West Regional Preview

The West Region in the 2018 NCAA Tournament had some twists and turns without a doubt. The 1 and 2 seeds (Xavier and North Carolina) are both gone after losing in the second round, and the 3 seed Michigan would've been too if it hadn't been for Jordan Poole's crazy game winner against Houston. 4 Gonzaga had two close calls after blowing leads to both UNC-Greensboro and Ohio State, but they  managed to survive. The teams who beat Xavier and UNC, 9 Florida State and 7 Texas A&M, respectively, also pose as viable threats to get to San Antonio. 

Like the South bracket, this region is also pretty screwed up for me. I got Michigan and Gonzaga, but I was blindsided by Texas A&M and Florida State, so here's my second chance at predicting the West. 

4 Gonzaga over 9 Florida State

I've been high on Gonzaga all year, and I won't stop believing now. I had them in my Elite Eight, beating Xavier to get there, so I'll stick with that. Zach Norvell Jr is a star, and the Zags also have some nice size to combat that of FSU. 

3 Michigan over 7 Texas A&M

I'll be honest and say if I didn't have Michigan winning the whole thing in my original bracket, I would pick A&M. The Aggies ran UNC out of the gym behind the play of Tyler Davis and TJ Starks, and they are finally looking like the team we expected them to be back in December. These are guys dangerous. But I'll take Michigan because of their elite defense and their ability to get baskets by some method. Michigan doesn't have a star, but their offense is so methodical that it will frustrate the hell out of Texas A&M. 

3 Michigan over 4 Gonzaga 

Again, Gonzaga is a great pick here too, but I gotta be loyal. Michigan has momentum again after hitting that shot against Houston, and Gonzaga struggles in late-game situations and in holding early leads. I'll stick with Michigan.