March Madness: West Regional Breakdown

vs.

3/20 - 9:40 - Anaheim, CA

Where's former MVSU player Jerry Rice when you need him? Oh wait, wrong sport....that's too bad
because if it were football the Delta Devils might actually have a shot at keeping this under
three touchdowns. Prediction: UCLA 90, MVSU 63

vs.

3/20 - 7:25 - Anaheim, CA

This #8 vs. #9 matchup should be a rough one. Both teams have some bangers down low and
they both like to run their offenses at a slow pace. This certainly won't be the prettiest game to watch,
but I think the last five minutes could be very entertaining. In the end, I like BYU to win this game
simply because A&M has been sluggish down the stretch. Prediction: BYU 63, A&M 60

vs.

3/21 - 12:30 - Tampa, FL

I'm not even completely sure I consider this an upset, but the more athletic Western Kentucky
Hilltoppers will beat the Drake Bulldogs and end their storybook season in the opening round of the
NCAA Tournament. Standout Courtney Lee is just far too gifted for anyone on Drake to guard him
one on one. The Bulldogs better bring help against Lee if they want to advance because he's the
man you've got to stop. Prediction: WKU 69, DU 64

vs.

3/21 - 12:30 - Tampa, FL

Thabeet rolls on for UConn in this game as I expect them to handle San Diego. The one thing I
will say about the Toreros is that they do have a solid point guard in Brandon Johnson, but that's
about it. Prediction: UConn 81, SDU 65

vs.

3/21 - 12:30 - Tampa, FL

There's so many exciting aspects to this Baylor team on offense. Unfortunately, I have a
feeling that most of the excitement will be taken away by a solid Purdue team. I just don't
think head coach Matt painter allow the Bears to run wild up and down the court at the
blistering pace that they were able to do so while playing in the Big 12. Baylor could win,
but my guess is the Boliermakers will control the tempo. Prediction: PU 67, BU 61

vs.

3/21 - 12:30 - Tampa, FL

The Xavier Musketeers are as talented as any team in the nation when they are playing at their
best. However, for some strange reason the Musketeers seem to have this Jekyll and Hyde
personality where they'll be great for one half, then look sloppy for the next. Still, expect X
to advance in this opening round match. Prediction: XU 71, UG 59

vs.

3/20 - 9:30 - Washington, D.C.

One the best first round matchups will be played on opening night between West Virginia and
Arizona. I give the slight edge to Arizona simply because in the NCAA Tournament usually
two superstars outweigh one when matching up teams that are comparable. Still, this should
be a close contest down to the wire. Prediction: Zona 74, WVU 72

vs.

3/20 - 7:10 - Washington, D.C.

The Belmont Bruins are as solid of a #15 seed that you'll see, but they're still no where even
close to being in Duke's league. The Dukies will roll in this opening round game and be
in for a battle in round 2 against Arizona. Prediction: Duke 89, Belmont 61