Bracket Help: South Region; Part II

We're going to talk Duke basketball.  So let's play Reggaeton!!!

(6) UNLV Rebels (26-8, 9-5 MWC)

vs. (11) Colorado Buffaloes (23-11, 11-7 Pac-12)

This is a game about trends.  UNLV checked out of the MWC tournament early.  On their home court.  They've struggled and dropped some games they shouldn't have down the stretch.  Colorado is a team trending upwards.  Say what you want about the Pac-12, this is a team full of Big XII talent that had the disadvantage of playing against teams they had never seen before.  Near the end of the season they put it all together, including an incredible (for lack of a better word) run through the Pac-12 Tournament.  I actually am really high on the Buffs.

PICK:  (11) Colorado

(3) Baylor Bears (27-7, 12-6 Big XII)

vs. (14) South Dakota State Jackrabbits (27-7, 15-3 Summit)

Here's that game that's going to piss you off.  The secretary in your office just picked this upset because of the mascot.  It's unique, people LOVE unique.  You, me, and everyone that knows anything picks Baylor.  Baylor is an amazing team, they have the potential to beat anyone and don't drop games they shouldn't.  Now, the Jacks are probably going to win this game just because, and we're all going to be pissed as that secretary doesn't even gloat because she didn't even watch the damned tournament.

PICK: (3) Baylor

(7) Notre Dame Irish (22-11, 13-5 Big East)

vs. (10) Xavier Musketeers (21-12, 10-6 A-10)

I hate both of these teams.  I really do.  They aren't fun to watch.  Like, at all.  Notre Dame is terrible away from home, and Xavier just randomly checks out of the hotel in the middle of the night.  Ten seeds tend to do quite well in this matchup, and Xavier is no stranger to tournament victories.

PICK:  (10) Xavier

(2) Duke Blue Devils (27-6, 13-3 ACC)

vs. (15) Lehigh Mountain Hawks (26-7, 11-3 Patroit)

What do you say here.  It's not impossible for a fifteen seed to topple a two seed.  It's happened.  However, this is Duke.  Coach K is exceptional this time of year, and I don't see these kids getting caught up in their own hype at all.  Especially after exiting the ACC tournament with a Seminole-style reality check.  Look for Duke to be dangerous on down the stretch here.

PICK:  (2) Duke