1. Villanova vs 16.  MT.ST.Marys/N.Orleans: This is not the year to pick against a 1 seed. Honestly, I can’t picture a year where a 1-seed falls to a 16 seed. It has never happened and probably never will. Plus, this nova team is veteran led and has a bunch of college stars. Experience, Skill, and toughness will have them blowing by to the second round.
2. Duke vs 15. Troy: Even though Duke is a two seed, they have a Michigan State type of feel from last year. Even though they are the two seed, they are the prohibited favorite. They just won the ACC tournament after beating Lousiville, UNC, and Notre Dame. With Kennard, Allen, and Tatum all playing their best at the right time, look for Duke to Swarm Troy.
3. Baylor vs 14 New Mexico St: The aggies of New mexico St could really give Baylor a fight. I’m not a big Baylor believer, as they have lost 5 of their last 7 and seemed to peak in November. When that happens, I get nervous. Not going to pick the upset but watch out for it.
4. Florida vs 13 East Tennessee st: Another upset that is very possible but I’m not going to pick it. I like Florida, even though they lost their shot blocker, because they are very balanced. Picking Florida, hesitantly.
5. Virginia vs UNC Wilmington: UPSET!!! UNC Wilmington pushed Duke to the end last year and are playing a Virginia team that I 1) Don’t trust because of late season struggles and 2) Play slow while UNC Wilmington are athletes who push the ball. Take UNC Wilmington.
6. SMU vs 11) USC/Providence: SMU has been criminally underrated and has won 16 straight games. Teams do not want to play them. Whoever wins the play in game, they will roll through them.
7. South Carolina vs 10) Marquette: Talk about opposites playing clashing. South Carolina is a defensive minded team that likes to grind out games while Marquette is a three point heavy, not much defensive type of game. Have a feeling about Marquette and have pretty much no confidence in SC.
8. Wisconsin vs 9) Virginia Tech: What a first round matchup. Wisconsin is a team, even through the struggles, that was criminally under-seeded. Virginia Tech has been tough all year and can shoot their way into and out of games. Experience and Post Magician Ethan Happ, along with clutch Guard Bronson Koenig will have Wisconsin grind out a close one.

ROUND OF 32

1. Villanova vs 8) Wisconsin: Tough Matchup for the defending champs. Nova has experience and great guard play, but a lack of depth and size is where they can be vulnerable. Ethan Happ would have a field day, but the experience and Josh hart would will their way past a dangerous Wisconsin team.
2. Duke vs 10) Marquette: Marquette has the shooting to stay with Duke for a half, but when it comes down the athletes and skill, Duke blows them out of the water. While Marquette can score, but how are they going to even remotely contain Tatum or Kennard. Duke wins by 10+
3. Baylor vs 6) SMU: A very good season for Baylor comes to an end. SMU has been consistent all year on offense and defense. Semi Ojeleye is a stud, and they play both offense and defense and have been trending up while Baylor has been trending down. Baylor also has weaker guard play and are careless with the ball. SMU Advances.
4. Florida vs 12 UNC Wilmington: This is my thing with upsets. After the first weekend, unless you were syracuse or Gonzaga last year where you are a big brand name who has played legit teams all year, they seem to lose after the first game. Give me Florida

SWEET 16

1. Villanova vs 4) Florida: Not a big Florida guy and it feels like they are getting here by default. It ends here, as Nova is on a whole other level in terms of offensive ability and they will simply outscore Florida.
2. Duke vs 6) SMU: SMU has had a spectacular year, considering they only have 7 scholarship players. But Duke has 7 MCDONALDS PLAYERS. Kennard will be a mismatch nightmare and win a close one.

ELITE EIGHT

1. Villanova vs 2) Duke: This one is really tough for me. It is the toughest choice in college basketball now. Do you go with the really good college team with experience and skill or the more talented athletic team. I have to lean towards the talent. Duke has a higher ceiling, and with how well Tatum and Kennard are playing, it seems like they are impossible to stop and will barely edge the reigning champs and represent the east in the Final Four

DUKE