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Image Courtesy: USA Today

Here is my 2022 Final Four Preview:

Final Four

1.Kansas vs. 2.Villanova
Caesars Superdome (New Orleans,LA)
April 2, 6:09 PM ET, TBS
Villanova’s Jay Wright has become one of, if not the best coach in college basketball. He has now appeared in the Final Four three times in the past six seasons. With thirty seconds left in their Elite 8 win over Houston, the Wildcats’ best player Justin Moore (15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists per game) tore his achilles. Back to back Big East player of the year (guard) Collin Gillespie (16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists per game), forward Jermaine Samuels (11 points, 7 rebounds, 47% from the field), and forward Brandon Slater (8 points and 4 rebounds per game) will have to play their “A” game if they want to upset Kansas’ run to winning another championship. Kansas had trouble with Miami in the first half but then turned it up defensively in the second half and used forced turnovers to defeat the Hurricanes. Star wing Ochai Agbaji (19 points and 5 rebounds per game) has been huge for the Jayhawks and if he is on, Kansas should defeat Villanova. Key minutes from guard Christian Braun (14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists per game), guard Remy Martin (9 points and 3 assists per game), and forward David McCormack (10 points and 7 rebounds per game). If Villanova were to upset Kansas, the Wildcats would be in the consideration with Kentucky, North Carolina, Duke, and Kansas, as a true blue blood. It would be Villanova’s third championship since 2016 but Kansas’ scoring should lift them to a win. Projected Score: Kansas 80, Villanova 70

2.Duke vs. 8.North Carolina
Caesars Superdome (New Orleans,LA)
April 2, 8:49 PM ET, TBS
In Coach K’s last NCAA Tournament run, and wins over Cal State Fullerton, Michigan State, Texas Tech, and Arkansas, likely NBA number one pick (forward) Paolo Banchero (17 points and 8 rebounds per game) and fellow forward (and likely lottery pick) AJ Griffin (11 points and 4 rebounds) have led the Blue Devils to another Final Four. Duke guard Jeremy Roach has also been hot, and has played much better than his regular season average of nine points a game. Coach K’s team meets its biggest rival, North Carolina, for the first time in NCAA Tournament history. North Carolina’s Brady Manek has scored almost 22 points a game in the tournament, leading the Heels to another deep NCAA run. The Oklahoma transfer is joined by guard Caleb Love, who notched 30 points in the Heels’ Sweet 16 win over UCLA and guard RJ Davis also scored 30 points to knock off defending champion Baylor in overtime in the Round of 32. It would be a shame if North Carolina big man Armando Bacot (17 points and 13 rebounds per game) was not mentioned. He flexed his muscles in the Elite 8, scoring 18 points and 22 rebounds, giving him the most double-doubles in ACC history. If Duke’s offense continues to shoot between 45 and 60 percent in the Final Four and championship game, the Blue Devils should get their revenge on Carolina, make Monday’s championship game. If North Carolina continues its pestering defense it showed in its Elite 8 win on Sunday over Saint Peter’s, it can make the final. If Bacot can eliminate or at least keep Duke big man Mark Williams off the boards, the Tar Heels will have a better shot at winning. North Carolina has won the national championship in New Orleans once before (1982) but this is Coach K’s championship to lose. Projected Score: Duke 86, North Carolina 78

Image Couresty: TheSpun.Com

The teams that do not or even some that do make the NCAA Tournament fire their coaches. Here are the notable hirings and firings in college basketball over the last week and other recent college basketball news of note.

LSU fired head coach Will Wade after accusations of five level one NCAA Violations. Wade’s Tigers went 22-12 and 9-9 in the SEC this season. The Tigers have not hired a new coach yet. Update: LSU has named Murray State’s Matt McMahon as their next head man.

Following the firing of head coach Tom Crean, Georgia hired Florida head coach Mike White. White appeared in an NCAA Tournament every season but in 2022 during his tenure in Gainesville since 2015. Florida is now on the search for a new head man.

Missouri fired experienced head coach Cuonzo Martin. The Tigers are expected to hire Cleveland State coach Dennis Gates, as the move is pending approval from Missouri’s Board of Curators.

Mississippi State is expected to hire New Mexico State head coach Chris Jans. The Aggies coach led them to multiple winning seasons, including a 2022 opening round upset of five seed Connecticut before falling just short against four seed Arkansas in the Round of 32. Jans replaces Ben Howland in Starkville.

Louisville fired then head coach Chris Mack a few months back. Outside of the shortened 2019-2020 season due to COVID-19, Mack never got the Cardinals to where they once were in Rick Pitino as head coach. The Cardinals have hired Kenny Payne, the former Kentucky and Oregon associate head coach. Payne brings a winning culture to the KFC Yum Center.

As we stand right now, here is a look at the 2022 college basketball recruiting rankings (the top ten teams per 247sports) entering the last month of the cycle:

For the teams still playing, the Sweet 16 field is set and it looks like this:

West (San Francisco)

March 24
1.Gonzaga
4.Arkansas

2.Duke
3.Texas Tech

East (Philadelphia)

March 25
4.UCLA
8.North Carolina

3.Purdue
15.Saint Peter’s

South (San Antonio)

March 24
1.Arizona
5.Houston

2.Villanova
11.Michigan

Midwest (Chicago)

March 25
1.Kansas
4.Providence

2.Auburn
3.Wisconsin

1.Duke
Top signee: 1.Dereck Lively II, Center, Westtown School
2.Arkansas
Top signee: 6.Nick Smith, Guard, North Little Rock
3.Alabama
Top signee: 11.Brandon Miller, Forward, Cane Ridge
4.Kansas
Top signee: 24.Gradey Dick, Forward, Sunrise Christian Academy
5.Ohio State
Top signee: 59.Roddy Gayle Jr., Guard, Wasatch Academy
6.USC
Top signee: 26.Vince Iwuchukwu, Center, Southern California Academy
7.Michigan
Top signee: 35.Tarris Reed, Center, Link Academy
8.UCLA
Top signee: 2.Amari Bailey, Guard, Sierra Canyon
9.Virginia
Top signee: 48.Isaac Traudt, Forward, Grand Island Senior School
10.Texas
Top signee: 14.Dillon Mitchell, Forward, Montverde Academy

Image Courtesy: Baylor Athletics

Injured top seed Baylor will have to get through Kentucky, Purdue, and UCLA potentially to reach the national championship again. This should be an entertaining regional.

Match-ups:

Fort Worth
1.Baylor
16.Norfolk State
Baylor is a number one seed and they will beat Norfolk State.

8.North Carolina
9.Marquette
Led by Armando Bacot, North Carolina should win against Marquette.

Portland
5.Saint Mary’s
12.Wyoming/12.Indiana
Saint Mary’s is a terrific offensive team that will be challenged by the winner of Wyoming and Indiana. Indiana will likely challenge, led by talented big man Trayce Jackson-Davis. But, Saint Mary’s wins this one.

4.UCLA
13.Akron
UCLA is fully healthy and they should dominate Akron.

Milwaukee
6.Texas
11.Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is hot and I have them upsetting Chris Beard’s team in Milwaukee.

3.Purdue
14.Yale
Purdue should dominate Yale.

Indianapolis
7.Murray State
10.San Francisco
This game should be terrific but Murray State should win, led by guard Tevin Brown.

2.Kentucky
15.Saint Peter’s
Kentucky should dominate Saint Peter’s.

Round of 32

Fort Worth
1.Baylor
8.North Carolina
I may pick North Carolina over Baylor in my bracket, but Baylor’s tough defense will lead them to the Sweet 16.

Portland
4.UCLA
5.Saint Mary’s
UCLA is going to win this game with their offense, led by guard Johnny Juzang and forward Jaime Jaquez, will overwhelm the Gaels in Portland.

Milwaukee
3.Purdue
11.Virginia Tech
Purdue wins this game inside by taking away Virginia Tech star Kevin Aluma and getting production out of big men Zach Edey and Trevion Williams.

Indianapolis
2.Kentucky
7.Murray State
In an all-Kentucky battle, Murray State can definitely beat their Kentucky counterparts. But, Oscar Tsheibwe will be the difference in a game where the Wildcats will need good shooting to advance.

Sweet 16

Philadelphia
1.Baylor
4.UCLA
UCLA will upset an injured Baylor team and get key stops down the stretch in the game.

2.Kentucky
3.Purdue
In what could be the game of the tournament, Kentucky will have to show up but if they do, they will use their defense to beat Purdue.

Elite 8
2.Kentucky
4.UCLA
Both teams get a challenging game in the Elite 8 as two blue bloods face each other yet again. The Wildcats will need good shooting out of Kellan Grady, good guard play from Tyty Washington and Sahvir Wheeler, and the normal from Oscar Tsheibwe. The Wildcats win if they play a complete, tough, defensive game.

Picked winner of regional: 2.Kentucky

Favorites:
1.Baylor
Baylor may be beat up, but they are still the number one seed, with a terrific, balanced offense.

2.Kentucky
Kentucky is loaded and when they have every player playing at the highest level, they are almost unbeatable. Likely player of the year Oscar Tsheibwe leads the Wildcats to a potential national championship.

3.Purdue
Purdue, led by terrific guard Jaden Ivey, has a phenomenal offense, but could improve greatly on defense. The Boilermakers play through Zach Edey and Trevion Williams inside.

Sleepers:
5.Saint Mary’s
Saint Mary’s beat top overall seed Gonzaga and will use their guard play to make a run deep in the tournament.

7.Murray State
Murray State is better than the tournament team they were in 2019 with Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. This Murray State team is led by guard Tevin Brown and use their defense to turn into offense.

11.Virginia Tech
While this team likely would not have made the tournament without winning the ACC Tournament on Saturday over Duke, they are a hot shooting team that can use their defense to get extra possessions for their offense.

2022 East Regional Preview, Predictions Video

Image Courtesy: FanSided

Kansas, Auburn, Iowa, and Wisconsin are a few teams that can make a deep run in this tournament out of the Midwest Region. This should be a great region.

Match-ups:

Round of 64

Fort Worth
1.Kansas
16.Texas Southern/16.Texas A&M-CC
Kansas needs a big game from Ochai Agbachi to advance in this tournament, and they should versus the winner of Texas Southern and Texas A&M-CC.

8.San Diego State
9.Creighton
This might be the toughest 8-9 game to pick but San Diego State’s number two ranked defense in the KenPom rankings to beat Creighton.

Buffalo
5.Iowa
12.Richmond
Red hot Big Ten Tournament champion Iowa will take down Richmond.

4.Providence
13.South Dakota State
Providence battles South Dakota State in a battle that will be won by the Jackrabbits.

Milwaukee
6.LSU
11.Iowa State
LSU might have fired their coach Will Wade but I think that encourages them to beat an Iowa State team that has scored less than 40 points multiple games.

3.Wisconsin
14.Colgate
Wisconsin has been cold as of late, but injured star Johnny Davis should be healed and the Badgers should take care of Colgate.

Greenville
7.USC
10.Miami
USC battles Miami in a huge 7-10 match up. Both schools made their respective conference tournament semifinals but I think Miami is hot and will beat Isaiah Mobley and USC.

2.Auburn
15.Jacksonville State
Auburn should run all over Jacksonville State.

Round of 32

Fort Worth
1.Kansas
8.San Diego State
I can see many people picking the upset here, but I believe in Bill Self and the Jayhawks to beat the Aztecs in a low scoring game.

5.Iowa
13.South Dakota State
Iowa will use a good offensive game to take down South Dakota State.

Milwaukee
3.Wisconsin
6.LSU
LSU’s magic without head coach Will Wade will run out and the Badgers will move into Chicago.

Greenville
2.Auburn
10.Miami
While I may pull the upset in my bracket, Auburn’s height with Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler should help Auburn defeat Miami.

Sweet 16

Chicago
1.Kansas
5.Iowa
Iowa is hot and the Jayhawks finally fall to the Hawkeyes in Chicago.

2.Auburn
3.Wisconsin
Auburn’s shooting will finally show up again and Auburn will take down Wisconsin in their backyard.

Elite 8

Chicago
2.Auburn
5.Iowa
Iowa’s Keegan Murray and the Hawkeyes offense gets hot and they take down Auburn, led by Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler.

Picked winner of regional: 5.Iowa

Favorites:
1.Kansas
Kansas is led by wing Ochai Agbachi, guard Remy Martin, and forward David McCormack, who could get them to the Final Four.

2.Auburn
Auburn has struggled a bit since reaching the top of the AP Poll in the beginning of February. Potential top three pick Jabari Smith, big man Walker Kessler, and others have the chance to get Auburn back to where they were in January.

5.Iowa
Iowa, despite being a five seed, is playing some of if not the best basketball right now. The Big Ten Tournament champions are a terrific offensive team led by potential lottery pick Keegan Murray.

Sleepers:
4.Providence
Providence, despite being highly seeded as a four seed, lost in the semifinals of the Big East Tournament to Creighton, following their Big East regular season title, look to bounce back against South Dakota State.

10.Miami
Miami has lived and loved to be in close games this season and made it all the way to the ACC semifinals before losing to runner-up Duke. Transfer Charlie Moore leads the Hurricanes as they look to take down Miami.

13.South Dakota State
South Dakota State comes out of the same league that Sweet 16 team Oral Roberts came out of last season. They use hot-shooting to potentially upset Providence.

2022 Midwest Regional Preview, Predictions Video

Image Courtesy: Arizona Desert Swarm

Arizona, Villanova, Tennessee lead a region that has many tough, defensive minded teams. This should be a fun region, too.

Match-ups:

San Diego
1.Arizona
16.Wright State/16.Bryant
Arizona should have an easy win over the winner of Wright State and Bryant, which I believe will be Bryant.

8.Seton Hall
9.TCU
TCU has beaten NCAA Tournament teams LSU, Kansas, and Texas as of late including others, so I believe the Horned Frogs “upset” the Seton Hall Pirates in this one.

Pittsburgh
5.Houston
12.UAB
Despite the success of former Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy at UAB this season, fellow experienced coach Kelvin Sampson, of Houston, should use star Fabian White to defeat UAB.

4.Illinois
13.Chattanooga
Illinois has incredible, experienced guards Andre Curbelo and Trent Fraizer as well as phenomenal center Kofi Cockburn. Chattanooga will scare the Illini but Illinois should win this one.

Indianapolis
6.Colorado State
11.Michigan
Michigan sneaked into the NCAA Tournament with a 17-13 record but Colorado State will compete with them. The Rams earned a sixth seed and will get a tough win over the team from Ann Arbor.

3.Tennessee
14.Longwood
Tennessee has incredible guards in Kennedy Chandler, Santiago Vescovi, and Zakai Ziegler as well as forward Josiah Jordan-James who should dominate Longwood in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

Pittsburgh
7.Ohio State
10.Loyola Chicago
Despite many people picking Loyola-Chicago to win this game, Ohio State is not losing in the opening round back to back years. The Buckeyes win, led by EJ Liddell.

2.Villanova
15.Delaware
Villanova may not be able to make the East Regional Final in their hometown of Philadelphia, they are playing some of the best basketball in the country, led by guard Collin Gillespie.

Round of 32

San Diego
1.Arizona
9.TCU
Led by Mike Miles, TCU is a dangerous upset-minded team. But Bennedict Mathurin should lead Arizona to the Sweet 16 for the first time in awhile.

Pittsburgh
4.Illinois
5.Houston
Two well-coached teams continue in Pittsburgh where big man Kofi Cockburn will lead Illinois back to the Sweet 16.

Indianapolis
3.Tennessee
6.Colorado State
Tennessee is playing the best basketball in the country and they should dominate this game over Colorado State.

Pittsburgh
2.Villanova
7.Ohio State
Villanova should beat Ohio State relatively easily and head to San Antonio.

Sweet 16

San Antonio
1.Arizona
4.Illinois
Arizona’s offense has been phenomenal and they use it to make it to the Elite 8 in a tough game against Illinois.

2.Villanova
3.Tennessee
Villanova and Tennessee are two of the most well-coached teams in the country and Tennessee will be victorious over Villanova.

Elite 8

San Antonio
1.Arizona
3.Tennessee
Josiah-Jordan James will out duel Bennedict Mathurin and Tennessee will advance to the Final Four with a phenomenal defensive performance.

Picked winner of regional: 3.Tennessee

Favorites:
1.Arizona
Arizona, led by first year coach Tommy Lloyd, has dominated the Pac-12 en route to a regular season and conference tournament championship. The Wildcats should have a good shot at the national championship.

2.Villanova
Villanova has one of the best coaches in the country, Jay Wright, as the Wildcats look to win their third national championship in seven years. Guards Collin Gillespie and Justin Moore and forward Jermaine Samuels make these go for the Wildcats.

3.Tennessee
Tennessee is the hottest team in the country right now, winners thirteen of their past fourteen games as well as winning the SEC Tournament Championship on Sunday. Guards Kennedy Chandler, Santiago Vescovi, and Zakai Ziegler, and forward Josiah Jordan-James are huge for the Vols success in the NCAA Tournament.

Sleepers:
5.Houston
Houston, despite losing star Marcus Sasser to injury, has won the American Athletic regular season and tournament title. The Cougars use their defense to create offense at a high rate as well as shooting the threes at a high clip.

9.TCU
TCU has wins over NCAA Tournament teams LSU, Texas Tech, Kansas, and Texas and are led by guard Mike Miles, who paces them on offense and creates many turnovers on defense.

11.Michigan
Despite a 17-13 record, Michigan made the NCAA Tournament, with a late run to the NCAA Tournament. Center Hunter Dickinson leads the Wolverines, as they will need a big game from him if they want to begin a run in the NCAA Tournament.

2022 South Regional Preview, Predictions Video

Image Courtesy: The Slipper Still Fits

Top-seeded Gonzaga leads a top heavy region that has a lot of challengers for the Bulldogs. Potential Cinderellas include Vermont and New Mexico State. This should be a fun region.

Match-ups:

Round of 64

Portland
1.Gonzaga
16.Georgia State
Only one number one seed has ever lost in the Round of 64 and it will not be the top overall seeded Zags.

8.Boise State
9.Memphis
Boise State and Memphis are playing well at the right time but I have the Tigers moving on, led by big man Jalen Duren.

Buffalo
4.Arkansas
13.Vermont
Vermont is believed to be underseeded as a thirteen seed as they won every game in the America East Tournament by double digits. An Arkansas team that has won fourteen out of its last seventeen games heads to Buffalo to face the Catamounts, led by talented guard JD Notae and incredible passing big man Jaylin Williams. The Hogs will be scared but they get a close win.

5.Connecticut
12.New Mexico State
Connecticut is a talented team out of the Big East but New Mexico State has had a lot of tournament success of late. Aggies win this one.

San Diego
6.Alabama
11.Rutgers/11.Notre Dame
Alabama has been inconsistent. They have wins over last year’s Final Four teams in Baylor, Houston, and Gonzaga but losses to SEC bottom dweller Georgia and Iona. I think Rutgers wins the First Four game but a hot-shooting Crimson Tide eliminate them.

3.Texas Tech
14.Montana State
Texas Tech first year head coach Mark Adams has guided them to a great season. The Red Raiders are phenomenal defensively and should get a win over Texas Tech.

Greenville
7.Michigan State
10.Davidson
While I would love to see a Tom Izzo-Coach K match up in the second round, hot shooting Davidson will upset the Spartans and get a date, potentially, with the Blue Devils.

2.Duke
15.Cal State Fullerton
Coming off of a loss in the ACC Tournament Title Game, Coach K and Duke should be focused on the task at hand, Cal State Fullerton. Blue Devils should win, easily.

Round of 32

Portland
1.Gonzaga
9.Memphis
While I could see Memphis pulling off the upset, the play of big men Chet Holmgren and Drew Timme will be too much for the tigers.

Buffalo
4.Arkansas
12.New Mexico State
Arkansas should use defensive minded wing Au’Diese Toney and bench guards Chris Lykes and Davonte Davis to make a run and beat the Aggies, eliminating them from the tournament.

San Diego
3.Texas Tech
6.Alabama
Mark Adam’s team will eliminate the three ball by Alabama and should get a ten to fifteen point win over the Crimson Tide.

Greenville
2.Duke
10.Davidson
After potentially beating his former team, Davidson guard Foster Sawyer and the Davidson Wildcats’ luck will run out in the Round of 32, losing to Paolo Banchero and the Blue Devils.

Sweet 16

San Francisco
1.Gonzaga
4.Arkansas
Arkansas and Gonzaga have two of the most experienced coaches in the country at getting to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and this game should be highly competitive. But, the balance of Gonzaga’s offense will be too much to handle for the Hogs and the Bulldogs will advance to the Elite 8.

2.Duke
3.Texas Tech
Texas Tech will again use their defense to make it tough on Duke’s young team to beat the Blue Devils and end Coach K’s career in the Sweet 16.

Elite 8

San Francisco
1.Gonzaga
3.Texas Tech
The two teams met in the Elite 8 in 2019, with Texas Tech winning. The game is between two first year head coaches that have been the best in the country among them. Texas Tech will upset the Bulldogs and get one step closer to a National Championship.

Picked winner of regional: 3.Texas Tech

Favorites:
1.Gonzaga
Gonzaga uses guard Andrew Nembhard, likely number one pick in the 2022 NBA Draft Chet Holmgren and talented, experienced big Drew Timme to run one of the best offenses in the country. The top overall seed in the tournament for the second consecutive season is good on the defensive side of the ball but could lose if they give up points via the three point line.

2.Duke
In Coach K’s final season, Duke should be picked by many to win the national championship this season. But, its young core, led by likely lottery picks in the 2022 NBA Draft Paolo Banchero and AJ Griffin and guards Trevor Keels and Jeremy Roach. Duke is a team that can also use their offense to win games but will need to stay consistent defensively to win it all.

3.Texas Tech
Texas Tech, unlike the other top seeds, has a terrific defense. Texas Tech has beaten top seeds Kansas and Baylor a combined three times and uses their talented defense to create transition and make the other team’s life on offense tricky. I would not like to see Texas Tech on my side of the bracket.

Sleepers:
6.Alabama
Alabama, as mentioned above, is one of if not the most inconsistent team in the country. But, talented guards JD Davison, Jaden Shackleford, and Jahvon Quinerly lead a Tide team that can get hot from three point range. The Tide have wins over top tournament teams Gonzaga, Baylor, and Houston but losses to Georgia, Iona, and Davidson, a team that ends up in the west region along with the Tide.

9.Memphis
After losing eight out of twelve games early in the season, Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway believed that the Tigers’ season was over. But a late resurgence, including two regular season wins over the American Athletic’s top team, Houston, has put them in the mix to beat Boise State in the Round of 64 and then potentially a shot at top overall seeded Gonzaga.

10.Davidson
Davidson’s top player is guard Foster Sawyer, who transferred from Michigan State. Of course, Davidson plays Sawyer’s team in the first round and there is a good chance the Wildcats take down the Spartans and move on to face Duke. Facing Duke will be a tough task, but the Wildcats, the regular season champs in the A-10, are a tough team that does not back down from any challenge.

2022 West Regional Preview, Predictions Video

Image Courtesy: USA Today

Things will look slightly different in this college basketball preview post. No different from usual, I will show the AP top six entering the week. Then, I will preview each of the Power 6 conference tournaments (ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-12, SEC, also note that mid major conference tournaments happened this past week). The preview will include a link to each of the conference tournament brackets, a link to my video preview of each that includes my predictions on my YouTube channel, and a few thoughts I have for each conference tournament. All conference tournament brackets and preview videos will be uploaded and hyperlinked by Tuesday night.

AP Top 6
1.Gonzaga
2.Arizona
3.Baylor
4.Duke
5.Auburn
6.Kansas

ACC (Brooklyn)
Bracket
Video Preview
Thoughts: Despite losing to North Carolina in Coach K’s final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium, the Blue Devils should be the favorite to win the ACC Tournament this week in Brooklyn. Other dangerous teams in the bracket include two seed Notre Dame, three seed North Carolina, four seed Miami, five seed Wake Forest, and seven seed Virginia Tech. Six seed Virginia will need to win the ACC Tournament to get to another NCAA Tournament but are definitely capable of doing so as the conference is “down” this year by many standards. Projected Winner: Duke

Big 12 (Kansas City)
Bracket
Video Preview
Thoughts:
Top three seeds Kansas, Baylor, and Texas Tech should be the easy favorites to win Kansas City this week. Baylor is playing the best of late, with a win over Kansas. All three, with a Big 12 Tournament championship, would likely be a surefire number one seed. Texas is the only other team as the four seed that is a legitimate second weekend NCAA Tournament team.
Projected Winner: Baylor

Big East (New York City)
Bracket
Video Preview
Thoughts:
Despite winning the Big East for the first time ever, Providence was swept by two seed and Big East mainstay Villanova. Villanova, led by guard Collin Gillespie, should be the favorite to win in Madison Square Garden.
Projected Winner: Villanova

Big Ten (Indianapolis)
Bracket
Video Preview
Thoughts:
Despite falling from the top spot in the Big Ten in the last two weeks, guard Jaden Ivey and big Trevion Williams could still lead the Boilermakers to a championship. Top seed Illinois, two seed Wisconsin, five seed Iowa, and others should challenge Purdue for the conference tournament championship.
Projected Winner: Purdue

Pac-12 (Las Vegas)
Bracket
Video Preview
Thoughts:
Arizona, UCLA, and USC are the only surefire NCAA Tournament teams as the top three seeds in the Pac-12. Arizona has been one of if not the best team in the country and UCLA and USC are capable of big runs in March as well.
Projected Winner: Arizona

SEC (Tampa)
Bracket
Video Preview
Thoughts:
Top four seeds Auburn, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkansas have separated themselves from the rest of the pack. LSU and Alabama are the other teams capable of a March run, but Kentucky, led by likely national player of the year Oscar Tshiebwe should make a deep run.
Projected Winner: Kentucky

AP Top 6
1.Gonzaga 24-3 (13-1)
2.Arizona 25-3 (15-2)
3.Baylor 25-5 (13-4)
4.Duke 25-4 (15-3)
5.Auburn 25-4 (13-3)
6.Kansas 23-5 (12-3)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)
14.Arkansas at. 13.Tennessee (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)
Among the top four teams in the SEC, home teams are 65-1 this season (the one loss is Arkansas’ in early January against Vanderbilt). Whoever wins this game will have a shot at apart of the SEC crown with both having wins over Auburn, who has already clinched apart of the SEC title, and sits at . Arkansas (13-4 in the SEC) defeated Tennessee (13-4 in the SEC) 58-48 in Bud Walton Arena two weeks ago. But Tennessee is 17-0 at Thompson-Boiling Arena this season. Arkansas has wins over Auburn, Kentucky, and LSU during their run of fourteen wins in their last fifteen games as well as their most recent win over LSU 77-76. Tennessee themselves is winners of three straight, defeating last place Georgia 75-68. It is going to be an incredible game, that is all I know. Projected Score: Tennessee 70, Arkansas 69
21.Texas at. 6.Kansas (Saturday, 4 PM ET, ESPN)
Kansas has struggled as of late. Kansas has lost two out of their last three games to Baylor and TCU and have lost their standing as a one seed in the NCAA Tournament. Texas, despite a loss to Baylor on Monday, has gotten wins over West Virginia and TCU since their last loss to Texas Tech. In their first meeting, Texas upset Kansas 79-76. This could be a perfect situation for Kansas, though, as they get a senior day match up in Phog Allen to sure up a top two seed in the Big 12 Tournament next week (or potentially winning a share of the Big 12 Regular Season Championship). Projected Score: Kansas 80, Texas 74
North Carolina at. 4.Duke (Saturday, 6 PM ET, ESPN)
I previewed this game in a full post, if you want to check it out. Projected Score: Duke 92, North Carolina 80
16.USC at. 17.UCLA (Saturday, 10 PM ET, ESPN)
With the LA rivals coming into the game both at 14-6, a win for either team would put them as the two seed in next week’s Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas. USC will need production from big man Isaiah Mobley (14 points, 9 rebounds per game) but with UCLA at home, it would be huge for UCLA to get revenge on the Trojans and grab another quad one win for their resume. UCLProjectA point guard Tyger Campbell (12 points and 4 assists per game) and wing Johnny Juzang (17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists per game) will need to be at their best to get a win for the Bruins. Projected Score: UCLA 76, USC 71

Image Courtesy: Carolina Blitz

North Carolina at. 4.Duke
Cameron Indoor Stadium (Durham,NC)
Saturday March 5, 6 PM ET
ESPN

Since 1920, college basketball’s best rivalry game has been North Carolina versus Duke. There is no doubt about it. To make things even more interesting, Duke coach Mike Krzyewski’s final regular season game is finally here, set for Saturday, 6 PM ET on ESPN against the Tar Heels. It should be a fun one in Durham for one final regular season showdown.

North Carolina comes in at 22-8 overall and 14-5 in the ACC. Duke, who has already clinched the ACC regular season title at 26-4 (16-3) in the ACC, could put themselves in even better contention for a one seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament with a win over Carolina. Both teams’ inside out play will be crucial to this game. Potential top five picks Paolo Banchero (17 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game) and AJ Griffin (10 points and 4 rebounds per game) headline Duke’s first ACC regular championship team since 2010. North Carolina will need star big man Armando Bacot (16 points and 13 rebounds per game) as well as guards Caleb Love (16 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds per game) and RJ Davis (13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists per game) will have to get going if the Tar Heels want to avenge their 87-67 loss at the hands of the Blue Devils last month. The Tar Heels should definitely play better against the Blue Devils than they did a month ago but in Coach K’s final regular season appearance against North Carolina, he should improve his 22-18 record against them in front of his home crowd.

Projected Score: Duke 92, North Carolina 80

Image Courtesy: The Boston Globe

AP Top 6
1.Gonzaga 24-2 (13-0)
2.Arizona 25-2 (15-1)
3.Auburn 25-3 (13-2)
4.Purdue 24-4 (13-4)
5.Kansas 23-4 (12-2)
6.Kentucky 23-5 (12-3)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)
4.Purdue at. Michigan State (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)
Purdue faces a well-coached Michigan State team that has not been successful much of late (2-4 this month). Purdue should use star guard Jaden Ivey (17 points, 5 rebounds per game) and its tough front court to defeat the Spartans. Projected Score: Purdue 77, Michigan State 68
6.Kentucky at. 18.Arkansas (Saturday, 2 PM ET, CBS)
As an Arkansa fan that will be in attendance, there is little to say about this game. The recent play of 2021 March Madness star Devo Davis and big man Jaylin Williams has led the hogs to wins in twelve out of their last thirteen games including then number one Auburn, a tough Tennessee team, and then number twelve ranked LSU. Kentucky boasts likely national player of the year Oscar Tshiebwe who has only had two games with less than ten rebounds as well as phenomenal guards Sahvir Wheeler and Tyty Washington. Projected Score: Kentucky 85, Arkansas 80
3.Auburn at. 17.Tennessee (Saturday, 4 PM ET, ESPN)
Auburn and Tennessee suffered losses last Saturday, so a rebound week is needed for both squads. Freshman sensation Kennedy Chandler and senior Santiago Vescovi look to give Auburn its second loss in three games. Potential top pick in the NBA Draft Jabari Smith needs a big game for Auburn to go into Knoxville and get a win. Projected Score: Auburn 76, Tennessee 71
5.Kansas at. 10.Baylor (Saturday, 8 PM ET, ESPN)
Kansas and Baylor square off in the second of two match ups this season. The Jayhawks demolished the Bears back on February 5 with many of Baylor’s top players out. If Kansas led by Ochai Agbaji (20.2 points, 5.2 rebounds per game) can win in Waco over James Akinjo (13 points, 6 assists per game), Adam Flagler (14 points, 3 assists pe game), then they will be one seed material to me. Projected Score: Baylor 82, Kansas 81
1.Gonzaga at. 23.Saint Mary’s (Saturday, 10 PM ET, ESPN)
The top two teams in the West Coast battle for the second time this season. The Zags defeated the Gaels 66-53 over a week ago and need potential top pick in the NBA Draft Chet Holmgren and experienced senior big Drew Timme to have big games to pick up another win in conference by double digits. The Gaels win would likely give Arizona a chance to be seen as many as the projected number one overall seed in the tournament, but many think it would take two losses for the Zags to be removed from the top line. Projected Score: Gonzaga 80, Saint Mary’s 69

West (San Francisco)
1.Gonzaga (1)
2.Texas Tech (7)
3.Illinois (11)
4.UCLA (15)

East (Philadelphia)
1.Kentucky (4)
2.Kansas (6)
3.Villanova (10)
4.Wisconsin (13)

Midwest (Chicago)
1.Auburn (2)
2.Purdue (5)
3.Providence (12)
4.Texas (16)

South (San Antonio)
1.Arizona (3)
2.Duke (8)
3.Baylor (9)
4.Tennessee (14)

AP Top 6
1.Gonzaga 21-2 (10-0)
2.Auburn 23-2 (11-1)
3.Arizona 22-2 (12-1)
4.Kentucky 21-4 (10-2)
5.Purdue 22-4 (11-4)
6.Kansas 20-4 (9-3)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)
11.Texas Tech at. 20.Texas (Saturday, 12:30 PM ET, ABC)
25.Alabama at. 4.Kentucky (Saturday, 1 PM ET, CBS)
12.Illinois at. 19.Michigan State (Saturday, 2:30 PM ET, FOX)
16.Tennessee at. 23.Arkansas (Saturday, 4 PM ET, ESPN)
Oregon at. 3.Arizona (Saturday, 10 PM ET, ESPN)
ESPN’s College GameDay heads to Tucson for a huge match up in the Pac-12. Oregon enters the week third in the Pac-12. Two wins over Oregon State and Oregon at home would put them in great standing following a questionable loss to California last week at home. Arizona is one of the best coached teams in the country, led by first head coach Tommy Lloyd. An upset could be brewing but it would not take the wildcats out of first in the Pac-12. Projected Score: Arizona 77, Oregon 74