First Round
#1 Duke vs. #16 North Dakota State/North Carolina Central: We do not know yet who Duke is going to play, but it doesn’t matter because neither ND State nor NC Central possess Zion Williamson. Duke does. Select: Duke
#8 VCU vs. #9 UCF: As is the case with each 8/9 match, this one is a tough choice. UCF has Tacko Fall, and while I desperately want to see him matchup against Zion, ” I believe VCU’s defense does enough to continue in this one. Pick: VCU
#5 Mississippi State vs. #12 Liberty: The Flames will give Mississippi State a game, but I don’t believe that they have enough to conquer Quinndary Witherspoon and the Bulldogs. Select: Mississippi State
#4 Virginia Tech vs. #13 Saint Louis: The Hokies get Justin Robinson back after a foot injury which sidelined the star guard for the last 12 matches of the year (such as the ACC championship ). With Robinson back, VT will have the ability to maneuver Nickeil Alexander-Walker back to more of a pure shooter function than a distributor role. Select: Virginia Tech
#6 Maryland vs. #11 Belmont: Maryland is one of the Big Ten teams limping to the tournament as they lost three of the last four games played. Belmont will continue to keep this 1 close, but can’t get their second NCAA tournament triumph. Select: Maryland
#3 LSU vs. #14 Yale: I really want to decide on the Bulldogs. Like, really, really wish to select them. Miye Oni is a baller, and the Elis have the 10th best eFG% from the country. . .but, their defense isn’t fantastic. LSU still will not have Will Wade on the sidelines, but I think the Tigers are just too much in this one. Pick: LSU
#7 Louisville vs. #10 MinnesotaI mean, Louisville I figure? The most interesting thing about this game is that the committee set Richard Pitino against Poppa Pitino’s older squad. Jordan Nwora is the real deal and a whole lot of fun to see. . .yeah. The Cards. Select: Louisville
#2 Michigan State vs. #15 Bradley: Michigan State with no doubt. Pick: Michigan State
Second Round
#1 Duke vs. #9 VCU: [checks rosters] Yep, Duke still has Zion Williamson. Select: Duke
#4 Virginia Tech vs. #5 Mississippi State: Dealing with the Hokies moving to the Sweet 16. Kerry Blackshear has been great in the article and Ty Outlaw is one of the top three point shooters in the nation in 46%. Select: Va Tech
#6 Maryland vs. #3 LSU: Battle of the bigs. I’m really here for this particular match. Maryland’s Jaylen Smith and Bruno Fernando are as good a frontcourt as any in the country, and they’ll have their hands full with LSU’s Naz Reid. The Terps won’t have enough outside shooting, so I’m going with LSU to move on at a near one. Select: LSU
#2 Michigan State vs. #7 Louisville: The Cardinals somehow squeaked out an OT win over the Spartans back in late November, however I do not think they get the season sweep. Ryan McMahon had 24 points in the win. MSU most likely won’t have Kyle Ahrens from the tournament Because of an accident in the Big Ten title game, but the Spartans have sufficient with Cassius Winston, Nick Ward, and Matt McQuaid. Pick: Michigan State
Sweet Sixteen
#1 Duke vs. #4 Virginia Tech: Now things are getting interesting. Duke lost to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg at the regular season when Duke was without Zion and VT was Robinson. The Hokies will make a game of this, but Duke’s superstars are down the stretch. Select: Duke
#2 Michigan State vs. #3 LSU: Thus much chalk. MSU takes this one in an extremely physical matchup. Pick: Michigan State
Elite Eight
#1 Duke vs. #2 Michigan State: If we don’t actually get this match, I’ll be furious. Some were amazed MSU got stuck in the East Area with Duke since the Spartans could have fairly been a No. 1 seed . Rather, they have matched up with the No. 1 overall seed in the Blue Devils. MSU will make Duke pay for their mistakes, but Zion hits a match winner late. Select: Duke
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