NCAA Tournament Predictions: South Region

Here's our picks and bracket breakdown of the South Region

1st Round

1. Kentucky vs. 16. Western Kentucky
The battle for Kentucky. I'm sure a lot of WKU fans like the Wildcats as well. WKU is below .500, the Cats have NBA talent all over the floor.
The Pick: Kentucky

8. Iowa St. vs. 9. UConn
The Clones love to shoot the 3 and do it well shooting at a 38% clip. They also have Royce White, who is a rebounding machine and a tough matchup inside. UConn has been inconsistent the whole season. Their defense is terrible and they turn it over quite a bit. UConn has some of the best talent in the country though, but we're still not believing some of their hype.
The Pick Iowa State

5. Wichita State vs 12. VCU
We all know VCU made the epic run last season.  They did so because they had athletes and size all over the court.  They also shot the 3 very well.  This season they only shoot 33% from long range. The Rams will win if they can force their tempo and cause turnovers.  The problem is, Wichita St. doesn't turn it over. They can play any style but they will try to force VCU into a half court game.  The play of 7-0 Center Garrett Stutz will  be a key factor as well.
The Pick: Wichita State

4. Indiana vs. 13. New Mexico State
Indiana plays very well as a team. Tom Crean has really turned this program around.  Cody Zeller and Christian Watford are beasts down low. NMSU relies on it's interior play. They're one of the best rebounding teams in the country.  Wendell McKines avg a double-double and 6'11 post Hamidu Rahman is a beast down low. These two can counter Zeller and Watford. The Hoosiers will be missing Verdell Jones III as well.
The Pick: NMSU

6. UNLV vs. 11. Colorado
UNLV is a transition team and all of their losses have come when the pace was slowed and they were forced to play a half court game. The Buffs like to get out and run as well. I think this will tend to favor UNLV; esp. with Mike Moser and Chase Stanback. Colorado could take this one but on a neutral floor I'll give the Rebs the edge.
The Pick: UNLV

3. Baylor vs. 14 South Dakota State
Baylor has been inconsistent all season. They have the ability and tremendous athleticism and length, but they tend to take way too many jump shots instead of getting to the bucket in transition. Coach Scott Drew will utilize his zone to stop the shooters from SDSU. Nate Wolters is one of the best scorers in the country and Jordan Dykstra can stretch the defense for the Jacks.
The Pick: Baylor

7. Notre Dame vs. 10. Xavier
This is a huge toss-up. Notre Dame plays ugly and when their guards aren't hitting shots they are dead in the water. Xavier has been inconsistent but guards Tu Holloway and Mark Lyons are great slashers that can cause problems.
The Pick: Xavier

2. Duke vs. 15. Lehigh
Ryan Kelly's status is still up in the air but it won't matter.
The Pick: Duke

2nd Round

1. Kentucky vs. 8. Iowa State
If ISU wants to pull off the upset they need to be hot from the outside. There's no way they'll be able to do that with Anthony Davis down low. Royce White will be their only chance and he must get Davis in foul trouble. The Cats have too much talent.
The Pick: Kentucky


5. Wichita St. vs. 13. New Mexico State
NMSU's size could give fits to WSU, but this is where I see the Shockers guards coming into play. NMSU is not known for their guard play.
The Pick: Wichita State

3. Baylor vs. 6. UNLV
This looks more like a Sweet 16 matchup. Baylor will try to slow it down a little bit to catch UNLV off guard. The size and length will be a huge problem for the Rebels.
The Pick: Baylor

2. Duke vs. 10. Xavier
Holloway and Lyons need to be on their A game going against Austin Rivers and Seth Curry. Duke will outwork you and likely out shoot you. I see the Musketeers inconsistent play coming back to bite them.
The Pick: Duke

Sweet 16

1. Kentucky vs. 5. Wichita State
Kentucky has so many pieces that WSU will need to account for. Stutz must stay out of foul trouble but they might use a lot of pick and rolls to keep Davis out of the lane. The athleticism and length bodes well for the Cats.
The Pick: Kentucky

2. Duke vs. 3. Baylor
Duke's 3 point shooting will go cold at some point in the tourney.  This could be that game. They do not matchup well at all with the athletes of Baylor. The Bears defense can get lazy at times but they defend the 3 well enough.
The Pick: Baylor

Elite 8

1. Kentucky vs. 3 Baylor
This is my ideal matchup in this region. Both teams can get up and down the floor and have tremendous NBA talent and length. Kentucky has better guards and that could be the difference.
The Pick:: Kentucky

TSF Bracketology 2/20

Here's our projected bracket as of today.

Boston Region

1. Syracuse
16. Vermont/LIU-Brooklyn
8. Virginia
9. Harvard

5. Temple
12. Texas
4. Marquette
13. Drexel

6. New Mexico
11.Cincinnati
3. Baylor
14. Nevada

7. St. Mary's
10. Alabama
2. Ohio St
15. Weber State

Phoenix Region

1. Kansas
16. Texas-Arlington
8. West Virginia
9. California

5. Indiana
12. Miami
4. Gonzaga
13. Oral Roberts

6. Notre Dame
11. Long Beach State
3. Michigan
14. Cleveland State

7. Vanderbilt
10. Kansas State
2. North Carolina
15. Davidson

St. Louis Region

1. Missouri
16. UNC-Asheville
8. Mississippi St.
9. Southern Mississippi

5. Florida St
12. Washington/Xavier
4. Louisville
13. Middle Tennessee

6. Wichita St.
11.BYU
3.Florida
14. Akron

7. San Diego St.
10. Connecticut
2. Michigan St.
15. Bucknell

Atlanta Region

1. Kentucky
16. Mississippi Valley St./Savannah St.
8. Memphis
9. Saint Louis

5. UNLV
12. Seton Hall
4. Wisconsin
13. Arizona/NC State

6. Creighton
11. Purdue
3.Georgetown
14. Iona

7. Murray St.
10. Iowa State
2. Duke
15. Belmont

TSF Bracketology: November 21

Throughout the season TSF will be doing it's own bracketolgy and giving you their own seeds for the NCAA Tournament.

(Conference Champs in Parenthesis)

1. Kansas (Big XII)
1. Michigan State (Big Ten)
1. Texas
1. Villanova (Big East)

2. Kentucky (SEC)
2. Purdue
2. West Virginia
2. Duke

3. Tennessee
3. North Carolina (ACC)
3. Butler (Horizon)
3. Connecticut

4. Washington (Pac 10)
4. Ohio State
4. California
4. Oklahoma

5. Illinois
5. Louisville
5. Mississippi State
5. Syracuse

6. Georgia Tech
6. Georgetown
6. Gonzaga (WCC)
6. Memphis (C-USA)

7. Michigan
7. Dayton (A 10)
7. Clemson
7. Minnesota

8. Kansas State
8. Texas A&M
8. Xavier
8. Siena (MAAC)

9. Oklahoma State
9. Wake Forest
9. UCLA
9. Florida

10. Pittsburgh
10. Missouri
10. Wisconsin
10. BYU (MWC)

11. Florida State
11. UNLV
11. Tulsa
11. Cincinnati

12. Northern Iowa (MVC)
12. Western Kentucky (Sun Belt)
12. Utah State (WAC)
12. Boston College

13. Vanderbilt
13. Cornell (Ivy)
13. Akron (MAC)
13. Old Dominion (CAA)

14. Oakland (Summit)
14. Sam Houston (Southland)
14. Wofford (Southern)
14. Long Beach (Big West)

15. Northern Colorado (Big Sky)
15. Jacksonville (A-Sun)
15. Radford (Big South)
15. Mt. St. Mary's (NEC)

16. Morgan State (MEAC)
16. Murray State (OVC)
16. Holy Cross (Patriot)
16. Prairie View A&M (SWAC)

Bracket Talk: 2/23

We're gonna talk some bracketology today and some thoughts about NCAA Tournament teams.

Final Four Projections (As of today):

Pittsburgh Panthers
Why they'll make it:
They're coming off an impressive road win vs. UConn. They play strong, physical defense. They have depth and experience to go along with solid guard play with DeJuan Blair and Sam Young in the frontcourt.

Why they won't make it:
Every single Final Four team ever, has been a strong 3-point shooting team. Pittsburgh isn't very consistent from deep. When they're on from the outside, they are a damn good team. When they're not, they can be exposed. If they're not hitting their threes against a top power conference team in the Big Dance, they'll be done for.

North Carolina Tar Heels
Why they'll make it:
UNC is dangerous. They have a lot of talent and good experience. This team made it to last years Final Four and that should help with this years tourney run. They have the best frontcourt depth in the nation now with Tyler Zeller back. Ty Lawson is arguably the best PG in the country and Wayne Ellington is their strike-dead shooter. Depth is lacking, but they have enough to get over the hump.

Why they won't make it:
UNC's overall depth will be tested deep in the tournament. It isn't nearly as deep as last years team, but once they run into an equally talented team with better quality depth (Like Kansas in the Final Four last year) they'll lose. Defense is a concern as well. Perimeter defense needs to be shored up.

Connecticut Huskies
Why they'll make it
They're extremely talented and have great depth. One of the best defenses in the country and they pose match-up problems for a lot of teams; not many can bang down low with Hasheem Thabeet, Jeff Adrien is long and physical, and AJ Price is a quick and great decision-making point man. They won't give you many extra scoring opportunities because they're the best rebounding team out there.

Why they won't make it:
The loss of Jerome Dyson. UConn looked destined for the Final Four before Dyson went down with a torn MCL. Now they'll need Kemba Walker and Craig Austrie to step up and provide some scoring help. This hurt their depth quite a bit and it may have screwed up their scheme.

Memphis Tigers
Why they'll make it
Memphis is talented and experienced. Plus, they play exceptional defense. They're physical and they'll get in your face. Tyreke Evans is not your typical PG.; He can dominate you at any time. Their frontcourt can play with anybody with Shawn Taggart and Robert Dozier. Experience will help them as well.

Why they won't make it:
Offense can be stagnant at times. Once they go up against a team that is just as strong defensively and match-up with them individually, they could have some trouble putting up points. Also, as in every year, lack of competition in C-USA will hurt them.

Final Four Sleepers:
Villanova
Watch out for the Wildcats. They're experienced and have some good guard depth. Dante Cunningham is the most improved big in the nation. Plus, they can shoot it from deep and make you pay for your mistakes.

Marquette
Another team with great guard play. Their guards have been around awhile and they can shoot as well. They're not very big, but their defense and quickness will help make up for that.

Arizona St.
Don't sleep on the Sun Devils. They may not be very deep, but they have a stellar 1-2 punch with James Harden and Jeff Pendergraph. Plus, the defense is pretty strong.

Michigan St.
If Raymar Morgan stays healthy and can regain his oldself, the Spartans will be dangerous. Izzo always gets the best out of his teams in March.

Purdue
The Boilermakers haven't done much without Robbie Hummel, but if he can stay healthy they're a real threat. They nearly made the Elite 8 last year with virtually the same squad. They're talented, versatile, long, and athletic.

Xavier
This team has been there done that. They made it to the Elite 8 last year and the 2nd round two years ago. They have 3 starters back from those two teams and the depth is even better.

Overall Sleepers
Siena
They have everybody back from last years 2nd round team. They'll be dangerous after playing a tough schedule.

Creighton
The Jays are a well-known squad and they play in a good enough league to give them some competition for the tourney. They shoot the 3-ball well and they also defend well too.

UNLV
The Rebs have been inconsistent lately, but they're experienced. Wink Adams may be one of the most underappreciated guards out there. They're a well-coached squad and their top players have been there before.

West Virginia
WVA returns a lot of players from last years Elite 8 team. Bob Huggins is a terrific coach and WVA always seems to give match-up problems to teams in the tournament. This team is battle-tested and they can hang with anybody.

South Carolina
SC could sneak up on some people. They're one of the fastest teams in the country and they like to get out and run when they can. Devan Downey is a top-notch guard and has the ability to catch fire from the outside.

Stephen F. Austin
This is a well-balanced team overall. They have scorers and play tough, physical defense.

North Dakota State
This is probably the most experienced team in the country with 4 fifth-year senior starters. They've played in some big games and have gotten some big wins. They can score and they rank pretty high in some offensive statistics nationally. Ben Woodside is a very good guard for them.

Western Kentucky
They play in a formidable league and they lost in the Sweet 16 last season. Some of those players are back, including AJ Slaughter. This team is dangerous from the outside.

Projecting the Seeds

Quick projections on how the top four seeds will look like in the NCAA Tournament and what region they will end up in.

Joe Lunardi's got nothing on me...

Region by Region:

Boston:
1. Connecticut- overall 1 seed
2. Duke
3. Memphis
4. Gonzaga

Indianapolis:
1. North Carolina
2. Pittsburgh
3. Xavier
4. Arizona St.

Memphis:
1. Michigan St.
2. Wake Forest
3. Marquette
4. Texas

Glendale:
1. Oklahoma
2. Louisville
3. UCLA
4, Purdue

If this were the case, here would be my Final Four predictions from the regions...

UConn, UNC, Michigan St., and Louisville

Bracketology gone College Hockey! (WCHA Conference Tourney)

I'm going to leave the college basketball pleasure to Stefan, however in keeping with the bracketology this week I'm going to give you my bracket for the NCAA D1 WCHA Conf. Tourney. I will be in attendance to all games help up in Grand Forks this weekend with UND taking on Mich Tech So I'm a little excited to say the least.

First Round
I see Colorado College having no problem with the Seawolves
I think the Gophers are going to find a way to keep their miserable season alive with a upset win in 3 games
St. Cloud beats the Badgers in 3
Denver wins in 3 against a feisty Duluth team
UND beat Tech in possibly 3 games depending on how the injury situation works out

Play-In
Huskies end the Gophers "dream season"

SEMIS
CC Stays red hot against the Huskies.
UND has DUs number as of late and I don't see that changing.

Championship
UND upsets CC on the back of J.P. Lamoureaux and TJ Oshie.

It's not like I've never been called a homer before so let me know what you honestly think of my picks. I know I'm a UND student so I'm biased but I really see UND continuing their unbeaten ways. It's been 16 games since we lost ya know....

Major Conference Tournament Predictions

It's Championship Week baby!

Big East

As always, the Big East Tournament should be a great one to watch! A lot of teams have the potential to take it, but this year I'm going with Louisville. They've been playing great the last month or so and now they're healthy. They've been a different team ever since David Padgett came back from an early injury. They have great depth, especially at the the guard position, they're well-coached and they also have some experience.

Pac 10

UCLA will win the Pac 10 Tournament. They just have too much experience and talent. Yes, they've caught some breaks lately but in their last few games they haven't played to their potential. No one else in this tourney has an answer for Kevin Love either. I expect a different Bruins team to show up for the conference tournament.

SEC

The SEC is down this year and no one is much of a threat to Tennessee other than Kentucky and Vanderbilt. I see the Vols cruising to the final and then win a close one vs. Kentucky to win the conference and solidify a 1 seed for the Big Dance.

Projecting the Seeds

The NCAA Tournament is about a month away and I absolutely cannot wait. Here's our current projections of the top 4 seeds and conference winners.

1 Seeds
Memphis- Should easily be a 1 seed with the C-USA schedule
UNC- I think they'll prevail, once Lawson is back and to full strength they should just about win out and win the ACC Tourney
UCLA- they will win the Pac 10 tourney which should secure the 1 seed
Tennessee- the SEC is down this year and no one is really posing that much of a threat to them

2 Seeds
Kansas- should be a 1 seed, but Texas or A&M could easily knock them off in the Big XII tourney
Duke- I see them losing to UNC and possibly in the ACC Tourney
Georgetown- still have to play Louisville, Marquette, and UConn but two of them are at home. I see them at least making the Big East Tourney Final
Texas- playing as good as anyone now but tough schedule coming up

3 Seeds
Butler- Could easily win out but being a mid-major and easy schedule won't get them a 2 seed
Indiana- I have a feeling they will finish strong in the Big 10
Washington St.- I see them finishing strong and beating Stanford for a 3 seed
Michigan St.- they may not be ranked very high now but more teams will lose and I see them bouncing back and getting some good wins and finishing well in the conference tourney

4 Seeds
Stanford- still have to play Wazzou, USC, and UCLA
Xavier- Could falter 1 or 2 more times in a tough A10
Wisconsin- Still have to play OSU, MSU, Ill
Connecticut- fairly tough schedule left, plus conference tourney

Projected Conference Winners

America East: Hartford
Atlantic 10: Xavier
ACC: UNC
Atlantic Sun: Belmont
Big XII: Texas
Big East: Georgetown
Big Sky: Portland St.
Big South: Winthrop
Big Ten: Indiana
Big West: UCSB
CAA: VCU
C-USA: Memphis
Horizon: Butler
Ivy: Brown
MAAC: Niagara
MAC: Kent St.
MEAC: Hampton
MVC: Drake
MWC: UNLV
NEC: Wagner
Ohio Valley: Austin Peay
Pac 10: UCLA
Patriot: American
SEC: Tennessee
Southern: Davidson
Southland: Stephen F. Austin
SWAC: Alabama St.
Summit: Oral Roberts
Sunbelt: South Alabama
WCC: Gonzaga
WAC: New Mexico St.

NCAA Frozen Four Predictions

Here are my predictions for the NCAA Frozen Four Tournament beginning Friday.





I really think that Notre Dame is a great team, and obviously worthy of a #1 seed, however they are no match for the Golden Gophers and are possibly a bit overrated (in my eyes at least). If the Gophers can get by UND I think they can make a straight-shot to the title game. If UND and Minn. meet in the 2nd round it should be pure eye-candy. As previously stated, when these two teams have met this year it has been nearly a coin-flip and have featured finishes with a flair for high scoring, overtime, and the dramatic. Overall I think the WCHA is just far superior to the rest of college hockey and will definitely leave its mark on the tourney. I feel like you can look for upsets from Mich St. over Boston U. (first round), BC over UNH, and St. Cloud over Clarkson (2nd Round). But like I said I just don't see any teams with a better shot at winning the tournament than the Minnesota Golden Gophers, and I think they take down the Irish for the crown.


Now, It's time for my Ideal Frozen Four Outcome:

Above is how I predict the tournament to go down, but this is what I'm really rooting for. I do feel like this, although mere fantasy, isn't that incredibly far fetched. Having picked Minnesota as my Champion I feel like if UND can beat Michigan (which I truly feel they can and will) and then beat Minnesota in a tough game; then the hardest part is truly behind them. If the Fighting Sioux can beat the Gophers then I think they can roll into the championship with a full head of steam and take down the Irish in a dandy....Ok, so I know that I'm just purely fantasizing on a computer screen right now but hey, it could happen....couldn't it?

Do you think it could? What are your predictions? Do they look like mine?

Big 10 and Big XII Conference Tourney Previews

BIG XII

As biased as this could be I really think that Kansas will be our Big XII Champ. Although I think you can look for some really great games. I think potentially KU vs. Tex Tech, Texas vs. Texas A&M will be great semifinal games. Especially Texas A&M vs. Texas: I feel like this game could sway either way but I'm going with A&M because I've seen quite a bit of the Aggies and Acie Law and I think they are legit. They have the edge with experience over a young Longhorns team. Look for the championship to be very hard-fought and close between Texas A&M and KU. But, aside from them being my team I'm taking KU. Acie Law is great but I can't pick against the likes of Rush, Wright, Chalmers and Robinson. This should be exceptional viewing so make sure to tune in for some of these games over spring break. This year's BIG XII tourney should be one of the better tournaments and I think we are all in for a treat.

BIG TEN

When a lot of people think of good college basketball they usually focus on the ACC, Big XII, and SEC. Really I can't argue with anyone there but I encourage you all to watch some of this year's BIG TEN tournament. I think it should be one of the better in recent years. Much like the BIG XII Tourney, I think the Semifinal games should be great to watch. Look for Ohio St. to beat Iowa but I think this game might be closer than people think. Personally, I feel the championship everyone wants to see (Wisconsin vs. Ohio St.) probably won't happen. I like Indiana to beat Wisconsin in a doozie. Then after the Semifinal upset look for them to play Ohio St. really tough. In the end Indiana nor Iowa (or really Wisconsin for that matter) have anyone who can REALLY match up against Mr. Greg Oden. Also if they focus in on Oden look for Freshman PG Mike Conley to be able to step up and hit the big shot. I was really tempted to go with Indiana here but Complete Sports did it for me. I'm sticking with Ohio St. to hold up and solidify their number 1 seed in the dance.

Conference Tournament Predictions

ACC

I picked quite a few upsets in the ACC. Duke and UNC lovers will hate to see this. But I just have to go with my gut feeling. Georgia Tech is playing well lately and it seems their young guns are stepping up. The whole Yellow Jackets team is taking their game to the next level. I think UNC will get toppled in the semi's to BC. BC has underachieved all year. I think this is their time to get hot and get some momentum into the big dance. Jared Dudley will step up his game and so will his teammates. In the end, I like G-Tech over BC. Like I said it's just my gut feeling and at the beginning of the season I said BC or G-Tech would win the ACC Tourney, so I had to pick one of them.


SEC


I picked the favorite here in Florida. Florida has been struggling the last few games and they'll be ready to show the country they're still the top team. They need to keep making a claim for a one seed and this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Also, watch out for Arkansas, they're on the rise and could pull off some upsets.


Tune in Thursday for the Big 12 and Big 10 predictions

Conference Tournament Predictions

It's time for the big conference tournaments. I am very excited and you may be stunned about some of my upset picks. But usually there are plenty of surprises in these tournaments and I'll try to use the best of my knowledge to select them all. Also, you should check out Complete Sports Conference Tourney Predictions as well.

Big East

In the end I like Georgetown. From the beginning of the season I always thought this Hoyas team was the top dog in the Big East. They have one of the best frontcourts in the country with Roy Hibbert and Jeff Green, and also have guards that compliment the posts very well.

Watch out for Syracuse, they could make a run. They have some experienced starters who know how to get the job done. I like the play of Demetrius Nichols, who has a great chance to be Big East Player of the Year.


Pac 10

UCLA will win the Pac 10 Tournament. They are one of the most balanced teams in the country and have multiple threats. If one player is off, they can just go to the next great scoring threat they have and it won't be too big of a deal. Their stellar defense and ability to play any tempo will prevail.

Watch out for Washington and USC. Both of these teams are battle tested and could make a run to win it.

Tune in Wednesday for the ACC and SEC predictions.

Conference Tournament Predictions

Conference tournaments are upon us and it is one of the most exciting times of the year. Time for teams to make a quest for the NCAA Tournament; Time to see who will be dancing and will be packing. So sit back and relax, and enjoy the ride.

Click on Brackets to Enlarge Predictions

Atlantic Sun Predictions



















East Tennessee State and Belmont are head and shoulders above the rest of the conference. There is no doubt in my mind that these two will be in championship. I didn't pick any upsets in this tournament. I like ETSU in the end with the experience and play makers.

MVC

I gotta go with Complete Sports on their MVC Champion prediction. Southern Illinois is one of the best defensive teams in the country and one of the top 15 teams in the country. The MVC is deep and anyone can make a run, especially one of the top 6 seeds.

** Sorry about the brackets not completely showing up. I didn't have time to do them on Excel so I made them on paint and for some reason they don't completely show up. Just bear with me**