Image Courtesy: Sports Illustrated
Round of 64
Birmingham
1.Houston
16.Northern Kentucky
If Marcus Sasser comes back for the Cougars for this game, they should have no problem against the Norse.
8.Iowa
9.Auburn
Iowa is the better offensive team but Auburn wins this game with their defense and gritty play.
Albany
5.Miami
12.Drake
Drake is a popular upset pick but Miami’s offense will carry them to a win.
4.Indiana
13.Kent State
Indiana has been up and down this season. Facing a tough Kent State team will mean their demise and a Golden Flashes win.
Greensboro
6.Iowa State
11.Mississippi State/Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh will beat Mississippi State in Dayton and do the same to an overrated Iowa State team.
3.Xavier
14.Kennesaw State
Xavier may have been overseeded as a number three seed but they will handle Kennesaw State, who makes their first ever tournament appearance in 2023.
Des Moines
7.Texas A&M
10.Penn State
Texas A&M and Penn State are both gritty teams that use that to win games. Both lost in their conference tournament finals. Texas A&M wins a close one.
2.Texas
15.Colgate
Texas will defeat a high scoring Colgate team and set up a future SEC match up with old rival Texas A&M.
Round of 32
Birmingham
1.Houston
9.Auburn
Houston will take care of an Auburn team that struggles to score.
Albany
5.Miami
13.Kent States
Miami will end Kent State’s run in the NCAA Tournament.
Greensboro
3.Xavier
11.Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh will upset Xavier, led by Jamarius Burton.
Des Moines
2.Texas
7.Texas A&M
In a future SEC match up, Texas will win and head to Louisville.
Sweet 16
1.Houston
5.Miami
Miami will upset Houston using a teriffic offensive attack.
2.Texas
11.Pittsburgh
Texas will end Pittsburgh’s run to the south regional while coach Rodney Terry proves he is valuable enough to be the permanent head coach.
Elite 8
2.Texas
5.Miami
Texas will return to the Final Four in 2003 after beating Miami.
Midwest Regional Champion: 2.Texas
