The first weekend gave us a few surprises and probably none more surprising than the #1 overall seed Kansas getting knocked off by Northern Iowa. Cornell is also still dancing to many people's shock. This weekend can involve a few more shocks on the way to the Final Four. My picks up to this point are 35-14. Time to get sweet with the last 16.
(1) Syracuse v (5) Butler: Butler has a lot of poise and ability for a smaller school, but might not have enough to overcome a tough Syracuse team. PICK: SYRACUSE
(2) Kansas State v (6) Xavier: Xavier has a chance to go deeper than most years, but Kansas State has a special squad this year. They now see a chance to show they are better team in Kansas now that the Jayhawks are gone. PICK: KANSAS STATE
(1) Kentucky v (12) Cornell: Kentucky is a very good squad and might finally be the antidote for Cornell and their magical run. The Big Red has destroyed both of their opponents and they might end up on the wrong end of a lopsided game. PICK: KENTUCKY
(2) West Virginia v (11) Washington: Washington has proved a lot of doubters wrong, but West Virginia looks to be one of the best teams and has a sense of a big run since last month. The Huskies finally meet their match. PICK: WEST VIRGINIA
(5) Michigan State v (9) Northern Iowa: Northern Iowa probably pulled off one of the biggest upsets, but one must wonder how much they have left. They have a lot of character and won't surrender, but Michigan State despite some injuries has the leadership and experience and enough talent. PICK: MICHIGAN STATE
(2) Ohio State v (6) Tennessee: Tennessee has played very well against some of the better teams this year and will need one of their best performances to down Ohio State. The Buckeyes see a big hole in their part of the bracket now that Kansas is gone and will play well enough. PICK: OHIO STATE
(1) Duke v (4) Purdue: Duke's big three have played well thus far and will probably be too much with the inside presence the team has. Purdue played very well this year and if they can channel that good play they might pull it off. PICK: DUKE
(3) Baylor v (10) Saint Mary's: Saint Mary's has played great defense and good enough on offense, but Baylor will be tough to shut down and Samhan can only do so much for so long. PICK: BAYLOR
Let's see who can become elite.
The Sweet Sixteen looked to restore most of the order of the first couple rounds chaos. I went 6-2 and overall my picks are 41-16.
Now onto the Elite Eight.
(2) Kansas State v (5) Butler: Butler has made a wonderful run thus far, but I am not sure if they have enough fire power to close out Kansas State. However, Kansas State's close call against Xavier might be an opening for Butler. PICK: KANSAS STATE
(1) Kentucky v (2) West Virginia: Kentucky has consistently played very well all tournament and are close to getting to the Final Four with the young nucleus who was brought in to do so. But West Virginia will be very tough to beat and have a strong team themselves and have played a little better down the stretch. PICK: WEST VIRGINIA
(5) Michigan State v (6) Tennessee: Not many would have predicted either two to face for the right for a spot in the Final Four. Tennessee has a very good team who came through a good conference while Michigan State has been hit by the injury bug at the wrong time, but they have guys who were just there. Should be a close shootout. PICK: MICHIGAN STATE
(1) Duke v (3) Baylor: Duke continues to play well and will be tested by a team that went under the radar in the Big 12. Baylor's lack of depth might be the difference. PICK: DUKE
Time to see who gets their tickets to the Final Four punched and the field will finally be formed.
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