March Madness is one of my favorite times of the year, and it’s a time college basketball fans truly love. One of the best parts is creating your own bracket for the tournament. I think I’m pretty good at it, so here’s my breakdown of my Sweet 16 picks and predictions for the rest of the tournament.
My Sweet 16:
Auburn
Michigan State
Texas Tech
North Carolina
Michigan
Florida Gators
Maryland
St. John’s
Duke
Oregon
BYU
Alabama
Houston
Purdue
Kentucky
Tennessee
Elite 8 Breakdown:
South Region: Auburn vs. MichiganI believe Michigan’s two 7-footers could cause some problems, but Auburn’s overall strength will get them to the Elite 8.
East Region: Ole Miss vs. Michigan StateI originally had North Carolina, but it’s really Ole Miss vs. Michigan State. I’m picking Michigan State here, as they have better athleticism, a rich history, and a great coach—important in March Madness. Michigan State moves on.
West Region: Florida vs. MarylandFlorida is very athletic and has been strong all season. Despite a close win over UConn, I still think Florida beats Maryland and moves on.
West Region: Arkansas vs. Texas TechOriginally, I had St. John’s, but they were eliminated by Arkansas. I think Arkansas has great athleticism, but they lack the chemistry to beat Texas Tech. Texas Tech moves on.
East Region: Duke vs. ArizonaI had Oregon initially, but Arizona beat them. I think Duke, with a solid coach and strong players, will beat Arizona and move on.
East Region: BYU vs. AlabamaAlabama has a good team, but I’m picking BYU here. BYU has a solid roster and a strong finish to the season. BYU moves on.
Midwest Region: Houston vs. PurdueNormally, I would pick Purdue, but I’m going with Houston this year. Houston has been impressive, so I’ll have them advancing.
Midwest Region: Kentucky vs. TennesseeKentucky has beaten Tennessee twice this season, but it’s hard to defeat a team three times. I’m picking Tennessee to move on.
Final Four:
Michigan State vs. FloridaThis is going to be a great game, but I think Michigan State will come out on top.
Duke vs. HoustonDuke has the best player in college basketball, Cooper Flagg, but Houston has been dominant throughout the tournament. I’m picking Houston to move on to the championship.
Championship Game:
Michigan State vs. HoustonBoth teams have had close wins to get here, but Houston’s athleticism will be too much for Michigan State. It’ll be a tight game, but I have Houston as the winner.