Final Four picks

Four teams remain, going with Carolina

The 2016-2017 edition of March Madness has reached the pinnacle with the field of sixty eight down to North Carolina, South Carolina, Gonzaga and Oregon.

At the start of festivities, I picked a Final Four of Duke, UNC, Louisville and Gonzaga in my 2017 Tourney Bracket with my final pick of Gonzaga-UNC still alive.

So here we go ...the Final Four

2017 Final Four

South Carolina (7) vs Gonzaga (1)

South Carolina has surprised and will be a tough ask for Gonzaga. But I picked the Zags to get there at the start so have to see them winning by using brute force inside and limiting mistakes with the ball.

Depending on how the refs let the game flow, Gonzaga will be more adaptable and their rotation is more versatile.

Expect a dogfight with the Zags icing it on the line late.

Gonzaga by 6

Oregon (3) vs North Carolina (1)

The Tarheels are back to go one step beyond with Oregon presenting the first obstacle. We can't mention any injury concerns with Oregon as this team has made it to the Final Four.

Regardless of their situation, the Ducks will be facing a team on a mission in North Carolina. 

Unfortunately for the Ducks, their front court is not deep enough to deal with the relentless Carolina crew. It may be nip and tuck for a while but look for the Tarheels to pull away and advance.

North Carolina by 10

Elite 8 picks

Phoenix tickets up for grabs

We now have eight teams left in the quest for the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball tournament title. The Final Four will be determined over the next two days in what has been a wild ride over the last 48 hours.

My pick of a Gonzaga-North Carolina final is alive but my bracket did not survive...

So...let's pick a Final Four!

West Region

Xavier (11) vs Gonzaga (1)

It can be pretty certain this one will be heart-stopper. Though the Zags are the top seed, Xavier has gotten healthy and are a force to contend with. 

As the game goes on, look for Gonzaga to try and wear down the Musketeers from the inside and through change of pace offensively. either way, the winner will make their first Final Four appearance so it will be a never say die type of affair.

Gonzaga by 5

Midwest Region

Oregon (3) vs Kansas (1)

Though a #3 seed, Oregon was expected to be an upset victim due to their injury concerns but the Ducks have survived.The Jayhawks present a major obstacle though and it could be ugly if the Ducks let Kansas control the tempo. 

Oregon will have to be frenetic on defense in this one but on the other end of the floor, they will get the same from Kansas. Oregon will need to make it a "win ugly" one but Kansas will stay poised.

Kansas by 7

East Region

South Carolina (7) vs Florida (4)

At the least, this one will give the SEC a team in the Final Four.

This one will be a physical defensive battle similar to the 57-53 South Carolina win back in January.

The Gamecocks are in uncharted waters but pretty much on equal footing with the Gators. Ball control and defense in the paint will decide it.

Do the Gators have anything left in the tank?

South Carolina by 4

South Region

Kentucky (2) vs North Carolina (1)

The regular season meeting saw these two throw everything at one another with Kentucky needing every point of Malik Monk's 47 to win by three.

This time around, the Tarheels are healthier and looking to make it back to the championship game. 

Don't look for any Wildcat to score over thirty, if the want to win again, it will take balance. 

In the end, Carolina is on a mission to get redemption for last season.

North Carolina by 7

Final Four picks next week.

Sweet 16 picks

Season is about to sour for eight teams

At the end of action on Friday night USA time, the field of sixty-eight for the 2017 NCAA basketball season will be down to eight. Eight more teams will see their seasons end and be left to wonder ... what if?

Ok...here we go with the picks.

Midwest Region

Michigan (7) vs Oregon (3)

Could this be the exit point for an Oregon team that has survived despite injuries? Just might be.

Michigan by 3

Purdue (4) vs Kansas (1)

Purdue is a big chance to make it all Big 10 for the Final Four spot. Kansas has been under the radar it seems and the spotlight may cause tightness in this one.

Purdue by 4

West Region

West Virginia (4) vs Gonzaga (1)

The Zags will prove their legitimacy!

Gonzaga by 7

Xavier (11) vs Arizona (2)

This one may come down to the last four minutes and maybe Xavier pulls it off.

Xavier by 2

South Region

Butler (4) vs North Carolina (1)

The Tarheels are on a mission!

Carolina by 8

UCLA (3) vs Kentucky (2)

Pappa Ball will have one more reason to boast!

UCLA by 2

East Region

South Carolina (7) vs Baylor (3)

The Gamecocks to move on...

South Carolina by 3

Wisconsin (8) vs Florida (4)

The Badgers again in what's becoming a post season staple in March 

Wisconsin by 6

Elite 8 picks coming soon!

Final Sweet 16 spots on offer

Who else for the Sweet 16

Half of the Sweet 16 for the 2017 NCAA Tournament have been decided, after Sunday, the rest of the group will be set.

Ok...not a lot of fanfare...let's pick 'em!

East Region

USC (11) vs Baylor (3)

Could it be that Baylor drops one time of the year?? There is an opening for someone to step forward from this side of the bracket with the demise of Villanova...maybe the Bears keep going for now...though the Trojans did send quietly fancied SMU packing.

Baylor by 6

South Carolina (7) vs Duke (2)

Sometimes, Duke slips up at this point of the tourney and it will be essentially a home game for South Carolina. Giving the Devils their due...

Duke by 7

Midwest Region

Michigan (7) vs Louisville (2)

Louisville...quietly lurking..

Louisville by 10

Michigan State (9) vs Kansas (1)

Kansas by 5

Rhode Island (11) vs Oregon (3)

The Rams are on a "rampage"!!

Rhode Island by 6

South Region

Wichita State (10) vs Kentucky (2)

Kentucky by 3

Arkansas (8) vs North Carolina (1)

North Carolina by 12

Cincinnati (6) vs UCLA (3)

Will be a physical test for the Bruins...but Ball don't lie!

UCLA by 7

See you later in the week....

Second Round kicking off

Adjust and Advance time

Yep the bracket is well and truly busted after a 10-6 day picking games busted but I will soldier on with predictions....here we go!

East Region

Wisconsin (8) vs Villanova (1)

Wisconsin has a seeding chip on their shoulder...in the end though they would have to face the likes of Villanova at some stage so no time like the present.

Could it be time to say goodbye to the defending champs?

Wisconsin by 4

Virginia (5) vs Florida (4)

This one could be decided in the last minutes and it could be a defensive struggle. Just the kind of game that UVa likes!

Virginia by 5

West Region

Notre Dame (5) vs West Virginia (4)

The Irish have had their scare, now the are on track to further glory for the ACC!

Notre Dame by 7

Northwestern (8) vs Gonzaga (1)

Northwestern has had a taste....they have something to build on as Gonzaga did years ago.

Gonzaga b 14

Xavier (11) vs Florida State (3)

Florida State by 9

St Mary's (7) vs Florida State (2)

Florida State by 4

Midwest Region

Iowa State (5) vs Purdue (4)

Purdue by 10

South Region

Middle Tennessee (12) vs Butler (4)

Mid Tennessee is not a 12th seed!!

Mid Tennessee by 5

Of course there will be more in the coming days!

NCAA Friday

Full Bracket Day 2

Now the field of 64 has been set so here are my picks for Day 2 of March Madness 2017.

East Region

New Mexico St (14) vs Baylor (3)

Baylor by 11

USC (11) vs SMU (6)

The Trojans are getting healthy but are heading into a buzz saw!

SMU by 9

Troy (15) vs Duke (2)

Duke by 17

Marquette (10) vs South Carolina (7)

South Carolina by 4

South Region

Seton Hall (9) vs Arkansas (8)

Seton Hall by 3

Texas-Southern (16) vs North Carolina (1)

North Carolina by 23

Wichita State (10) vs Dayton (7)

Shockers prove they were seeded too low

Wichita State by 8

Kansas State (11) vs Cincinnati (6)

Cincy by 6

Northern Kentucky (15) vs Kentucky (2)

Kentucky by 26

Kent State (14) vs UCLA (3)

UCLA by 16

Midwest Region

Oklahoma State (10) vs Michigan (7)

The Wolverines seem to be destined in some way...they will be tested first up.

Michigan by 5

Iona (14) vs Oregon (3)

Oregon will survive for this round...maybe two rounds.

Oregon by 11

Jacksonville State (15) vs Louisville (2)

Louisville by 22

Rhode Island (11) vs Creighton (6)

In some circles...a Creighton win would be the upset.

Rhode Island by 6

Cal-Davis (16) vs Kansas (1)

Can it finally happen? There will be a scare...

Kansas by 13

Michigan State (9) vs Miami (8)

It's all about The U!!

Miami by 8

That does it for First Round games, more to come!

Full Slate kicks off

Where will upsets come ?

The NCAA full bracket kicks off on Thursday with games around the country. 

No need for a lot of fanfare....let's start picking 'em!

East Region

UNC-Wilmington (12) vs Virginia (5)

The Cavs will be dangerous but will not garner many Final Four chances this season. They will kick off with a win though.

Virginia by 13

East Tenn St (13) vs Florida (4)

Florida by 7

Mount St Mary's (16) vs Villanova (1)

Villanova by 23

Virginia Tech (9) vs Wisconsin (8)

This one could be interesting....calling an upset here...

Va Tech by 4

West Region

VCU (10) vs St Mary's (7)

The Rams are always good for excitement!

VCU by 3

Princeton (12) vs Notre Dame (5)

Notre Dame by 14

South Dakota State (16)vs Gonzaga (1)

Gonzaga by 18

Bucknell (13) vs West Virginia (4)

West Virginia by 21

Vanderbilt (8) vs Northwestern (9)

Highest cumulative GPA wins?? Give the Wildcats a 1-0 start to their NCAA history!

Northwestern by 3

Xavier (11) vs Maryland (6)

Maryland by 7

Florida Gulf Coast (14) vs Florida State (3)

I'll believe the hype....upset here of an ACC team!

Florida Gulf Coast by 5

North Dakota (15) vs Arizona (2)

Arizona by 23

South Region

Winthrop (13) vs Butler (4)

Winthrop will give a scare...heck make it pull one off!!

Winthrop by 1

Middle Tennessee (12) vs Minnesota (5)

Here we go.....12vs5 upset special....

MTSU by 8

Midwest Region

Vermont (13) vs Purdue (4)

Purdue by 24

Nevada (12) vs Iowa State (5)

Nevada moving on?

Nevada by 6

Much more to come!

It's March Baby!!

Play in time

Yep, the time is here, NCAA tourney time is here and eight teams will be trying to punch their tickets into the Field of 64 over the next to days. I will get to my full bracket but for now....will give my picks to fill the last slots.

So...let's get started!

NCAA Play First Four

Mount St. Mary's (16) vs New Orleans (16)

New Orleans will be looking to make a statement in their return to NCAA play. The Privateers were once in yearly consideration for bids but the programme went into lower divisions before returning to Division 1 play.

Neither team has super size but it should not matter in this one.

In the end, I give the nod to New Orleans who will earn the right to be trounced by Villanova.

New Orleans by 11

Kansas State (11) vs Wake Forest (11)

These two are pretty even on paper and upon looking through their rosters. Kansas State could easily have five or so more wins after a few close calls throughout the season. Ditto for Wake Forest. Cincy awaits!

When all else fails.... ACC, ACC, ACC!!

Wake by 6

UNC Central (16) vs Cal-Davis (16)

The honour of facing Kansas goes to...

Cal-Davis has a slight size advantage, the Aggies had a few close ones through the season and should be battle tested in their first NCAA action. NCCU will be a tough ask but in the end...giving it to the Aggies.

Cal-Davis by 5

USC (11) vs Providence (11)

Though the winner of this one may not have much of a chance against SMU, it should be entertaining.

Late season wins over Butler and Creighton give the Friars credibility heading in. Though the Trojans lost two of three versus UCLA, they were in it until the end during the PAC 12 tourney.

The play of Benny Boatwright for the Trojans will be the key. If he makes contributions....forward march the Men of Troy!

USC by 8

Lots more to come!!