Final Four predictions here.
I have Virginia, UNC, Nova, and MSU.
Virginia is a bizarre team this year, but they've taken care of business. I don't remember a team this good on defense but this bad on offense and rebounding. They are ranked #1 in defense, but ranked in the 300's in both offense and rebounding. I can see them being knocked out early but I think they have the easiest out of the 4 regions in the bracket (South), so I'll take Virginia to make it.
South region dark horse: Kentucky
UNC because I think they'll match up with the ZAGS in the Elite 8 which means Roy Williams will write some checks under the table to the refs. Just kidding. Wait, no I'm not. Yeah, I am. Ehh. Screw UNC. I think this is the toughest region. Michigan is hot. The first round match up between Houston and SDS is a good one. Providence took Nova to OT in the Big East tourney. Xavier is in trouble.
West region dark horse: Winner of Houston/SDS
Nova because their offense is the best in the country once again. I think Purdue has the best chance to knock them out. Don't count out Florida, either. They don't jump out at you this year but they've played VERY well against ranked opponents. Florida vs. UCLA would be a nice first round matchup.
East region dark horse: Florida
MSU because I don't trust Kansas this year. Duke going 1-2 against UNC this year wasn't impressive. I hope RI destroys Oklahoma in the first round. It's pathetic Oklahoma is in this tournament. They played so poorly the last several weeks of the season which was a good enough reason to keep UW out, but not Oklahoma? They went 4-11 their past 15 games, 18-13 overall. Big 12 is so overrated this year. But I get it. I really do. NCAA needs big name schools in the tourney. The ASU/Cuse play in game is interesting. Either could be a dangerous 11 seed.
Midwest region dark horse: Auburn/winner of ASU vs. Cuse
I have Virginia, UNC, Nova, and MSU.
Virginia is a bizarre team this year, but they've taken care of business. I don't remember a team this good on defense but this bad on offense and rebounding. They are ranked #1 in defense, but ranked in the 300's in both offense and rebounding. I can see them being knocked out early but I think they have the easiest out of the 4 regions in the bracket (South), so I'll take Virginia to make it.
South region dark horse: Kentucky
UNC because I think they'll match up with the ZAGS in the Elite 8 which means Roy Williams will write some checks under the table to the refs. Just kidding. Wait, no I'm not. Yeah, I am. Ehh. Screw UNC. I think this is the toughest region. Michigan is hot. The first round match up between Houston and SDS is a good one. Providence took Nova to OT in the Big East tourney. Xavier is in trouble.
West region dark horse: Winner of Houston/SDS
Nova because their offense is the best in the country once again. I think Purdue has the best chance to knock them out. Don't count out Florida, either. They don't jump out at you this year but they've played VERY well against ranked opponents. Florida vs. UCLA would be a nice first round matchup.
East region dark horse: Florida
MSU because I don't trust Kansas this year. Duke going 1-2 against UNC this year wasn't impressive. I hope RI destroys Oklahoma in the first round. It's pathetic Oklahoma is in this tournament. They played so poorly the last several weeks of the season which was a good enough reason to keep UW out, but not Oklahoma? They went 4-11 their past 15 games, 18-13 overall. Big 12 is so overrated this year. But I get it. I really do. NCAA needs big name schools in the tourney. The ASU/Cuse play in game is interesting. Either could be a dangerous 11 seed.
Midwest region dark horse: Auburn/winner of ASU vs. Cuse