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
9 of 12
Next
Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Bonzie Colson (35) gestures to the crowd during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils during the ACC Conference Tournament Final at Barclays Center. Duke Blue Devils won 75-69. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Bonzie Colson (35) gestures to the crowd during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils during the ACC Conference Tournament Final at Barclays Center. Duke Blue Devils won 75-69. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

East Region – Sweet 16

1. Villanova vs. 4. Florida

Against the stifling defense of the Florida Gators, the defending National Champions might have a bit of trouble scoring at the level that they’re accustomed too. However, the Villanova defense is quite capable in their own right, and it’s hard to put too much stock in an inconsistent Florida offense. The Wildcats are the more balanced team in terms of their strengths, which pushes them past the Gators and into the Elite Eight.
The Pick: Villanova

6. SMU vs. 2. Duke

Based off of reputation and tradition, this would play out chalk with the Duke Blue Devils advancing. That’s not how games are won, though, and this matchup with SMU is absolutely fascinating. Neither team is exceptionally deep and both teams boast a dangerous offense with a capable-but-not-elite defense. However, SMU’s defense has been a bit more consistent and ultimately better than Duke’s throughout the season. Moreover, we’ve seen Duke have their share of lackluster showings this season. As such, the Mustangs keep rolling as No. 6 seed, pulling off an upset against the Blue Devils.
The Pick: SMU

West Region – Sweet 16

1. Gonzaga vs. 5. Notre Dame

Gonzaga has been superb all season long, which their one-loss record is an obvious reflection of. However, what the Bulldogs haven’t faced all season is a team with the versatility and athleticism in the frontcourt like the Notre Dame Fighting Irish offer with Bonzie Colson and V.J. Beachum. Though they aren’t an exceptionally athletic team—the worst matchup for the Zags—they have the matchups and the coaching to cause Gonzaga problems and ultimately oust the Bulldogs prematurely once again.
The Pick: Notre Dame

6. Maryland vs. 2. Arizona

Frankly, Melo Trimble and Maryland are lucky to be in the Sweet 16 in this tournament. They got a gift by facing Florida Gulf Coast in the Round of 32, allowing them to advance. While Trimble is fantastic and can take over games, Arizona has a number of guys that qualify in that regard and that can push their team to victory. The buck stops here for the Terps as the Pac-12 Champions move on to the Elite 8.
The Pick: Arizona

Home/March Madness