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) /

9 of 41

OXFORD, OHIO – MARCH 01: CJ Massinburg #5 of the Buffalo Bulls celebrates after a victory over the Maimi (Oh) Redhawks at Millett Hall on March 01, 2019 in Oxford, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

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

6 Buffalo vs. 11 St. John’s

When the Buffalo Bulls knocked off the Arizona Wildcats in March Madness last year, they obviously earned a big win for the program. What we didn’t realize is that they were putting us on notice that they were a mid-major giant waiting to happen, but they certainly showcased that this season with a 31-3 record and an extremely fun brand of basketball.

Led by C.J. Massinburg, the Bulls get after it on each possession when they have the ball. They can attack on multiple levels with a veteran group that leads them and, even if they aren’t defensive stalwarts, they have the ability to outscore most anyone. And as talented as Shamorie Ponds and St. John’s are, they won’t run with the Bulls in this one.

Pick: Buffalo

3 Texas Tech vs. 14 Northern Kentucky

Of the top seeds in the tournament, specifically in the No. 2-4 lines, the Texas Tech Red Raiders might be the team that can most easily avoid an upset in the First Round as they get set to take on the Northern Kentucky Norse. While the Red Raiders aren’t a top-tier offensive basketball team, though Jarrett Culver is a bonafide stud, they are a defensive stalwart, allowing a mere 59.3 points per game this season.

Norse big man Drew McDonald is a big-time player, but Northern Kentucky really lacks any semblance of balance outside of their star. When you go up against an elite defensive team like Texas Tech, that formula often isn’t successful as they try to pull off an upset. Expect that to hold true here as the Red Raiders pick up a stifling win.

Pick: Texas Tech

Home/March Madness