s offensive flow isn’t as potent from the perimeter. Duly, we like Jaime Jaquez to go off in this contest. Along with Jaquez, UCLA has Johnny Juzang and Jules Bernard back from a year ago. Very few teams — if any — have three 6-foot-7 wings all possessing the ability to pass, shoot, score, drive the basketball, and create for others.
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(2) Kentucky vs. (3) Purdue — Sweet 16
While Purdue is as efficient offensively as anyone, its defense leaves a lot to be desired. This is where Kentucky should be able to exploit the Boilermakers. In particular, TyTy Washington and Keion Brooks should enjoy considerable advantages in their matchups opposite Mason Gillis and Sasha Stefanovic. Additionally, we think Tshiebwe will be a major handful for both Edey and Trevion Williams.
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(1) Kansas vs. (5) Iowa — Sweet 16
Iowa should have all the confidence in the world after notching a couple of wins in the NCAA tournament following their impressive run in the Big Ten. Kansas has been one of the best teams all year long, and boast incredible roster depth. If Iowa can lock-in from the outside, they could pull off the upset. However, Kansas’ offense is far too efficient for Iowa to endure a rough shooting night. With Agbaji and Dajuan Harris hounding Iowa shooters, the Jayhawks roll to a decisive win.
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(2) Auburn vs. (3) Wisconsin — Sweet 16
This is not a particularly favorable matchup for Wisconsin. Despite the likelihood of Badger fans taking over the arena in Chicago, Auburn provides a bit too many problems for this Wisconsin team to handle. Athletically, the Tigers boast a distinct advantage over their potential opponent. Auburn backcourt mates K.D. Johnson and Wendell Green Jr. have struggled mightily in recent weeks, but might find an easier time scoring against Wisconsin’s guards. Wisconsin makes it close — because they always do — but Auburn wins out in this battle.
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(1) Gonzaga vs. (3) Texas Tech — Elite Eight
These two teams have recent history. In 2019, Gonzaga entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed and waltzed to the Elite Eight. Waiting for the Bulldogs? The No. 3 seed, Texas Tech. The Red Raiders came out on top in that defensive battle and ultimately reached the title game. Earlier this year, Gonzaga pummeled Texas Tech 69-55. Tech represents a very tough matchup for the Bulldogs. Its defense will cause Gonzaga some issues, but the Bulldogs are too well-rounded to be upset this time around. Gonzaga advances to the Final Four for the second year in a row.
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(1) Arizona vs. (3) Tennessee — Elite Eight
Tennessee has gone under the radar all year long, and coach Rick Barnes would love nothing more than to reach his first Final Four since taking Texas there in 2003. However, this Arizona team is a juggernaut. The Wildcats are fast, physical, and can win in so many ways. Arizona’s frontcourt — starting with Azuolas Tubelis and Christian Koloko — have a serious advantage of Tennessee’s big men. Not to mention, Arizona wing Dalen Terry came on strong during the Pac-12 tournament, adding another potential threat in Tommy Lloyd’s toolbox. The Wildcats are on their way to the Final Four.
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(2) Kentucky vs. (4) UCLA — Elite Eight
The battle of blue bloods. Tshiebwe will have a big advantage up front against UCLA’s smaller front line. Other than Johnson, UCLA doesn’t have a traditional big man. However, Kentucky isn’t huge throughout its lineup. This benefits UCLA — as the trio of Juzang, Bernard, and Jaquez shouldn’t be overwhelmed by length. Cronin loves punishing the opposition in isolation when aiming to seek out the mismatch he wants. The Bruins have the opportunity to do just that. Additionally, UCLA is the far deeper team — and Juzang likely will relish the opportunity to play against his former squad.
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(1) Kansas vs. (2) Auburn — Elite Eight
What an absolute barn-burner of a matchup. The only region projected to have its top two-seeds advance to the Elite Eight, the East boasts a pair of legit title contenders in Kansas and Auburn. Both teams have taken turns being considered the best team in the country, but now find themselves pitted against each other for a spot in the Final Four. The difference maker in this one — you guessed it, Jabari Smith. The Tigers have a legit star in Smith who can take over the game at any moment. While Kansas’ Agbaji is a star in his own right, Smith has the ability to lead the game in scoring and play lockdown defense. The Tigers reach their second Final Four in school history (2018).
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(1) Gonzaga vs. (4) UCLA — Final Four
Gonzaga roasted UCLA earlier this season. The twin tower duo of Chet Holmgren and Drew Timme ultimately proved to be too much. Of course, the Bruins are highly motivated to atone for last year’s devastating loss at the buzzer. UCLA is a deeper, more talented team than they were last year. Gonzaga isn’t quite as good as it was a season ago. However, this is a bad matchup for UCLA. Holmgren’s size will be an issue for Jaquez (who stands at 6-foot-6 and is more of a small forward than a post player). While we expect it to be a very competitive game, the Zags will advance to the title game.
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(1) Arizona vs. (2) Auburn — Final Four
This is an intriguing matchup on paper. Auburn won’t overwhelm Arizona with size — considering Arizona boasts some real length up front with 6-foot-11 Lithuanian big man Azuolas Tubelis and 7-foot-1 pogo stick Christian Koloko. Koloko might be America’s most improved player. He went from a deep bench option two years ago into one of college basketball’s most feared defensive players. Koloko will surely guard Jabari Smith — and that will be a fantastic battle. Not only that, but Arizona has better guard play solely with the presence of Bennedict Mathurin. With Auburn’s propensity in being a bit loose with the ball, the Wildcats will make them pay — both in transition and in the half court.
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(1) Gonzaga vs. (1) Arizona — National Championship
A bit chalky for most people’s taste, but there’s no doubting that these have been the two best teams in college basketball this year. Gonzaga scores with relative ease and boasts the best frontcourt duo we’ve seen in years. Arizona is freakishly athletic and hast the most roster depth of any team in the country. We could see this matchup going any number of ways, though we give the slight edge to the Bulldogs. Mark Few’s group is filled with seasoned college veterans who are willing to step up in a big moment. Avenging their embarrassing loss in the title game last year, Gonzaga finally breaks through and wins their first NCAA Tournament championship.
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