March Madness 2018, 3.14.18
Credit: The Chronicle
Last year when Duke lost to South Carolina in the round of 32, my bracket was devastated. Minus the First Four, I still managed to get 33/63 games correct, which is a 52.38% success rate. Decent, but this year I’m hoping to guess at least 60% correct, including my most important pick: the NCAA National Champion.
Hard to believe it’s been a year since March Madness of 2017, yet here we are. I have a few upsets, a few mid-bracket Cinderella’s, and a Final Four with no number 1 seed. My Final Four will consist of Arizona coming out of the South, Michigan from the West, Purdue from the East, and Duke from the Midwest.
Check out my bracket below and let me know what you think. Below the bracket are explanations for the upsets and the madness. Let’s debate!
South
Davidson (12) over Kentucky (5) in the round of 64
Kentucky doesn’t have it this year. By watching several Kentucky games this year, I believe they aren’t hungry enough to even attempt making a run at the Natty. They lack passion, talent, and execution of Calipari-led teams in recent memory. Ironically both Wildcats come into the tourney averaging 77 points per game, but Davidson is coming off a conference championship over a top 25 Rhode Island team. I believe their momentum from their conference tourney will lead them past Kentucky in the first round.
Miami (6) beating Tennessee (3) and Cincinnati (2) in the round of 32 and Sweet 16, respectively
Miami has a record of 22-9 playing in the toughest conference in America. They have quality wins against UNC, FSU, and Minnesota who were all ranked when they played. Out of their 9 losses, 6 of those teams are in the NCAA tourney. Tennessee on the other hand is 25-8, but hasn’t had as tough a schedule. They have only beat two ranked teams this year, Purdue and Kentucky. Kentucky was in and out of the top 25, which makes those wins less impressive. The Volunteers are an above average team, but they aren’t on the same plane as the other 3 seeds in this tournament which include Michigan, MSU, and Texas Tech.
It is a stretch to say Miami will beat Cincinnati, but I believe they can. Cincinnati’s strength of schedule isn’t up to par with Miami’s, and they have also dropped 3 of their 4 games to ranked teams. Cincinnati seems to not play up to competition. Don’t say I told you so, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Miami moves on past the Bearcats.
Arizona (4) over UVA (1) in the Sweet 16
UVA is an incredible team. Unanimous number 1, but I’m not sure if their defense will be able to stop the Wildcats. Arizona has 4 players averaging double figures in scoring, plus Deandre Ayton, a lock for a lottery pick come June. If Arizona can beat UVA on the boards and limit their threes, I like their chances.
West
Michigan (3) over Xavier (1) in the Elite 8
Not only did Michigan have a tougher schedule than Xavier, but they’ve got quality wins against ranked OSU, MSU, and Purdue. I believe Michigan is one of the hottest, if not hottest, teams in the country. They haven’t lost since the first week of February, and it’s hard seeing them lose any time soon.
East
Virginia Tech (8) over Villanova (1) in the round of 32
More madness. Listen, I called Wisconsin beating Nova in the round of 32 last year, and I believe they have a chance to go home early this year as well. Villanova has one of the greatest Head Coaches in modern-day basketball in Jay Wright, but their record seems to be inflated every year. They played 3 ranked opponents this year, Xavier twice and Gonzaga of which they all won. They won their conference tournament as well, but Virginia Tech is a sleeper. VT has quality wins against UNC, Clemson, Duke, and the unanimous #1 UVA. The Hokies play up to competition and I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if they sent Nova home.
Midwest
NCSU (9) over Kansas (1) in the round of 32
Kansas is a great team, but I’m not sure how they came upon a 1 seed. On paper, these teams are evenly matched, almost statistically identical. Kansas averages 82 PPG, 35 RPG, 17 APG, 7 SPG, 4 BPG, and 12 TPG. The Wolfpack averages 81 PPG, 36 RPG, 16 APG, 8 SPG, 4 BPG and 12 TPG. The only difference is strength of schedule and quality wins. When I say NCSU plays up to competition, I mean they play UP to competition. Coach Keatts is a gem for the Wolfpack. NC State has had quality wins against both Duke and Carolina, Arizona, Clemson, and FSU. All ranked, too. NCSU is my Cinderella for the Midwest.