March Madness 2019: Predicting the First Round upsets

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 15: Ohio State Buckeyes forward Andre Wesson (24) looks on 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) /

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ANAHEIM, CA – MARCH 16: UC Irvine guard Max Hazzard celebrates his basket in the second half of the NCAA Big West Conference Tournament championship game against Cal State Fullerton Titans on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.(Photo by Kyusung Gong/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

13 UC Irvine Anteaters over 4 Kansas State Wildcats

The Kansas State Wildcats have been quite impressive at many points over the course of the 2018-19 college basketball season. At their best, they’re a stifling and methodical defensive team that has some upside on the offensive end of the floor when Barry Brown Jr. and Dean Wade are both out there as they provide nice complements for one another, especially with Wade’s shooting.

However, as was the case last year, Wade is likely to miss the NCAA Tournament due to injury. While the Kansas State defense will still be able to come out and play their game, not having Wade on the floor really hinders what the Wildcats are capable of doing. This creates an interesting proposition as they take on the UC Irvine Anteaters in the First Round.

Much like with the Wildcats, the Anteaters are an elite defense that can shut down anyone. Moreover, they come into March Madness as one of the hottest teams in the country, having won 16-straight games. Their recent success doesn’t matter in this, though, as it will all come down to their defense.

There is a viable concern as to how UC Irvine is going to score against this stout Kansas State defense, but there is just as much concern how the Wildcats plan on consistently finding the bottom of the net as well. Subsequently, this looks like it could be a low-scoring grinding affair where anything can happen. It’s a game where every possession counts and, without Wade to help step up, the Anteaters will come up big with the upset win.

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