Delivering Championships Since 1972

Now that Chris’ predictions are up I’m going to get right to the point, here are my East and Midwest bracket predictions, enjoy.

East Region

Game 1: 7:27 pm, UNC vs. Washington State

The Tar Heels come into this game rolling, winning both its previous games by putting up more than 100 points in each. Their offense is led by the PG Ty Lawson who has played the previous two games of the tourney still recovering from an ankle injury. He controls the tempo and makes sure Psycho T (Player of the Year), Wayne Ellington, Danny Green, and all the other weapons the have are in full effect. In their first two games of the tourney Carolina has shot 60% and 67% from the field. Their defense is their weak point but if they’re putting up 100 points every game, I don’t see anyone stopping them. Washington State also comes into this game hot. In their last game they held Notre Dame’s best player, Luke Harangody, to 10 points off three field goals. Their strength is their team defense where they have given up 52 points in the last game and a half. Their strong guard play from Derrick Low, Kyle Weaver, and Taylor Rochestie usually controls games but the Cougars have made 8 of 30 three pointers in the tourney. The interior of Carolina will be a gigantic problem for the Cougars. This will be a tight game until the end where Carolina’s size and depth will overcome.

Prediction: UNC 76-69

Game 2: 9:57 pm Louisville vs. Tennessee

This might be the game of the tournament so far. Tennessee just squeaked by Butler in the previous game to get to this matchup. Some how Tennessee is able to win these close ballgames. Their toughness and relentlessness are their best qualities. Tyler Smith has been their leader since last year’s best player, Chris Lofton, has fallen off the map. He has missed 27 of 38 shots so far in the tourney. Point Guard play might be their main problem coming down the stretch. Coach Bruce Pearl recently inserted J.P. Prince (Teyshaun’s little brother) to be the point guard. He then committed 2 turnovers in the final minute to almost give up the game against Butler. Louisville comes into the Sweet 16blowing out its previous two opponents. Their defense and team play are the focus of their team. The Cardinals have only allowed their tournament foes to make 9 three pointers combined in two games. Center David Padgett is their key. If he can be a factor on both sides of the ball Louisville has a great chance to win. Their main flaw is free throws. Four of their five starters shoot under 66% from the line and collectively they ranked 305th in division I in free throw percentage. Tennessee’s Chris Lofton is the X factor. If he can step up in this game that will be physical and extremely close, I see Tennessee advancing to the Elite 8.

Prediction: Tennessee 68-66

Midwest Region

Game 1: 7:10 pm Wisconsin vs. Davidson

Davidson is the story of the tourney so far. They have upset Gonzaga and title contenders Georgetown by coming back from double digits in second half of each game. Stephen Curry has been the player of tourney averaging 35 points per game. He’s carried the Wildcats to two comebacks by scoring 30 and 25 in consecutive second halves. Their point guard Jason Richards makes the team click. He lead the nation with eight assists per game. Wisconsin is almost the opposite of Davidson. They come in flying under the radar. They have been lead by their defense that has held both its opponents to under 40% shooting. Except for Kansas State’s two marvelous freshmen Beasley and Walker, the rest of the team only scored 14 points. Brian Butch might be the difference in this game. His size in the middle could swing the game towards Wisconsin. Even though Wisconsin has had problems with guard heavy teams (loses to Duke and Marquette), I expect their suffocating defense to find a way to stop Curry and Richards on the perimeter.

Prediction: Wisconsin 73-70

Game 2: 9:40 pm Kansas vs. Villanova

Scottie Reynolds is the key that makes Villanova go. Without a senior on the roster, they look for Reynolds to score in bunches. He scored 21 and 25 points in their two games in the tourney. Their hot shooting has brought them this far but lets see if it can continue. Villanova has hit 13 three pointers and have shot 50% and 53% in their two tourney wins. During the regular season, they weren’t even in the top half of division I teams in shooting percentage. They also have a tendency to foul a lot, putting Siena on the line 39 times! Kansas is definitely a heavy favorite in this game as well as some peoples’ pick to win it all. They have destroyed their first two opponents and i see them doing the same to Villanova. They lead the nation in scoring margin (21 ppg). They lead the Big 12 in scoring offense, scoring defense, blocks, steals, assists, field goal percentage, and opponent field goal percentage. Darrell Arthur and Brandon Rush are their leading scorers at about 13 points per game. Kansas is too much of a balanced team and they will move on.

Prediction: Kansas 81-63