Image Courtesy: The San Diego Union-Tribune
Round of 64
Birmingham
1.Alabama
16.Texas A&M-CC/16.Missouri State
The Tide should roll over the winner of Corpus Christi and Missouri State.
8.Maryland
9.West Virginia
In what should be a highly competitive game, West Virginia will defeat Maryland.
Orlando
5.San Diego State
12.College of Charleston
College of Charleston will be a popular upset pick but San Diego State’s defense should eliminate them.
4.Virginia
13.Furman
Furman will be a popular upset pick but Virginia’s tournament experience should get them the one.
Denver
6.Creighton
11.NC State
Creighton was a pre-season top ten team but without star big man Ryan Kalkbrenner out for much of the season. With him back, the Blue Jays should handle a great NC State team, who has great guards like Terquavion Smith.
3.Baylor
14.UC Santa Barbara
UC Santa Barbara can win an NCAA Tournament game but facing a healthy Baylor team will be a chore.
Sacramento
7.Missouri
10.Utah State
In a game that could see both teams score 90, Missouri will take down Utah State with potential scoring droughts.
2.Arizona
15.Princeton
Arizona just won the Pac-12 title game and they are poised to make a run in March.
Round of 32
Birmingham
1.Alabama
9.West Virginia
Alabama got a bad draw in the south with either Maryland or West Virginia. Similarly to Alabama, West Virginia can score in bunches. Alabama should win it but it will be a different game.
Orlando
4.Virginia
5.San Diego State
In a game of NCAA Tournament mainstays and tremendous defensive teams, I lean San Diego State to win this game with a healthier roster.
Denver
3.Baylor
6.Creighton
Baylor is good and can make another run but Creighton’s balance on offense will help them to an upset of the bears.
Sacramento
2.Arizona
7.Missouri
Missouri will challenge Arizona but if the wildcats show up, they should get the job done.
Sweet 16
Louisville
1.Alabama
5.San Diego State
Alabama will have to survive periods without scoring as they face a tremendous defense in the Aztecs but star Brandon Miller should lead them to the Elite 8.
Louisville
2.Arizona
6.Creighton
Arizona and Creighton faced off in the Maui Invitational Championship earlier this season and Arizona won. I favor the team that did not win that match up, Creighton, to get the job done.
Elite 8
Louisville
1.Alabama
6.Creighton
In what would be a tremendous game, Alabama would handle Creighton and move onto the Final Four.
South Regional Champion: 1.Alabama
One reply on “2023 cbhsports men’s NCAA College Basketball Tournament South Region Preview, Predictions”
Carter: I am so excited to follow along during March Madness! I am prepping my brackets!