Fansided

NCAA Tournament picks 2017: Predicting the March Madness bracket

By Cody Williams

Mar 23, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; A view of a March Madness logo on a basketball during practice the day before the semifinals of the South regional of the NCAA Tournament at KFC YUM!. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; A view of a March Madness logo on a basketball during practice the day before the semifinals of the South regional of the NCAA Tournament at KFC YUM!. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 12
Next

Picks and predictions for the entire 2017 March Madness bracket, from the Round of 64 to the National Championship in the NCAA Tournament

On Thursday, March 16, March Madness 2017 will officially commence as the 64 teams remaining after the First Four play-in games will take to the hardwood to try and fulfill their destiny. There are favorites, certainly. However, there are also the underdogs and the cinderella teams that look to leave a lasting legacy following the 2017 NCAA Tournament.

Though there has been some debate about them, it’s ultimately hard to argue with the four No. 1 seeds entering March Madness as the Villanova Wildcats, Kansas Jayhawks, Gonzaga Bulldogs and North Carolina Tar Heels are all deserving. It’s also worth remembering that Villanova and North Carolina played for the National Championship one year ago, providing maybe the greatest title game and finish in the history of the tournament.

Both teams have a viable shot of getting back to that pinnacle, but the road will again be tough. The South Region with the Tar Heels at the top is absolutely loaded with the higher seeds. What’s more, there are a number of teams that have been severely mis-seeded throughout the March Madness bracket—some too high, others too low.

RELATED: Updated 2017 NCAA Tournament bracket

It’s all about the matchups that come about in the end, however. So as everyone makes their picks in filling out their NCAA Tournament brackets, we’ll look to do the same. From the Round of 64 all the way to picking a champion, here are predictions for every game in March Madness.

Mar 10, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after making a basket late in the second half against the Seton Hall Pirates during the Big East Conference Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after making a basket late in the second half against the Seton Hall Pirates during the Big East Conference Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

East Region – Round of 64

1. Villanova vs. 16. Mount Saint Mary’s

This one isn’t particularly hard to pick. While 5-foot-5 Junior Robinson of Mount Saint Mary’s is an absolute gamer, the Mountaineers overall can’t contend with the length and athleticism of the defending champs. Villanova should advance while barely breaking a sweat.
The Pick: Villanova

8. Wisconsin vs. 9. Virginia Tech

When comparing the Wisconsin Badgers and Virginia Tech Hokies, this matchup will be about which team controls the pace of the game. Though Wisconsin has a terrific defense in an experienced weapon in Bronson Koenig, Buzz Williams’ team should get them off the game by speeding the game up. The Badgers won’t be able to keep up.
The Pick: Virginia Tech

5. Virginia vs. 12. UNC Wilmington

Much like the previous matchup, this is a classic great offense vs. great defense matchup. The Virginia Cavaliers defense ranks first in the country in KenPom’s Adjusted Defensive Efficiency at just 87.0 points per 100 possessions. Meanwhile, the UNC Wilmington Seahawks rank 18th in KenPom’s Adjusted Offensive Efficiency at 117.8 points per 100 possessions. Though most people believe in the Cavaliers’ game plan and defense, I’m trusting a veteran UNC Wilmington team over the Hoos and their tourney woes in an upset.
The Pick: UNC Wilmington

4. Florida vs. 13. East Tennessee State

This has been a somewhat trendy upset pick, but upon further inspection, that seems unwarranted. Florida has been one of the best defensive teams in the country this season and, while East Tennessee State’s defense is quality as well, they won’t be able to score on the Gators.
The Pick: Florida

6. SMU vs. 11. Providence/USC Winner

Obviously how this matchup plays out is somewhat contingent on if the SMU Mustangs play either the Providence Friars or USC Trojans—whichever should win in the First Four. Frankly, though, it won’t matter. Tim Jankovich’s SMU is one of the most underrated teams in the country and they’ll make quick work of either opponent.
The Pick: SMU

3. Baylor vs. 14. New Mexico State

Once upon a time, Baylor was considered among the top teams in the country. While their seeded as such in March Madness, it’d be unwise to continue with that type of thinking in the tournament. Even still, their length and athleticism will be too much for New Mexico State. Though the Bears’ tournament woes in recent years give me pause, Baylor still advances.
The Pick: Baylor

7. South Carolina vs. 10. Marquette

Marquette has one of the best offenses in the country and are arguably the best overall 3-point shooting team in the land. Contrarily, South Carolina is a grinding team that thrives off of their defensive abilities. They can say defense wins championships, but if the Golden Eagles get streaky from deep, they can put this one away. That, or something similar, is how I see things playing out.
The Pick: Marquette

2. Duke vs. 15. Troy

Troy is one of the worst defensive teams in the tournament. Duke is one of the best offensive teams in the country. It doesn’t take a lot of work to realize this plays out in favor of the Blue Devils.
The Pick: Duke

Home/March Madness