Final Four Preview

The Final Four tips off in less than six hours, and we will experience what I'm predicting to be one of the best Final Fours ever. The 2018 San Antonio edition has all the components of a Final Four one could ask for. The heavyweights (Villanova and Kansas), the upstart momentum-riding Michigan Wolverines and the Cinderella in Loyola-Chicago. This Final Four doesn't lack anything. 

The two games tonight are a pure example of the unpredictable nature of the tournament. You have 3 Michigan and 11 Loyola-Chicago in one matchup, and 1 Villanova and 1 Kansas in the other one. The seeding didn't hold, but now we are guaranteed the gem of Villanova and Kansas playing each other in the tournament for the second time in three years. With Michigan and Loyola-Chicago, you get the two teams that have the toughest competition to get here. In both cases, neither team had to play a top-2 seed en route to San Antonio. Michigan highest-seeded opponent was 6 Houston. Each side of the bracket, and each matchup at that, tells a different story. Chalk and Chaos. 

The Chaos Matchup is our first game tonight: 3 Michigan vs 11 Loyola-Chicago. I picked Michigan to win the whole thing in all my bracket pools, but I also love the hometown Ramblers of Loyola. Still, I lean Michigan in both my fandom and my thoughts. Loyola-Chicago is a great story, but Michigan's defense is unlike anything Loyola-Chicago has seen in the tournament thus far. With the defense and the offense that can go off for 100 in any given game, Michigan is the clear favorite. I still, however, expect Loyola-Chicago to stay in this game to the very end. Clayton Custer and Ben Richardson make up a dynamic duo in the backcourt with Marques Townes and Donte Ingram providing additional scoring. Loyola-Chicago is the best 11 seed to make the Final Four, but I still like Michigan thanks to their perimeter defense and streaky shooting. 

The Chalk Side gives us the National Championship before the National Championship. It is widely expected that whoever wins this game will go on to win the whole thing on Monday. I actually haven't heard one person pick Michigan or Loyola-Chicago to win it all on any of the Final Four Preview shows. With the way Kansas and Villanova have been playing, I don't really blame them. Villanova has taken down two straight Big 12 opponents by double digits to get here, while Kansas just knocked off the most talented team in the country in Duke. Both teams have had great tournaments, so we should expect a great game. Kansas's Malik Newman has been the hero in the tournament for the Jayhawks. He hit multiple clutch shots against Duke to seal the Final Four trip for Kansas, and he has finally found his role on this team. For Villanova, it's been a team effort, but Jalen Brunson has been the guiding force behind it all. The AP Player of the Year has averaged 17.5 ppg in four tournament games, including 27 in the West Virginia game. The guards for both teams are what got them to this point, but I think the big guys will be the key aspect of this game. Omari Spellman for Villanova and Udoka Azubuike for Kansas both fill the big guy role, but they do it in opposite ways. Spellman is a lethal 3-point shooter while Azubuike is a traditional powerhouse big. Whoever wins that matchup will win the game for his team. I think Spellman will win it, as Azubuike will struggle guarding outside the paint. As a result, Villanova will win this game.

No matter what happens tonight, we will be seeing a great celebration of college basketball. Given the FBI crap that's been going on, this type of Final Four is needed. We have four great teams and a fantastic location in San Antonio. (I think it might be the coolest Final Four court ever.) College basketball is still the greatest spectator sport in the world, and this Final Four shows why. 

Jersey Appreciation Friday Vol. 63

This week's Jersey Appreciation Saturday goes to the Davidson Wildcats. I recently received a Steph Curry Davidson jersey as a gift, and I realized just how cool it is. The white jersey from the Curry era features black letters with a red outline. This may look clunky to some, but that's okay because the neckline is only accompanied by a red line going around it. It's simple in some areas and complex in others. Overall just a fantastic look. Click Here

Midwest Regional Preview

The Midwest Regional commences tonight, and it's not as good as the East. I do like the fact that we have Kansas and Duke playing, but Syracuse doesn't really excite me. Clemson, however, is the wild card here. The Tigers have played really well in the Tournament so far, knocking off a good 12 in New Mexico State and just pounding 4 Auburn. They play 1 Kansas, though, so we have to see how that goes. Clemson certainly has convinced me that they are good, but Kansas is a different animal. I'm way less excited for 2 Duke and 11 Syracuse. I just don't think this will be close. Syracuse had a nice run, but Duke looks so good right now. Marvin Bagley and Wendell Carter will make Syracuse pay for playing the zone, something the Orange's previous two opponents didn't do. 

Predictions:

1 Kansas over 5 Clemson

The backcourt of Devonte' Graham and Malik Newman will overpower Clemson's tough defense. 

2 Duke over 11 Syracuse

This will be a blow out. I will be punished if I'm wrong. 

2 Duke over 1 Kansas

Once again Kansas will lose in the Elite Eight. This time it won't be their fault. Duke is simply the better team. They have more inside than Kansas, and I don't think the Jayhawks will be able to counter that. 

East Regional Preview

The East Regional kicks off tonight with two awesome games in 1 Villanova vs 5 West Virginia and 3 Texas Tech vs 2 Purdue. This is probably the best Regional of the four simply because of the high-profile teams involved. This is also the chalkiest region we have left, so we should cherish the normalcy that it represents.

In the first matchup, we have Villanova and West Virginia. This is an enticing matchup because we have the best offense in the country vs one of the best full-court defenses in the country. Villanova's Mikal Bridges has been playing like a top 10 pick in the Tournament, and the point guard matchup between Jalen Brunson and Jevon Carter is phenomenal. Both are Cousy Award finalists and both hail from Illinois. I expect a fast-paced ballgame with a lot of threes being shot. 

The second matchup is another offense vs defense thriller. We have the offensively beautiful Purdue vs the hard-nosed defense of Texas Tech. Again, the guard matchup will be something to see. Carsen Edwards has been one of the best guards all season, while Keenan Evans has carried his Red Raiders to this point. This is the best game we will see tonight. I expect a close game won on the final possession. 

Time for my predictions. What used to be my favorite part of college basketball is now turning into something I dread. Yesterday I went 1/4, getting only Michigan correct. Tonight I hope to do better. 

1 Villanova over 5 West Virginia 

Villanova shoots too well and scores too much for West Virginia to keep up offensively. West Virginia's press will be sliced up by the talented Villanova guard play, and their offense won't match the efficiency of Nova. West Virginia has struggled scoring in the second half all year, and I think it dooms them tonight. 

3 Texas Tech over 2 Purdue 

This is a really tough game for me to call, but I love a hot guard in March. This year, it's Keenan Evans. Purdue can easily win this game, but I think Isaac Haas not being at 100% if he even plays will hurt Purdue's efficiency around the rim. Texas Tech is a premier defensive team, and I think they can handle the Boilermakers. 

1 Villanova over 3 Texas Tech

Villanova's offense is historically good. This year especially I feel that teams that are more offensively challenged than defensively have been more vulnerable. Look at Cincinnati, Tennessee and Virginia for example. It's tough to win when you can't score. That's why Villanova will go to the Final Four, and Texas Tech won't. 

South Regional Preview

The South Region is completely messed up. This is the first time ever where seeds 1-4 were all eliminated before the Sweet 16. As a result, we have 5 Kentucky vs 9 Kansas State and 11 Loyola-Chicago vs 7 Nevada. Take that however you want. In my personal view, upsets in early rounds just lead to crappy regionals and Final Fours. I think we see this happening here. These matchups are fun because of the Cinderella aspect of each team, but expect the quality of basketball to take a nose dive due to the lack of top teams. Despite that, we should be seeing exciting basketball. Kansas State got here by killing Creighton and surviving 16 seed UMBC, and Kentucky got here by taking care of business against 12 Davidson and 13 Buffalo. The second matchup in this regional is a bit more exciting. In Loyola-Chicago and Nevada, you have two teams that love winning on the last possession. Loyola has won two straight games on buzzer beaters over 6 Miami and 3 Tennessee, while Nevada has survived second half double digit deficits in its first two games, the latter featuring a 22-point comeback against 2 Cincinnati. 

Since my South bracket is totally screwed, I'll do a new prediction: 

5 Kentucky over 9 Kansas State 

I like the way Kentucky is playing with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Also, K-State played horrendously against UMBC. 

7 Nevada over 11 Loyola-Chicago

I really want Loyola-Chicago to win as they're currently the best basketball team in Illinois. (I'm including the Bulls.) But Nevada has a really strong starting lineup consisting of the Martin twins, Kendall Stephens and Jordan Caroline, and I can't see them slipping up here. The Cardiac Pack got this.

7 Nevada over 5 Kentucky 

I really like the way Nevada is playing right now. They shoot lights out in the final 5 minutes of every game they've played so far, and the energy brought by Eric Musselman is enough to get Nevada to the Final Four. 

 

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. 

Jersey Appreciation Friday Vol. 62

This week's Jersey Appreciation Friday goes to the UMBC RETRIEVERS!! I honestly hate these uniforms but who the hell cares? They just became the first 16 seed to beat a 1 seed in NCAA Tournament history by knocking off Virginia. What a day! Click Here

NCAA Tournament Predictions

We are about 12 hours out from the official first game of the NCAA Tournament so I thought I'd best give my predictions now. The first and second rounds came pretty easily to me, while the later rounds were much harder.   I wasn't totally sure about my national champ until a half hour ago. Currently, I am confident in my picks, but that likely won't be the case by Day 3. Anyways, here goes nothing. 

I'll start by listing some of my notable upset picks. I'm not really explaining the reasoning because I don't have much of it. It's just a feeling for the most part.

11 San Diego State over 6 Houston

The Aztecs are coming off a fantastic Mountain West tourney victory, and I'm not uber confident in the 3rd best team in the American.

13 Marshall over 4 Wichita State

I like Dan D'Antoni's vibe and offense. Marshall also has an awesome nickname and a great shade of green. 

12 New Mexico State over 5 Clemson

I was really impressed with NM St at the Diamondhead back in December, and I don't know how Clemson can rebound well enough without Donte Grantham. 

13 Charleston over 4 Auburn

Probably my biggest stretch. Auburn hasn't been the same since losing Anfernee McLemore. 

So as you notice, I don't really have many huge upset picks in the first round. I think that since the top teams aren't as good this year, then the bottom teams must be worse than usual as well. 

Now for my long-awaited Final Four. Long-awaited by me, at least. I've been waiting to predict this year's Final Four since...uh...last year's Final Four, and I can't believe the day has finally come. 

South Region

In the South I have a Sweet 16 of Virginia vs Arizona and Miami vs Cincinnati. I then have a Virginia-Cincy Elite Eight with Cincinnati going to the Final Four. I really like Virginia's defense, but the loss of De'Andre Hunter really hurts them. Cincinnati has the second best defense in America and Gary Clark is turning into a monster on offense. 

WINNER: Cincinnati

West Region

My Sweet 16 is total chalk. Xavier vs Gonzaga and North Carolina vs Michigan. I really like the Zags to get by Xavier, and I'm taking Michigan over UNC. I'm riding high on momentum this year, and Michigan currently has a boatload of it. They'll beat Gonzaga in the Elite Eight.

WINNER: Michigan

East Region

Villanova vs West Virginia and Florida vs Purdue are my Sweet 16 matchups. Villanova and Purdue hold seed as both get to the Elite Eight, where Villanova edges past them to get to the Final Four. The Wildcats have the easiest route to the Elite Eight, so I'm inclined to pick them here. Jalen Brunson is getting all the headlines for this team, but it's Mikal Bridges who will lead this team to a Final Four. 

WINNER: Villanova 

Midwest

This is a loaded region with Kansas, Duke and Michigan State, but I like the Spartans getting out alive in this one. They'll beat Duke in the Sweet 16 and Kansas (who knocks off New Mexico State in the Sweet 16) in the Elite Eight to get there. The combination of size and athleticism will get them to the Final Four.

WINNER: Michigan State

Final Four

Cincinnati vs Michigan

Both of these teams have top 10 defense in the country. In these cases you look at which team has the better offense, and I think that's Michigan. Mo Wagner can spread Cincy out, and I like Michigan's bench better. 

WINNER: Michigan

Villanova vs Michigan State

The guard play of Villanova and the fact that they don't turn the ball over has me taking the Wildcats here. Size means nothing if you can't use it properly. Nova does a good job of denying the post despite their small squad, and I think that'll rattle the Spartans.

WINNER: Villanova

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Michigan vs Villanova 

In this case, I like momentum. Michigan is clicking at the right time. Their defense and rebounding is really strong, and they are shooting extremely well too. Call me crazy, but I ride with the underdog here. Go Blue.

WINNER: Michigan

There you have it. Those are my picks for this year. Let's hope we get an awesome tournament regardless if these are right or not. 

What Team is the Smartest National Champion Pick?

While the Selection Show was a complete dud yesterday, the bracket reveal did eventually come, and now I am left with difficult decisions all over the place. 

My issue this year isn't the first weekend. I'm quite confident in all my Sweet 16 picks, including 12 New Mexico State. My problem is that I have no effing clue how to pick this year's winner. With tough teams scattered all over the bracket, the 1 seeds are no lock to get to the Final Four. Let alone the death matches the 2's and 3's face in the Sweet 16 if seeding holds.  

My way of picking national champions varies based on the year. Sometimes you have to go with the favorite, others you gotta surprise some people, and sometimes you look for the easiest matchups. The best way, obviously, is trying to find a combination of all three: favorite, sleeper and lack of resistance.

How can you have a favorite and sleeper? Well it's pretty easy actually. The key is picking a team that has potential to win it all of the shortlist, which is usually 6-8 teams. Of those finalists, you gotta pick an uncommon champion based on the status of others around you. This enables you to make more mistakes in the opening rounds, as the championship round is usually weighted to the point where you can be 15+ points back of the leader and still win your pool if you pick right later. Basically, if half the pool has the #1 overall seed winning, you might want to look around at some other options. 

With that explained, who's the most economic pick this year? 

*This isn't an endorsement*

If we look at the first category, the favorites, we can narrow the field down to, in my mind, 10 teams: Virginia, Arizona, Villanova, Purdue, Kansas, Duke, Michigan State, Xavier, North Carolina and Michigan. I can GUARANTEE that one of these teams will cut down the nets on April 2. 

From there we have to go with a sleeper AMONG these 10 teams. By sleeper I don't mean a Cinderella story. I mean the team that is still really good but for whatever reason people aren't picking to win the whole thing. That gets rid of Virginia, Villanova and Michigan State. Of all the predictions I've seen, these three teams are probably 60% of the picks. It must be acknowledged that Villanova probably has the easiest road to the Final Four, but their status as a high seeded media favorite puts a damper on their easy East region. 

We are now down to 7 teams: Arizona, Purdue, Kansas, Duke, Xavier, North Carolina and Michigan. 

Our last category is resistance, or the toughest road to the Final Four. Obviously, Arizona has a really hard Sweet 16 game against Virginia, not to mention a tough second round against Kentucky. They also have the whole FBI thing going on too. They're out. 6 teams. Purdue is good, but they have to beat Villanova to make the Final Four. They also have been struggling down the stretch. Out. 5 teams. Duke has Marvin Bagley. He's really good, but do we 100% trust them against Michigan State in the Sweet 16? No. 4 teams left. Xavier is a tough 1 seed, but they get Gonzaga in the Sweet 16 and most likely Missouri in the second round. For a team that plays down to its competition, that's risky. 3 teams. Kansas has a walk to the Elite Eight, but the winner of Duke and Michigan State won't be easy to get past. 2 teams left. We are now down to North Carolina and Michigan. This matchup occurs in a Sweet 16 in the West Region. Xavier is the weakest 1 seed, so it's a solid presumption that the winner of this game is most likely to get to the Final Four. In this game, I lean North Carolina because they already slapped Michigan earlier in the year. So with that all being decided. The most economic pick to win the National Championship is: 

NORTH CAROLINA.  

They aren't in the top tier of favorites, they are a reliable sleeper team among the best teams, and they have an easy path to the Final Four. 

Jersey Appreciation Friday Vol. 61

This week's Jersey Appreciation Friday goes to the Tennessee Volunteers. The simple combination of white and bright orange impresses me because it's really hard to make bright on white work. Tennessee does this and has one of the best white jerseys in the country as a result. I don't watch much SEC basketball, but these uniforms might be the reason why I start. Tennessee might actually be good this year so I might as well enjoy the sideshow.Click Here

Predicting Every Game in the Pac 12 Tournament

The NCAA Tournament is almost upon us and to get into the spirit of bracket pools I've decided to predict every game from the ACC, Big 12, Big East, Pac 12* and SEC Tournaments. Finally here is the Pac 12

*About 80% of these picks are pure guesswork. 

First Round (Wednesday) 

8 Colorado vs 9 Arizona State

I told everyone in January that Arizona State would flame out, and look what they did. You really think I'm backing out now?

PREDICTION: Colorado

5 Stanford vs 12 California

Yeah I don't any clue about either of these teams. Um, Stanford.

PREDICTION: Stanford

7 Washington vs 10 Oregon State

I actually like the Huskies to stand out and make a statement here. 

PREDICTION: Washington 

6 Oregon vs 11 Washington State

This isn't last year's Oregon team, but I'll still take them over Wazzou. 

PREDICTION: Oregon

Quarterfinals (Thursday)

1 Arizona vs 8 Colorado

I'll take Arizona here. The FBI thing finally has them playing with some urgency.

PREDICTION: Arizona 

4 UCLA vs 5 Stanford

Aaron Holiday has been a monster for the Bruins down the stretch. They could do some damage. 

PREDICTION: UCLA

2 USC vs 7 Washington 

I don't like USC and never have this season. Washington is a nice story, so sure. 

PREDICTION: Washington 

3 Utah vs 6 Oregon

I'm picking the Ducks solely because they have more players I've heard of. 

PREDICTION: Oregon 

Semifinals (Friday)

1 Arizona vs 4 UCLA

This is basically the championship game right here. I really, really like UCLA, so I'll take the Bruins. Arizona sucks in tournaments anyway. 

PREDICTION: UCLA

7 Washington vs 6 Oregon

I think Washington will win. 

PREDICTION: Washington

Championship (Saturday)

4 UCLA vs 7 Washington 

I'm higher on UCLA than most. I think they'll be motivated by the bubble talk and win this damn thing. 

PREDICTION: U-C (clap clap) L-A (clap clap)

Predicting Every Game in the Big East Tournament

The NCAA Tournament is almost upon us and to get into the spirit of bracket pools I've decided to predict every game from the ACC, Big 12, Big East, Pac 12 and SEC Tournaments. Here's the Big East.

First Round (Wednesday)

8 Georgetown vs 9 St John's 

Yeah screw Georgetown here. Shamorie Ponds might as well be the second coming of Kemba. He's a tough NYC guard who would be getting NPOY consideration if his team wasn't so bad. The Red Storm are also at home so I like that too. 

PREDICTION: St John's

7 Marquette vs 10 DePaul

It's DePaul. But wait, DePaul actually BEAT Marquette earlier in the year. But still, it's DePaul. Until they hire a coach who they didn't previously fire, I won't pick them in any game. 

PREDICTION: Marquette

Quarterfinals (Thursday)

1 Xavier vs 9 St John's 

Xavier is really bad at playing bad teams this year. They've struggled and played down to their opponents all season. That will continue in this game probably, but since X hasn't faced the consequences of this habit so far, I don't think it'll happen Thursday. 

PREDICTION: Xavier

4 Creighton vs 5 Providence

Creighton's offense is nationally prolific, but they also have a great defensive player in Khyri Thomas. I think he's the x-factor in this matchup. Providence is good enough to be in the NCAA Tournament, but I don't think they can knock off Creighton despite their close seedings.
PREDICTION: Creighton

2 Villanova vs 7 Marquette 

Villanova only loses to teams that shoot the piss out of the ball. Marquette certainly does that, so I don't like this matchup for Villanova. But whenever I think Villanova might lose, they always win by a billion. So..Nova

PREDICTION: Villanova

3 Seton Hall vs 6 Butler

Butler has a solid team. Kelan Martin is superb. Seton Hall, however, has the big guys to neutralize him. Angel Delgado should have a solid performance here and lead his team to a win. 

PREDICTION: Seton Hall

Semifinals (Friday)

1 Xavier vs 4 Creighton

If playing down to their competition isn't going to catch up with Xavier on Thursday, it definitely will Friday. I'll take the Blue Jays. 

PREDICTION: Creighton 

2 Villanova vs 3 Seton Hall

Seton Hall always plays Villanova tough. It was only two years ago when the Pirates beat Villanova in the Big East Tournament Championship. I think Villanova wins this one as they have superior guard play and are fully healthy.

PREDICTION: Villanova

Championship (Saturday)

4 Creighton vs 2 Villanova

This is probably my dream matchup. It's nothing but offense. In this one, I like Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges to step up and beat Creighton after that overtime loss that cost them the Big East. 

PREDICTION: Villanova 

Predicting Every Game in the SEC Tournament

The NCAA Tournament is almost upon us and to get into the spirit of bracket pools I've decided to predict every game from the ACC, Big 12, Big East, Pac 12 and SEC Tournaments. Let's go with the SEC.

First Round (Wednesday) 

12 Georgia vs 13 Vanderbilt 

I'm not gonna pretend to know what I'm talking about with this game, but Yante Maten from Georgia can ball. 

PREDICTION: Georgia 

11 South Carolina vs 14 Ole Miss

South Carolina has been improving since the beginning of the SEC season, while Ole Miss has been moving the opposite direction. Go Cocks. 

PREDICTION: South Carolina

Second Round (Thursday)

8 Texas A&M vs 9 Alabama

This is a matchup that could determine whether these teams are in or out on Selection Sunday. Alabama has Collin Sexton but A&M has great size. This has been a pretty disappointing 2018 for the Aggies after a hot start. I like the fire Alabama has, but A&M looks done with this season.

PREDICTION: Alabama

5 Missouri vs 12 Georgia 

Even if Michael Porter Jr doesn't play in this game, I still expect a capable Missouri squad to handle Georgia. 

PREDICTION: Missouri 

7 Mississippi State vs 10 LSU

Gimme LSU here. Tremont Waters played really well in the Maui Invitational and has the clutch gene. He can carry the Tigers past Mississippi State here. 

PREDICTION: LSU

6 Arkansas vs 11 South Carolina

Even though Arkansas just kicked Dustin Thomas off the team, they still have enough firepower in Jaylen Barford and Daryl Macon to get past South Carolina. 

PREDICTION: Arkansas 

Quarterfinals (Friday)

1 Auburn vs 9 Alabama

I think Auburn has a really solid core in Jared Harper, Mustapha Heron and Bryce Brown. They are a fantastic shooting team and use momentum well. Alabama is too inconsistent to win here, despite having won against Auburn earlier. 

PREDICTION: Auburn

4 Kentucky vs 5 Missouri

The matchup of one-and-dones gone wrong I see. I'm going to predict Michael Porter doesn't play this year. If that's the case I'll take Kentucky. Kevin Knox can fill it up and Shai Gligeous-Alexander can lead this team. 

PREDICTION: Kentucky 

2 Tennessee vs 10 LSU

I've still yet to watch Tennessee play since they lost to North Carolina back in December. Sorry I just hate SEC basketball. Nonetheless I'll take Tennessee here due to seed difference. 

PREDICTION: Tennessee 

3 Florida vs 6 Arkansas 

Florida has enough shooting to down Arkansas. I'm still high on the Gators because they can blitz teams offensively. I presume they do that here. 

PREDICTION: Florida 

Semifinals (Saturday)

1 Auburn vs 4 Kentucky

Kentucky still doesn't look like they've figured it out, and Auburn looks like they have. Despite losing Anfernee McLemore for the season, and despite falling off down the stretch, I'll take Auburn.

PREDICTION: Auburn

2 Tennessee vs 3 Florida 

Something draws me to Tennessee even though I know very little about them. Grant Williams can play, and I think they show why they're SEC co-champions. 

PREDICTION: Tennessee

Championship (Sunday)

1 Auburn vs 2 Tennessee 

In their one matchup this season, Tennessee had a 10-point lead on Auburn at home and lost. Auburn was soaring and Tennessee was questioning their existence. Now it's almost the other way around. Tennessee has really been strong down the stretch, while Auburn has slipped. I'll take the Volunteers.

PREDICTION: Tennessee

Predicting Every Game in the Big 12 Tournament

The NCAA Tournament is almost upon us and to get into the spirit of bracket pools I've decided to predict every game from the ACC, Big 12, Big East, Pac 12 and SEC Tournaments. Let's go with the Big 12.

First Round (Wednesday) 

8 Oklahoma State vs 9 Oklahoma 

Oklahoma State ended their season with a fantastic win over Kansas. In doing so they were the first Big 12 team to sweep Kansas during the streak. Oklahoma is all struggle bus right now. Gimme the Pokes.

PREDICTION: Oklahoma State 

7 Texas vs 10 Iowa State

Iowa State has Lindell Winnington, but I like Texas here. The Longhorns ended their season with a nice win against West Virginia, and I think that momentum carries here. 

PREDICTION: Texas

Quarterfinals (Thursday)

1 Kansas vs 8 Oklahoma State

It's extremely hard to beat Kansas twice in one season, and it's damn near impossible to beat them three times. Jayhawks. 

PREDICTION: Kansas

4 Kansas State vs 5 TCU

Both teams here a quite formidable. Ultimately, I like the First Team Big 12 guy Dean Wade from K-State to help lead the Wildcats to a victory. 

PREDICTION: Kansas State

2 Texas Tech vs 7 Texas

The Keenan Evans injury has me slightly worried, and I like the groove Texas is settling into. Shaka Smart knows how to win in March, and I think they get past their in-state rival.

PREDICTION: Texas

3 West Virginia vs 6 Baylor

Baylor has been scorching hot in the recent weeks, and West Virginia has been sliding during the same stretch. Still, I think West Virginia's defense dominate the Bears. And Jevon Carter does just enough offensively to carry them.

PREDICTION: West Virginia

Semifinals (Friday)

1 Kansas vs 4 Kansas State

Kansas is the class of the Big 12 for a reason, but they honestly don't perform that well in the Big 12 Tournament. Kansas State is gonna be hungry for a win against their rival, and I think they get it done. 

PREDICTION: Kansas State

7 Texas vs 3 West Virginia

Mohamed Bamba causes issues for West Virginia down low. Sagaba Konate is neutralized when Bamba is present. This game is basically a crapshoot, but give me the Longhorns. 

PREDICTION: Texas

Championship (Saturday) 

4 Kansas State vs 7 Texas 

This matchup shows how much confidence I have in the upper echelon of the Big 12. Basically any game is 50/50 in this conference, so I don't consider this an upset necessarily. I think Kansas State is a lot tougher than people give them credit for, so I'll roll with them here. 

PREDICTION: Kansas State

Predicting Every Game in the ACC Tournament

The NCAA Tournament is almost upon us and to get into the spirit of bracket pools I've decided to predict every game from the ACC, Big 12, Big East, Pac 12 and SEC Tournaments. First up, the ACC. 

1st Round (Tuesday)

12 Boston College vs 13 Georgia Tech

I have minimal interest in this game, but I'll take Boston College as they've beaten GT once this year and Ky Bowman and Jerome Robinson can play. 

PREDICTION: Boston College

10 Notre Dame vs 15 Pittsburgh

Lol. Notre Dame should win by a billion. They finally have health in their side and need to make a push to get in the NCAA Tournament. And Pitt sucks.

PREDICTION: Notre Dame

11 Syracuse vs 14 Wake Forest

Syracuse had a nice momentum-building win against Clemson to close out the season. They should take care of business against the Demon Deacons.
PREDICTION: Syracuse

2nd Round (Wednesday)

8 Florida State vs 9 Louisville

This is a tough one, but I like FSU here. Louisville's devastating loss against Virginia is too much for the Cardinals to overcome. 

PREDICTION: Florida State

5 NC State vs 12 Boston College

I'm higher on NC State than most people. They have guys who can just win. They've taken down Arizona, Duke and UNC this year, so I expect them to take down BC. 

PREDICTION: NC State

7 Virginia Tech vs 10 Notre Dame

I like the Irish. They are playing with their backs against the wall and I trust Mike Brey to get the job done. 

PREDICTION: Notre Dame

6 North Carolina vs 11 Syracuse 

These two played a close game a few weeks ago, but I think UNC survives this one. I know they just lost to Duke, but I like how this team is playing as we come down the stretch. 

PREDICTION: North Carolina

Quarterfinals (Thursday)

1 Virginia vs 8 Florida State

Florida State had Virginia on the ropes in Tallahassee before ultimately coming up short. But at this point it's gonna take a lot for me to pick against Virginia against ACC opponents. 

PREDICTION: Virginia

4 Clemson vs 5 NC State

I've tried all year to like Clemson but I just can't bring myself to do so. I'm not buying the Tigers. NC State has a better track record against top teams, so I'll take the Wolfpack here. 

PREDICTION: NC State

2 Duke vs 10 Notre Dame

This is the game I think Notre Dame must win if they want to get in. They played Virginia really tough on the road, so that's encouraging enough for me. Duke I believe will go back to being not back after their big win over UNC. 

PREDICTION: Notre Dame

3 Miami vs 6 North Carolina

I know Miami just knocked off UNC about a week ago, but I don't trust their shaky level of consistency to have them beating UNC twice. 

PREDICTION: North Carolina

Semifinals (Friday)

1 Virginia vs 5 NC State

Sorry NC State, but Virginia is a different beast than Clemson. With all the momentum from De'Andre Hunter's shot against Louisville, I think it's enough to get the Cavs by here. 

PREDICTION: Virginia

10 Notre Dame vs 6 North Carolina

I really like the way UNC is playing right now. Seeing that by now Notre Dame has done enough to get in, I presume there will be a hint of Slayed Dragon Syndrome, and they won't perform with the same level of intensity. 

PREDICTION: North Carolina

Championship (Saturday)

1 Virginia vs 6 North Carolina

Again, I really like both teams here, but Virginia is in too much of a groove to lose this game. Especially when you consider the drubbing the Cavs gave UNC the last time they played. 

PREDICTION: Virginia

Jersey Appreciation Friday Vol. 60

WOAH! I've forgotten about Jersey Appreciation Friday for so long that it's closer to Jersey Appreciation Sunday. I'm slipping before the most important time of the year. What's happening?!?! Anyway, I'll give it to Nevada's navy and yellow uniforms. I love the way Nevada has slightly lighter blue lettering on blue jerseys and uses the yellow as an outline. It's a concept we've seen before, but not with such interesting colors. Click Here