NCAA Midwest Regional Analysis and Predictions

OVERVIEW OF THE TOP OF THE BRACKET

WHO IS SEEDED TOO HIGH?

None

WHO IS SEEDED TOO LOW?

#5 Iowa: The Hawkeyes are the best team in the Big Ten going into the NCAA tournament, having finished the season on a 12-2 run and winning the conference championship tournament. Yet, there are three other Big Ten teams seeded ahead of them. If they bring their last three weeks’ play into this tournament they could make the Final Four.

#13 South Dakota State: This team continues to get absolutely zero respect from anyone in college basketball. They have won 30 games and only two other teams can say that. Are they a top 5 seed, absolutely not. But they are a helluva lot better than a 13.

FAVORITES TO MAKE THE SWEET SIXTEEN

#1 Kansas: The Jayhawks should win their first game, but round two will be a very dangerous test. Either San Diego State or Creighton will give them a battle and they better bring their best, or they could be eliminated early.

#4 Providence: The Friars are coming into the tournament, with the thumping they took from Creighton in the Big East tournament, fresh in their memory. That loss took some of the luster off what has been a great season. Can they bounce back and get on track?

#5 Iowa: Need we say anymore than we already have about Iowa? They are very dangerous.

BEST CHANCE TO CRASH THE SWEET SIXTEEN:

Creighton, San Diego State, South Dakota State, and Richmond: All four of these teams could easily win their first two games. They are all really good and will be a handful for the higher seeded teams.

WHO MAKES THE REGIONAL FINALS?

This part of the Midwest bracket has given me fits. I have changed my mind three or four times. I like Kansas a lot, but I’m not sure they are a very strong #1 seed. I’m going to take a chance and go with Kansas.

OVERVIEW OF THE BOTTOM OF THE BRACKET:

WHO IS SEEDED TOO HIGH?

#2 Auburn: The Tigers are stumbling and bumbling their way down, to what may be a very quick finish line. They have been unimpressive for the last month or so. With that much talent, there is always a chance that they can turn the switch back to on, but that doesn’t happen very often.

WHO IS SEEDED TOO LOW?

#7 USC: This is another team that hasn’t received the respect they deserve. They finished 26-7 for the season and were a couple of bounces away from winning more. They deserve at least a 5.

FAVORITES TO REACH THE SWEET SIXTEEN

Auburn: Being seeded second obviously makes you a favorite. They should win the first round game, but that second round matchup between either Miami or USC is looming as upset material.

Wisconsin: The Badgers got a very favorable draw as they get the first two games in nearby Milwaukee. They could struggle against a good Colgate team in the first game, but should be able to handle either LSU or Iowa State in round two.

BEST CHANCE TO CRASH THE SWEET SIXTEEN

USC: As mentioned above, I really like the Trojans and their chances. If they are focused and playing their best, they can win these first two games.

WHO MAKES THE REGIONAL FINALS?

Wisconsin: I reluctantly am going with them. I don’t like the way they finished the regular season but they have been a good tournament team the past few years.