Image Courtesy: New York Post
Round of 64
Memphis (March 22)
1.Houston 30-4 (15-3) Big 12
16.Longwood 21-13 (6-10) Big South
Houston was crushed in the Big 12 tournament title by Iowa State. It was an off night for the Cougars. If Jamal Shead and LJ Cryer are on their game again, it should be no problem for Houston to advance.
8.Nebraska 23-10 (12-8) Big Ten
9.Texas A&M 20-14 (9-9) SEC
The Aggies have been so inconsistent this season. In addition, Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams has struggled in the NCAA Tournament. Nebraska wins but it will be close.
Brooklyn (March 22)
5.Wisconsin 22-13 (11-9) Big Ten
12.James Madison 31-3 (15-3) Sun Belt
James Madison beat Michigan State back in November and have since won 30 more basketball games. They have been dominant outside of their losses to Appalachian State. Give me the Dukes to advance.
4.Duke 24-8 (15-5) ACC
13.Vermont 28-6 (15-1) America East
Vermont, like Duke is a mainstay in the NCAA Tournament. But, I believe Duke won’t end their season on three consecutive losses. The Blue Devils move onto the Round of 32.
Pittsburgh (March 21)
6.Texas Tech 23-10 (11-7) Big 12
11.NC State 22-14 (9-11) ACC
NC State will upset Texas Tech and extend their win streak to six. DJ Burns has been a different player for the Wolfpack. The difficult thing for them to do will be stopping Pop Isaacs. If they do that, NC State should continue their win streak.
3.Kentucky 23-9 (13-5) SEC
14.Oakland 23-11 (15-5) Horizon
Kentucky will roll past Oakland with their terrific offense. Many thought the wildcats would be a four seed with Auburn winning the SEC tournament title, but John Calipari’s team was gifted a fairly easy bracket.
Indianapolis (March 22)
7.Florida 24-10 (11-7) SEC
10.Colorado 24-10 (13-7) Pac-12/10.Boise State 22-10 (13-5) Mountain West
Facing either Colorado or Boise State could mean trouble for a Florida team that struggles on defense. All three of these teams can get their’s on offense but I believe Florida
2.Marquette 25-9 (14-6) Big East
15.Western Kentucky 22-11 (8-8) Conference USA
Injury concerns for Marquette star guard Tyler Kolek are happening at the same time they did last year when the Golden Eagles fell to Michigan State in the two versus seven seed game. Marquette should beat Western Kentucky but they must watch out in the next round.
Round of 32
Memphis (March 24)
1.Houston
8.Nebraska
Houston will take Nebraska’s offense away and easily make it to the Round of 32.
Brooklyn (March 24)
4.Duke
12.James Madison
James Madison will take Kyle Filipowski out of the game with their defense and the Dukes will prevent Duke from appearing in the Sweet 16 again. Jon Scheyer will be looking for answers from his incoming 2024 recruiting class.
Pittsburgh (March 23)
3.Kentucky
11.NC State
NC State’s six game run will end at the hands of Kentucky’s offense. The Wildcats’ Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard will end Kevin Keatts team’s season.
Indianapolis (March 24)
2.Marquette
7.Florida
Florida upsets Marquette with Tyler Kolek’s injury concerns. Walter Clayton and Zyon Pullin make the Gators go.
Sweet 16
Dallas (March 29)
1.Houston
12.James Madison
Houston will return to the Elite 8 for the first time since 2022, ending James Madison’s run. Jamal Shead will lead the way.
3.Kentucky
7.Florida
The SEC rivals have already met twice this season. Kentucky won on the road in Gainesville and Florida won on the road in Lexington. I don’t know which way to go on this game. In what would be Kentucky’s first game in the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament since before COVID-19, Kentucky advances to the Elite 8.
Elite 8
Dallas (March 31)
1.Houston
3.Kentucky
Kentucky is a popular upset pick to beat the Cougars. But, Houston will join UConn in the Final Four as the top two overall seeds.
2024 South Regional Champion: 1.Houston
