NCAA Tournament picks 2017: Predicting the March Madness bracket

East Region – Round of 32

1. Villanova vs. 9. Virginia Tech

Villanova returns to March Madness as the defending National Champions, but they might be even better than they were a year ago. Between the veteran leadership of Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins and the emerging stardom of Jalen Brusnon, Jay Wright’s group can beat you and do it on both ends of the floor. This Virginia Tech team is underrated, but they aren’t in the same class as Nova.
The Pick: Villanova

12. UNC Wilmington vs. 4. Florida

After pulling off an upset in the Round of 64 against defensive-minded Virginia, the UNC Wilmington Seahawks look to do it again when facing a Florida Gators team that is every bit as capable on defense as the Cavaliers. While UNCW certainly has the firepower offensively to cause lightning to strike twice, I don’t think they’ll be up to the challenge of taking down two giants in three days. Thus, the CAA Champs’ run ends just shy of the Sweet 16.
The Pick: Florida

6. SMU vs. 3. Baylor

To gauge my thoughts on this matchup between SMU and Baylor, you really only need to look back at what I said about them in their first-round match. For the Mustangs, they’re one of the most underrated teams in the country. Meanwhile, Baylor hasn’t been good in several weeks—if they ever were at all. Frankly, these two teams should trade seeds in my opinion. Regardless, Semi Ojeleye and Sterling Brown will help SMU roll Baylor and advance to the Sweet 16.
The Pick: SMU

10. Marquette vs. 2. Duke

This game might get into the 100s in scoring with the offense that both Marquette and Duke are able to produce. The Golden Eagles and Blue Devils alike can fill it up from the outside and score in bunches, quickly. However, the ACC Champions get the advantage here because they can play some semblance of defense—something that Marquette cannot say.
The Pick: Duke