NCAA Tournament 2019: Predicting the perfect March Madness bracket

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 14: Kyle Guy #5 of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts after a play against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game in the quarterfinal round of the 2019 Men's ACC Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 14, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

10 of 41

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 15: Caleb Martin #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack gestures during a semifinal game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament against the San Diego State Aztecs at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 15, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. San Diego State Aztecs won 65-56. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

West Region – Des Moines, IA (Thursday, March 21)

7 Nevada vs. 10 Florida

After the NCAA Tournament last year, the Nevada Wolf Pack were a trendy sleeper pick in the 2018-19 college basketball season following a run to the Sweet 16 led by head coach Eric Musselman and the Martin twins, Caleb and Cody. Despite the fact that they only lost four games this season, though, Nevada has fallen well short of those expectations, losing to far less talented teams in the Mountain West and also having to come from behind time and again.

However, this Nevada team matches up with a Florida Gators team in the First Round, which should be a welcome matchup. While Florida is a great defensive team, they are offensive challenged. And while the Wolf Pack have their shortcomings, they have enough weapons to still have success and get out of the First Round.

Pick: Nevada

2 Michigan vs. 15 Montana

Though the Michigan Wolverines were unable to get past Michigan State at all this season, they were just about as consistent of a college basketball team as you’ll find, spending the bulk of the season ranked in the top 10. Armed with veterans like Jon Teske, Charles Matthews and Zavier Simpson and then breakout freshman Ignas Brazdeikis, this team is balanced with great defense and a number of guys who can put points on the board.

Their matchup with Montana is an intriguing one, however, as Montana has three players — Jamar Akoh, Ahmaad Rorie and Sayeed Pridgett — that average more than 15 points per game. They have legit scorers and great shooting on their team, which could be a boom for them if they want to pull off an upset. However, the experience of Michigan should pull through and earn them the victory.

Pick: Michigan

Home/March Madness