After a solid 48 hours of study and evaluation my bracket is starting to come together rather nicely. The Southeast is wide open, but the other regions will most likely send the top seeds to the Final Four (Ohio St, Duke, and Kansas). My best and final bracket probably won't come out until 2:00 am as I will tinker back and forth for several hours before making a final decision. The tourney always hinges on few key games and I don't want my bracket busted by noon on Thursday if you know what I'm saying. On the upset side of the ledger here are the games to watch for.
Belmont over Wisconsin. Wisconsin held their own in the Big 10, but they struggle to score points and Belmont has an up tempo offense. Belmont can shoot the 3 and keep the pressure on Wisconsin to play from behind. The game is in Denver so no geographical advantage for either team.
Richmond over Vanderbilt. Richmond has an inside/outside game and shoots a high percentage from the 3 point and free throw line. Vanderbilt will struggle once they get out of conference play and face opponents they are not overly familiar with.
Clemson over West Virginia. I know West Virginia made it to the Final Four last year, but I don't trust teams coached by Bob Huggins. Clemson had to participate in the play-in game so they've got a little chip on their shoulder. The game is being played in Tampa so no advantage for either team.
** Utah St. over Kansas St. I think this one is possible, but Utah St. burned me last year and I'm not sure I can whole heartedly endorse this upset. The 30-3 record is a little deceptive and Kansas St. will have the best player on the court (Jacob Pullen) by far. Go with this game if you're feeling adventurous.
Tomorrow Young Sam Rothstein will lay out the sportsbook picks. Stay tuned.
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