Features Editor and Staff Writer
In the latest Sports Roundtable, Features Editor Matt Wotus (MW) and Staff Writer Jonathan Crighton (JC) take a look at this year’s NCAA Tournament, picking a winner from each region and a national champion.
Midwest Region Winner
MW: Louisville – The Cardinals are the overall number one seed in the tournament, and they really shouldn’t be challenged in this bracket. After Michigan State knocks out Duke (if they both make it that far) in the Sweet 16, the Cardinals will breeze through the rest of the Midwest Region.
JC: Louisville – I feel they are the best team in the tournament. Rick Pitino’s squad is too talented not to make it.
MW: Ohio State – The Buckeyes, the Big 10 Champions, are clearly the best team in this region. Gonzaga received the number one seed, though whether they deserved it or not is debatable. Yes, the Bulldogs went undefeated in their conference and 31-2 overall, but they played no team even remotely like the competition they’ll face in the tournament. The two games they played against decent opponents in the regular season ended in losses. Look for Gonzaga to be knocked out early, leaving the door wide open for Ohio State to win the West Region.
JC: Ohio State – The Buckeyes are led by a veteran backcourt and are in the weakest region.
East Region Winner
MW: Indiana – This bracket was more challenging to pick. The Hoosiers won’t face any real competition until a potential Elite Eight matchup with second-seeded Miami, a team many thought deserved a top seed after winning the ACC Championship. However, Indiana has been consistent all year. Miami, on the other hand, posted losses to Indiana State, Wake Forest, and Georgia Tech. Hoosier forward Cody Zeller will be the difference maker for Indiana throughout the tournament, allowing Indiana to win the East Region.
JC: Miami – The Hurricanes are probably the most experienced team in the tournament and are led by superstar point guard Shane Larkin.
South Region Winner
MW: Georgetown – This bracket was the hardest to pick. Kansas, the top seed, is a very good team, but not good enough to avoid a second round upset-loss to North Carolina, a team that has found its groove entering the tournament. The only team standing in the way of Georgetown would then be third-seeded Florida, but the Gators have lately been inconsistent, losing five out of their last 13 games. Therefore, Georgetown will win the South Region.
JC: Georgetown – The Hoyas will prove they are one of the best defensive teams in the country.
National Championship Game
MW: Louisville vs. Indiana – Louisville should be able to handle Ohio State in the semifinals, as the Buckeyes rank 110th in points per game (they scored only 50 points in the Big 10 Championship). Combine that with the Cardinals’ strong defense, and Louisville will be moving on. Indiana shouldn’t have any problems taking care of Georgetown in the second semifinal.
JC: Louisville vs. Miami. The Hurricanes will wear down the Hoyas defense, and Louisville will be too quick up and down the court for the Buckeyes.
National Champion
MW: Indiana – The Hoosiers are averaging 80 points per game and are led by Zeller and Victor Oladipo, their other star. This should be a close game, but Indiana will win their sixth national championship, the last coming in 1987. Final score: 67-59.
JC: Louisville – They have some unfinished business after losing in the Final Four last year. Coach Pitino would love to make Kentucky fans’ year even more miserable. Final score: 67-64.
