March Madness 2023 bracket predictions: Picks for Final Four, National Champion

March Madness bracket predictions: Sweet 16 picks

1 Alabama vs. 12 Charleston

Well, it was a great run, Charleston. For as talented and fun as the Cougars are, they don’t have the talent, athleticism, size or skill to hang with Alabama. Like many cinderella runs that we’ve seen in previous NCAA Tournaments, the run will die in the second weekend as the Crimson Tide should mow over CofC.

Pick: Alabama advances

6 Creighton vs. 2 Arizona

A rematch of an early-season game, Arizona won the first meeting by two points. Since that time, though, Creighton has shown a bit more inconsistency and the woes of their shallow rotation. Arizona, meanwhile, has only gotten better throughout the year and I think that proves true on the floor.

Pick: Arizona advances

8 Memphis vs. 12 Oral Roberts

Memphis could be in trouble if Max Abmas shows up to the Sweet 16 feeling himself and shooting the lights out as the Tigers have struggled against the 3-ball at times. With that said, I think Penny Hardaway’s team has enough offensively to match that and, more importantly, too many ways to turn defense into offense for Oral Roberts to continue their run in the tourney.

Pick: Memphis advances

6 Kentucky vs. 2 Marquette

Oscar Tshiebwe is going to be an issue at some point in March Madness because of his defense, but he’ll be the x-factor against Marquette. The Golden Eagles can get torn up on the glass and Tshiebwe might be the best rebounder in the country. The big man will prove to be a difference-maker in this matchup with a monster performance in a favorable matchup to push Kentucky through.

Pick: Kentucky advances

1 Houston vs. 4 Indiana

Even if Marcus Sasser is back, Indiana has the wings to match up with him. There have been times when I’ve believed that Houston could definitely cut down the nets in their home city this year, but this matchup is no good for them. The Hoosiers have a great defense that could make buckets hard to come by for the Cougars and, ultimately, push Indiana to a win.

Pick: Indiana advances

3 Xavier vs. 7 Texas A&M

For as hot and as good as Texas A&M is right now, the fact of the matter is that Texas A&M has made a ton of its living offensively off of drawing fouls on the inside. Xavier is disciplined and strong on the interior, though, and far more susceptible on the perimeter, which I’m not sure Buzz Williams’ team can take advantage of. Most importantly, the Musketeers won’t have any trouble finding ways to exploit an admittedly good defense, as they’ve proven against just about everyone this season.

Pick: Xavier advances

1 Kansas vs. 4 UConn

Get your popcorn ready because this should be a good one. Kansas has the more star power in this game but UConn has shown it might be a tough matchup with their size from Sanogo and a balanced and versatile attack around him. At the end of the day, though, the Jayhawks have too many playmakers who are just better than the Huskies, and that’s why I have Kansas coming out on top narrowly.

Pick: Kansas advances

3 Gonzaga vs. 2 UCLA

And now we come to the Jaylen Clark injury and where it bites UCLA. I would be taking the Bruins here if the guard was healthy with the way Mick Cronin could get him in advantageous matchups to attack. I have less faith in the roster as is, though, as Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Drew Timme should trade blows, but I favor the latter to get the job done not just as a scorer, but by drawing defensive attention and making plays for teammates.

Pick: Gonzaga advances

First Four | South First Round | East First Round | Midwest First Round | West First Round | South and East Second Round | Midwest and West Second Round | Final Four and National Championship