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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 /
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Mar 11, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Rhode Island Rams guard E.C. Matthews (0) dribbles the ball against the Davidson Wildcats during the first half at the PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Rhode Island Rams guard E.C. Matthews (0) dribbles the ball against the Davidson Wildcats during the first half at the PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Midwest Region – Round of 32

1. Kansas vs. 8. Miami

Bill Self has earned a pretty unsightly reputation while with Kansas of having elite talent and teams, but still suffering early upsets once March Madness begins. It’s hard to disagree with that assessment, but I don’t think Miami is the team that’s capable of playing spoiler. Josh Jackson, Frank Mason III, and the rest of the Jayhawks’ weapons will be far too much for the Hurricanes to try and stifle.
The Pick: Kansas

5. Iowa State vs. 4. Purdue

In recent years, Iowa State has been a team capable of putting up a big number scoring-wise, but also of allowing a bigger number to be put up by opponents. That’s not the case this season as they’ve matched their potent offense with a quality defense. However, that defense is tested here by one of the elite individual players in this tournament, Caleb Swanigan. With that said, I think the Cyclones have more balance in their attack, which ultimately propels them forward.
The Pick: Iowa State

11. Rhode Island vs. 3. Oregon

E.C. Matthews is undoubtedly the driving force for the Rhode Island Rams and he’ll be tested against a talented Oregon backcourt. However, the Chris Boucher injury for the Ducks has to become an issue at some point. While Rhode Island isn’t particularly blessed in their frontcourt, I think the Ducks get caught slipping here without Boucher while the Rams pull off another upset to move to the Sweet 16.

The Pick: Rhode Island

7. Michigan vs. 2. Louisville

Superficially, this looks like a classic battle between the explosive offense of Michigan and the sound defense of Louisville. However, the deciding factor in this matchup actually comes down to the polar opposite matchup. The Cardinals’ offense is quite underrated while the Wolverines play average defense for the most part. Therefore, Louisville will be able to come out and put up enough points to get past the Big Ten champs.
The Pick: Louisville

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