South Bracket Predictions

Round 1

1 Kansas V. 16 Western Kentucky

You never pick against a #1 in the first round.

8 North Carolina V. 9 Villanova

UNC has been somewhat of a disappointment this year while Villanova has been a surprise. Villanova barely won any conference games last season and now they are dancing. However, I have to take North Carolina because they got hot down the stretch and ended up in the ACC championship game.

5 VCU V. 12 Akron

Shaka Smart is one of the best coaches in the tournament. VCU should not have a problem with Akron. Akron's starting point guard is out for this game which should make an easy win for VCU.

4 Michigan V. 13 South Dakota State

This is my first major upset pick. Many people remember Michigan earlier in the year rather than later in the year. They have not won two straight games since January and have some really bad losses (Penn State). SD State is a really underrated and their Point Guard Nate Wolters is one of the best in the nation.

6 UCLA V. Minnesota

Minnesota is better than UCLA. UCLA will be missing Jordan Adams which will hurt their defense. Minnesota had some bad losses, but they will pull through in the tournament.

3 Florida V. 14 North Western State

Florida won the National Championship from the 3 seed and I think they could do it again. They should not have to worry about North Western State getting in their way.

7 San Diego State V. 10 Oklahoma 

Oklahoma is another underrated team that will surprise people in the first round. San Diego will have to travel across the nation to Philly to play and I think that puts Oklahoma over the edge.

2 Georgetown V. 15 Florida Gulf Coast

Florida Gulf Coast beat Miami earlier in the year, but they will not do the same to Georgetown.

Round of 32 

1 Kansas V. 8 North Carolina

This is where Kansas's road ends. UNC has be HOT and although Kansas had a good season I do not see them beating North Carolina.

5 VCU V. 13 South Dakota State

Although I have SD State beating Michigan, under no circumstances do I think they beat VCU. Shaka Smart will have his team prepared.

3 Florida V. 11 Minnesota

Minnesota was 3-9 away from home during the regular season. You cannot be a good tournament team if you cant play well away from home.

2 Georgetown V. 10 Oklahoma

Georgetown has often failed to get up for lesser opponents. However I think they will be able to take care of Oklahoma. This will be a close game, but I think Georgetown barely wins.

Sweet 16

5 VCU V. 8 North Carolina

North Carolina would be coming off of a big upset against Kansas. Shaka Smart will get his team motivated to make sure that does not happen again.

2 Georgetown V 3 Florida

Florida and Georgetown met in the first game of the season, but the game was called at half because of condensation on the court. The Gators were up at half and seemed to have control of the game. Florida should win this one because of superior coaching.

Elite 8

3 Florida V. 5 VCU

This would be a matchup between Billy Donavan and Shaka Smart, the latter used to be an assistant to Donavan. Smart is a great coach, but Donavan is better. Also, Florida has greater talent than VCU and should win this one in a close game.