Southeast Region Predictions Round 1 and 2

We have arrived at our final games. Of course, this is the region that caused me the worst stress because it's easy enough for Pittsburgh to break through finally, yet it has enough teams who could all make deep runs.  My Final Four is Duke (Winner) Kansas (Runner-Up) Kentucky, Florida.  My bracket might be the chalkiest bracket I have had in years.



16.) UNC-Asheville vs. 1.) Pittsburgh- Has anyone tried to see when Gary McGhee bleeds if it's blue and not red?  Because we here in Eau Claire are 99 percent sure he is an Avatar.  Pitt in an easy one. PITT 92-51

9.) Old Dominion vs. 8.) Butler- A midmajor battle for all of us to enjoy. People are really hyped about the Lions' chances this season to make a  potential Sweet 16 run. I like the way ODU plays defense and rebounds. They are also a big team which pales in comparison to the small Bulldog team. ODU 59-51

9.) Old Dominion vs. 1.) Pittsburgh- This has become a popular upset pick. I mean people know Pitt's exit from the tournament happens in the Sweet 16 right, not the second round?  I believe it will be a battle, and a low scoring game yet Asthon Gibbs will hit a couple big shots to pull them away.  PITT 67-59

12.) Utah State v. 5.) Kansas State- I love the Wildcats' best player Jacob Pullen, one of my favorites but I am all about the Aggies.  I think Tai Wesley is a true talent, and it's hard to believe a team who was ranked in the Top 25 is only a 12 seed. Not to mention, Ken Pomeroy thinks very highly of them. The Wildcats will struggle early, and it will derail them. USU 71-60

13.) Belmont v. 4.) Wisconsin- Everyone's popular upset pick this year minus Richmond. People are overreacting to the Badgers last two games, and not looking at their body of work. I understand the Bruins can shoot the ball, but I believe the Fightin' Bo's will have enough to contain them. This game will not be as close as you think.  UW 72-57

12.) Utah State v. 4.) Wisconsin- The Aggies and Badgers are quite similar in the way they play, but Utah State does not have a Jordan Taylor. The Badgers will wear them down with Taylor attacking the lane and hitting the threes.  UW 63-58

11.) Gonzaga v. 6.) St. John's- I feel like people are forgetting the fact that D.J. Kennedy is out during the NCAA Tournament plus they finished weaker than any other Big East not residing in Philadelphia. The Zags on the other hand came on strong with David Stockton running the show. Not to mention, they have the altitude advantage. ZAGS 82-77

14.) Wofford v. 3.) BYU- A lot of people are buying into the Terriers being able to pull off the upsets against the Fightin' Jimmers.  What is great about Jimmer Fredette is he always steps up in the big moments. I expect a huge performance from him in the first round.  BYU 73-52

11.) Gonzaga v. 3.) BYU- Simmons said today on the BS Report, this could be the whitewash game where 10 white guys on the court at the same time.  I hope we see it, but I doubt it.  I think the Zags can give them a game, but once again, in Jimmer I trust. BYU 69-62

10.) Michigan State v. 7.) UCLA- What it comes down to in this even matchup is Kalin Lucas. If he shows up Sparty will win going away. I think State always has tricks in store for us during the tournament, and expect no different this year.  MSU 65-63

15.) UCSB v 2.) Florida- Well this is my last game and I am exhausted. All I want to say is I like UCSB are called the Gauchos, and the Gators will win this game.  UF 88-59

10.) Michigan State v. 2.) Florida- These two teams have a canny ability to run into each other in the Big Dance. I do not think Sparty can put together two good games, and the Gators want to prove they deserved the two seed.

-Charlie.