Mythical March Madness: 2020 NCAA Tournament bracket simulation

East Region – First Round

1 Dayton vs. 16 Boston University

Obi Toppin was one of the leaders to win National Player of the Year for Dayton and, though Boston U has a ton of talent, the Flyers boast perhaps the best team in program history. Toppin and the shooting around him are far too much for the Terriers. Winner: Dayton

8 Colorado vs. 9 Florida

For as much hype as Florida had coming into the season, they were a tremendous letdown. And while Colorado isn’t a juggernaut, the Combination of McKinley Wright and Tyler Bey will propel the Buffs to victory. Winner: Colorado

5 Butler vs. 12 Richmond

The upset in the 12-5 matchup is always enticing but you never want to go too crazy. However, Richmond is probably under-seeded on that line and is coming off a First Four game to get momentum. Against an unspectacular Butler group, the Spiders get another win. Winner: Richmond

4 Maryland vs. 13 Akron

Despite this being a matchup between a No. 4 and 13 seed, Akron and Maryland don’t have a terrible disparity between them. Though the Terrapins have struggled a bit to find their groove down the stretch, Anthony Cowan has the chops to carry Maryland to victory in a tight one. Winner: Maryland

6 Penn State vs. 11 NC State

For much of the season, NC State has been a team that just hasn’t been able to sustain momentum. Then again, Penn State has been the same type of team as well. But after a First Four win to get the juices flowing, the Wolfpack pull off the second upset in the East Region. Winner: NC State

3 Villanova vs. 14 Hofstra

Another upset is brewing in this one. Jay Wright and Villanova are talented and have been underrated and not really talked about for much of the year. But I just believe in Desure Buie and Hofstra to make good on their first appearance in March Madness in 19 years with some elite outside shooting to cook up an upset. Winner: Hofstra

7 West Virginia vs. 10 Utah State

Utah State burst the bubble for many teams throughout the country by winning the Mountain West. However, their highs this season show they’re an underrated team still led by Sam Merrill. And though West Virginia has shined at times, this isn’t a fearsome Mountaineers team. Winner: Utah State

2 Florida State vs. 15 Northern Kentucky

Look, the Norsemen have been a phenomenal program in recent years and have put some big programs to the test. Florida State can no longer be slept on, however, and Leonard Hamilton’s Seminoles would make quick work of Northern Kentucky. Winner: Florida State

East Region – Second Round

1 Dayton vs. 8 Colorado

For as well-balanced and talented as the Buffaloes are, they just don’t have enough defense to contain Obi Toppin at this point in the season. Yes, one of Dayton’s two losses on the year was in overtime to Colorado but, when the lights of March Madness shine, it’s the Flyers that will prevail in a revenge game. Winner: Dayton

12 Richmond vs. 4 Maryland

Because of how underrated Richmond has been and how lackluster Maryland has been at times, it’s tempting to push the Spiders through to the Sweet 16. But once again, Anthony Cowan is the X-factor for me in this one as he’s really come into his own and it’s not hard to see him pushing the Terps through late against Richmond. Winner: Maryland

11 NC State vs. 14 Hofstra

You have to love a good Second Round matchup between two double-digit seeds as they both probably didn’t imagine they’d have this chance to make the Sweet 16. Though Hofstra’s outside shooting and lack of defense make them susceptible, it also makes them dangerous against an inconsistent Wolfpack group. Winner; Hofstra

10 Utah State vs. 2 Florida State

Florida State has the defensive prowess to handle almost any matchup thrown at them and Utah State is no exception. Furthermore, the Seminoles thrive on their athleticism on both ends of the floor and, frankly, the Aggies don’t have the talent in that regard to hang with Hamilton’s club. Winner: Florida State

East Region – Sweet 16 and Elite Eight

Sweet 16 – 1 Dayton vs. 4 Maryland

Maryland, despite their letdowns this season, has been dangerous in every game they’ve played. And for as dominant as Dayton was in the Atlantic-10, they weren’t perfect in non-conference play. But I’m a firm believer in the Flyers not just because of Toppin but because of the shooting around him. That will be too much offense for the Terrapins to match. Winner: Dayton

Sweet 16 – 14 Hofstra vs. 2 Florida State

Hofstra had a great run to make it to the Sweet 16 but, when you get down to it, they can’t match up with the athleticism that the Seminoles are able to put out all over the floor. The long athletes would spell doom for the Pride in this matchup and Florida State rolls to an easy win. Winner: Florida State

Elite Eight – 1 Dayton vs. 2 Florida State

As you’d expect, this is the toughest matchup that Dayton has faced yet in this Mythical March Madness tournament. But at the same time, it’s also one that I still believe ultimately favors them. Obi Toppin is capable of handling the long athletes of the Seminoles with his versatility and poise while the shooters should be able to get looks due to that. And with the Noles’ offensive limitations, the Flyers can punch their ticket to the Final Four. Winner: Dayton