Why? WHY NOT!?
We're going to break the NCAA Tournament Region by Region. We're going to break it into small, digestible pieces for y'all too. Ain't I nice???? We're going to move on into the West and help YOU pick by providing you with insight reminding you that you will lose to some girl who picked by color and mascot!!!!
vs. (11) Colorado State Rams (20-11, 8-6 MWC)
The Racers have had what can only be described as a dream season (cliche, I know). They've handled all challengers and came out victorious, including games against Southern Miss, Memphis, and St. Mary's. All of those teams mentioned are capable of beating any team in this tournament. They are that good. What does that say about Murray State? Well, not as much as you'd think. Early on in the season, with a new coach, they were able to jump on teams a little easier. Now that everyone's watched they tape they are much more susceptible. Colorado State is battle tested, they played the 4th toughest schedule in the country. The Rams are ready to prove that taking on those challenges pay off in March.
PICK: (11) Colorado State
(3) Marquette Golden Eagles (25-7, 14-4 Big East)
vs. (14) BYU/Iona Winner
I absolutely hate this about the tournament bracket. As far as this goes, it makes it difficult to provide you with a good call. BYU and Iona pose separate problems for Marquette. I feel that Iona matches up best for Marquette, so if you are looking for an upset, you could easily make the case that the Gaels could take down Marquette. I don't see it happening though, Marquette is a team that is Final Four primed.
PICK: (3) Marquette
(7) Florida Gators (23-10, 10-6 SEC)
vs. (10) Virginia Cavaliers (22-9, 9-7 ACC)
I've spent a great majority of this season trying to figure these teams out, so it's kind of funny to me that they'd get paired up. Florida has been consistent throughout the year, but left me with that indecisive "are they going to take it to the next level?" feeling. This team very well could win it all (they won't), they have that kind of talent. It's just not all put together, not Billy Donovan's fault, it just never lined up for them. Virginia is more on the opposite side of the spectrum. They don't give you that "Wow, these guys are next level" feeling that Florida gives me, but I've seen flashes of greatness. They also gave me the "seriously, y'all" feeling. They are up and down, and that's going to haunt them in this draw. Florida is a safe bet here.
PICK: (7) Florida
(2) Missouri Tigers (30-4, 14-4 Big XII)
vs. (15) Norfolk State Spartans (25-9, 13-3 MEAC)
I really hope, for the Spartans sake, that they can take care of the ball. That will kill you against Missouri. Playing four guards, they are undersized, but they are so lightning fast on defense that a little carelessness can explode a close game into a blowout in mere minutes. If the Spartans can get Ricardo Ratliffe in foul trouble, they may be able to shut down the perimeter to stall out Missouri's offense enough to have a chance down the stretch.
PICK: (2) Missouri
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