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
6 of 12
Next
Jan 1, 2017; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) and guard Jaylen Brantley (1) celebrate after a play against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) and guard Jaylen Brantley (1) celebrate after a play against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports /

West Region – Round of 32

1. Gonzaga vs. 8. Northwestern

Not only did the Northwestern Wildcats earn their first ever NCAA Tournament berth, but I also have them earning their first ever victory in the Round of 64. They won’t be making their first Sweet 16, however. Though I’m not as high on the Zags as others may be, there’s a distinct discrepancy in talent between the Wildcats and Bulldogs in this matchup, the advantage going to the latter.
The Pick: Gonzaga

5. Notre Dame vs. 4. West Virginia

As previously stated, West Virginia is one of the elite defensive teams in the league and, subsequently, in March Madness. Meanwhile, I’m not sure that Notre Dame is truly elite in any capacity. Even so, Mike Brey has proven time and again that he’s one of the best coaches in the sport, maximizing the success of his team at every turn. I see that leading to a big win in what should be a tough matchup for the Irish.
The Pick: Notre Dame

6. Maryland vs. 14. Florida Gulf Coast

Dunk City has returned and earns another big upset to advance to the Round of 32. Unfortunately, the road is going to stop there for Florida Gulf Coast. While they’re a talented group, we’ve seen time and again when teams pull off a big upset in their first game, they’re just out of gas in the next—even if it’s against a team that’s a step down from the one they just beat. As such, Melo Trimble and Maryland move on.
The Pick: Maryland

7. Saint Mary’s vs. 2. Arizona

Once more, what I said in the first round remains relevant. Saint Mary’s just doesn’t have the athleticism or overall top-end talent to compete with the other elite teams in the country. The Arizona Wildcats certainly qualify as one of the elite teams in this tournament, thus spelling the end of this run for the Gaels.
The Pick: Arizona

Home/March Madness