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) /

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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 15: Ohio State Buckeyes forward Andre Wesson (24) celebrates after making a three point basket in action during a Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan State Spartans on March 15, 2019 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Midwest Region – Tulsa, OK (Friday, March 22)

6 Iowa State vs. 11 Ohio State

Virginia transfer Marial Shayok has been lights out for the Iowa State Cyclones this season, a big reason why they were able to go on a run in the Big 12 tourney and win it all to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Now here, they will look to ride their offense that features multiple double-digit contributors to advance past the 11-seed Ohio State Buckeyes. That might not be quite as easy though.

Ohio State may have just made the field of 68, but they’ve been strong as of late with Kaleb Wesson getting back on the floor. The Buckeyes are a completely different team with him on the floor, capable of competing with anyone. On top of that, Iowa State has been a bit of a mess at times defensively this season, which will cost them against Wesson and the Buckeyes as Ohio State pulls off the upset.

Pick: Ohio State

3 Houston vs. 14 Georgia State

Ron Hunter’s Georgia State Panthers love to shoot the deep ball. They rain down 3-point attempts from all over the floor and hit them at a remarkably efficient clip. That often looks like a recipe for an upset when it comes time for the NCAA Tournament, and it could well be. However, their matchup with the Houston Cougars in the First Round seemingly looks like a bad one for their style of play.

Houston is an immensely athletic team that, though short on size, can make life hard for opposing offenses with their ability to close out and limit open shots. For a team like Georgia State that wants to get out and launch from beyond the arc, if their looks aren’t quality, it could be a long day for them.

Pick: Houston

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