SB Nation Seattle - NCAA Basketball Tournament 2012 Predictions: Scouting Every Region & Every Gamehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48997/seattle-fave.png2012-03-24T07:00:33-07:00http://seattle.sbnation.com/rss/stream/26290572012-03-24T07:00:33-07:002012-03-24T07:00:33-07:00NCAA Tournament Predictions 2012: Picking The Elite 8
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<p>Only three rounds left! If your original bracket is now a tatter of strikethroughs, eraser smudges, torn paper and tear stains, congratulations: you're in the majority.</p>
<p>While the Elite Eight finally consists entirely of single-digit seeds, the spoilers in the brackets have wreaked immense havoc along the way. Ohio and N.C. State tried their best to be combo breakers, but weren't able to pull of the win and completely blew it, respectively.</p>
<p>The Sweet 16 is now in the books, which I still did not predict entirely correctly, but I'm getting better at it, right?</p>
<p>So let's all predict the Elite Eight! That'll be fun, right? Sweet 16 winners that I picked incorrectly will be identified by an asterisk.</p>
<p><b>No. 1 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a> vs. No. 2 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/ohio-st-buckeyes">Ohio St. Buckeyes</a>:</b> This one is neck and neck and a tough call, but I'm going to just keep on, keep on, keep on, keep on picking against the 'Cuse. The Buckeyes absolutely have what it takes to advance. The only question is whether they'll show up on Saturday.</p>
<p><b>No. 4 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/louisville-cardinals">Louisville Cardinals</a>* vs. No. 7 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a>: </b>This is the toughest game by far to predict in the Elite Eight. I would really like the Cardinals to continue their feel-good story (far more of a feel-good story, in fact, than you would expect from a four-seed), but I don't think they can outplay the Gators. Going with Florida here.</p>
<p><b>No. 1 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kentucky-wildcats">Kentucky Wildcats</a> vs. No. 3 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/baylor-bears">Baylor Bears</a>:</b> Kentucky is going to keep steamrolling all the way to the final. The Bears have surprised a lot of people, but their journey ends in the Elite Eight.</p>
<p><b>No. 1 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/north-carolina-tar-heels">North Carolina Tar Heels</a> vs. No. 2 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kansas-jayhawks">Kansas Jayhawks</a>: </b>Full disclosure here: I picked a Kansas-Kentucky final, so that's kind of all I have left at this point. The Jayhawks need to advance here, for the good of my sanity. I felt a lot better about this pick before Kansas had a two-hour crud-off with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/n-c-state-wolfpack">N.C. State Wolfpack</a> on Friday night.</p>
<p><b><i>Stay with us here at <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2874018/ncaa-bracket-2012-march-madness-scores-bracket-updates-ncaa-results" target="_blank">SB Nation Seattle for NCAA Bracket Scores and Updates</a> throughout the day in this StoryStream. For schedule, game times, TV Announcers, and more, head to our </i></b><b><i><a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/11/2862683/selection-sunday-2012-time-tv-schedule-bracketology" target="_blank">NCAA Tournament Schedule and Info StoryStream.</a> </i></b><b><i>Finally, if you haven't yet, head to</i></b><i><i><b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/3/5/2846518/ncaa-bracket-2012-printable">SB Nation's Printable Bracket StoryStream</a> to print an updated one out for yourself.</b></i></i></p>
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https://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/24/2898892/ncaa-tournament-predictions-2012-elite-8Bill Hanstock2012-03-21T07:47:13-07:002012-03-21T07:47:13-07:00NCAA Tournament Predictions 2012: Getting the Sweet 16 Incorrect
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<p>Now that the ashes have settled - just barely - from the opening rounds, lets take a look at who will be one step closer to New Orleans.</p> <p>I'm just going to come out and say it right here. I apologize for anyone that took my advice when filling out any of the brackets. Unless you took my advice and went against it, in which case you probably are winning your office's pool. I went a personal low 18 for 32 on my bracket - proving that just because you think you write about sports doesn't mean you will be able to predict history happening in the first round.</p>
<p>With that said, the Sweet 16 provides a whole host of intriguing and entertaining match-ups. So let us get down to business shall we?</p>
<p><b>South Region:</b></p>
<p><b>No. 1 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kentucky-wildcats">Kentucky Wildcats</a> vs. No. 4 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/indiana-hoosiers">Indiana Hoosiers</a>:</b> Without revealing the final twist at the end of my original bracket, I'm going to let you know that I am very high on the Wildcats. Coach Calipari has finally prepared his team of beyond elite athletes to succeed at all levels. The story going into this game is that Indiana already beat Kentucky once this year - which is a bit unfortunate as no team beat Kentucky twice this year. Wurps. Sorry Indiana but it looks like you got excited a bit too early. Kentucky is playing like the only top seeded team truly locked in on the end goal. <b>Kentucky advances.</b></p>
<p><b>No. 3 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/baylor-bears">Baylor Bears</a> vs. No. 10 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/xavier-musketeers">Xavier Musketeers</a>:</b> Were you one of the many people across the nation who saw a Xavier team ruthlessly dispatching foes left and right and then later left for NCAA bubble dead? Xavier was a dangerous team going into the Notre Dame game with one of the best back courts in the nation. It is tough to gauge how well the team is playing considering they nicely put away a team that had played out of its mind to beat Duke. Baylor on the other hand struggles against teams with really good guards who score a lot of points (e.g. South Dakota State) but has no problem eliminating teams that have trouble scoring (e.g. Colorado). Xavier has experience and has been here before. <b>Xavier advances.</b></p>
<p><b>West Region:</b></p>
<p><b>No. 1 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/michigan-st-spartans">Michigan St. Spartans</a> vs. No. 4 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/louisville-cardinals">Louisville Cardinals</a>: </b>Louisville has done the least convincing job of winning each game so far. People keep saying they are playing well but I see a team that has beat a mediocre Davidson team by seven and a only-kind-of good New Mexico team by three. So what happens when they come up against a very good Michigan State team? <b>Michigan State advances.</b></p>
<p><b>No. 3 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/marquette-golden-eagles">Marquette Golden Eagles</a> vs. No. 7 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a>: </b>Sure Florida scored 84 points the other day. They also did it against a team that you have no idea where the campus is. This will be one of the more entertaining Sweet 16 match-ups because even though Florida can score with the best of them, the team that will be able to keep up is the one shoving a four guard line-up out there. Marquette has been a tough out all year and will be too tough this time around. <b>Marquette advances.</b></p>
<p><b>East Region:</b></p>
<p><b>No. 1 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a> vs. No. 4 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/wisconsin-badgers">Wisconsin Badgers</a>: </b>The lack of Fab Melo will eventually knock Syracuse out of the running. But the Orange won't need too much help on defense as Wisconsin's offense is the opponents best defense. Wisconsin looked great against an over matched Montana team and then barely squeaked by Vandy. Remember, Syracuse can play some solid defense even without Melo on the floor. The Orange's time will come, but not quite yet. <b>Syracuse advances.</b></p>
<p><b>No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. No. 6 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/cincinnati-bearcats">Cincinnati Bearcats</a>: </b>This is going to be an ugly ugly game. Both teams are perfectly capable of grinding out some hard earned victories, but since they beat my Zags, I'm going to pick Ohio State to start winning a lot of games so the loss tastes better. <b>Ohio State advances.</b></p>
<p><b>Midwest Region:</b></p>
<p><b>No. 1 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/north-carolina-tar-heels">North Carolina Tar Heels</a> vs. No. 13 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/ohio-bobcats">Ohio Bobcats</a>: </b>Make no mistake, the loss of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124042/kendall-marshall">Kendall Marshall</a> is a very tough blow for these Tar Heels and very well could cost them a spot in the Final Four. But they will advance at least one more round against the team not named Ohio State. The Bobcats had a very favorable match-up to make it into the Sweet 16 and the favoritism will end. <b>North Carolina advances.</b></p>
<p><b>No. 2 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kansas-jayhawks">Kansas Jayhawks</a> vs. No. 11 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/n-c-state-wolfpack">N.C. State Wolfpack</a>: </b>They say that misery loves company so that is the only reason I can think of that Kansas was trying to lose that game against Purdue. Luckily for the Jayhawks, that near loss should be the eye-opener required to push past the Wolfpack. The Wolfpack are playing with nothing to lose and that makes them a very dangerous team - just not dangerous enough. <b>Kansas advances.</b></p>
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<p>If you're one of the heavy majority whose bracket is a mess right now, worry not. SB Nation has an updated bracket available for you populated with the Sweet 16 competitors still alive.</p>
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<p>Stay with us here at <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2874018/ncaa-bracket-2012-march-madness-scores-bracket-updates-ncaa-results">SB Nation Seattle for NCAA Bracket Scores and Updates</a> starting on Thursday, as the action picks back up . For schedule, game times, TV Announcers, and more, head to our <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/11/2862683/selection-sunday-2012-time-tv-schedule-bracketology">NCAA Tournament Schedule and Info StoryStream.</a></p>
<p>Head over to our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/12/2865016/ncaa-basketball-tournament-2012-predictions-bracket-picking" target="_blank">NCAA Predictions StoryStream</a> to check out SBN Seattle's crack team of bracketologists' picks and game previews to see how we stacked up and check back for further predictions of the Sweet 16, because we know there are a ton of games to keep track of.</p>
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https://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/21/2886100/ncaa-tournament-predictions-2012-sweet-16-bracketPeter Woodbrook2012-03-19T10:44:35-07:002012-03-19T10:44:35-07:00NCAA Tournament Predictions 2012: Picking The Sweet 16
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<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kansas-jayhawks" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas Jayhawks</a> won on Sunday, although they waited until nearly the very last moment to do so. That win is the single event from Sunday that has potentially saved my entire bracket. I'm sure I'm hardly the only one who saw their picks go up in a cloud of dust during the tumultuous events in the Round of 32 over the past couple of days.</p>
<p>The actual results of the 2012 NCAA Tournament have laid waste to the carefully-thought-out brackets of millions of fans, as well as to the haphazardly-thought-out bracket of yours truly. But with the field narrowed to just 16 remaining teams, surely the picks will only get easier from here on out, right?</p>
<p>What's that?</p>
<p>Oh.</p>
<p>I've just been informed "that's not how that works." Well, regardless, let's pres ahead with the predictions for the regional semifinals of the tournament, better known as the Sweet 16. All teams that were not my picks in the Round of 32 appear with an asterisk (you will see a lot of those).</p>
<p><b>South Region: </b></p>
<p><b>No. 1 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kentucky-wildcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Kentucky Wildcats</a> vs. No. 4 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/indiana-hoosiers" class="sbn-auto-link">Indiana Hoosiers</a>:</b> Hey, I picked both of these teams correctly! Although the Hoosiers were able to eke out a win against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/va-commonwealth-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">Va. Commonwealth Rams</a>, they'll have a much more difficult time pulling off a win against Kentucky, the true number one team in the tournament. Kentucky will make the Elite Eight.</p>
<p><b>No. 3 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/baylor-bears" class="sbn-auto-link">Baylor Bears</a> vs. No. 10 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/xavier-musketeers" class="sbn-auto-link">Xavier Musketeers</a>*:</b> Did the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/lehigh-mountain-hawks" class="sbn-auto-link">Lehigh Mountain Hawks</a> crap the bed, or did Zavier finally play up to the level of their ability? The debate will rage on for ... I dunno, at least until the end of the article. I don't think either team can make it past the Elite Eight (particularly since the winner of this game will have to face Kentucky), but I think Baylor's ability to make plays off the glass will be the difference in this one. Bears to advance.</p>
<p><b>West Region: </b></p>
<p><b>No. 1 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/michigan-st-spartans" class="sbn-auto-link">Michigan St. Spartans</a> vs. No. 4 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/louisville-cardinals" class="sbn-auto-link">Louisville Cardinals</a>*:</b> You know, in every round of predictions, I keep saying "Louisville is about to be exposed," yet they keep winning, possibly to stick it to me. I haven't head back from my sources on that one yet. But here we go again: The Cardinals will not win this game. Spartans to the Elite Eight.</p>
<p><b>No. 3 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/marquette-golden-eagles" class="sbn-auto-link">Marquette Golden Eagles</a> vs. No. 7 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/florida-gators" class="sbn-auto-link">Florida Gators</a>*: </b>Florida finally looked like a dominant team on Sunday, but they were playing Norfolk State. This is the toughest game to predict in the Sweet 16. I originally picked Mizzou to defeat Marquette in this bracket. If the Gators can keep the momentum rolling, they should have an easy time knocking off the Golden Eagles. Making that huge assumption, I'm picking the Gators to make the Elite Eight.</p>
<p><b>East Region: </b></p>
<p><b>No. 1 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/syracuse-orange" class="sbn-auto-link">Syracuse Orange</a>* vs. No. 4 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/wisconsin-badgers" class="sbn-auto-link">Wisconsin Badgers</a>: </b>Similarly to the Louisville situation, I keep expecting the 'Cuse to lose in horrific fashion. And yet ... the Badgers looked less-than-convincing in their three-point win against Vanderbilt. I predicted the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kansas-st-wildcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas St. Wildcats</a> to take out Wisconsin here, so I guess I have to pick the team that did Kansas State in. Syracuse to advance.</p>
<p><b>No. 2 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/ohio-st-buckeyes" class="sbn-auto-link">Ohio St. Buckeyes</a> vs. No. 6 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/cincinnati-bearcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bearcats</a>*:</b> Ohio State is a much, much better team than Cincinnati. I guess I don't have anything else to add to that. The Buckeyes will make the Elite Eight.</p>
<p><b>Midwest Region: </b></p>
<p><b>No. 1 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/north-carolina-tar-heels" class="sbn-auto-link">North Carolina Tar Heels</a> vs. No. 13 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/ohio-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Ohio Bobcats</a>*:</b> UNC is the weakest No. 1 seed in the tournament, but they still have enough to best the feel-good story of the Bobcats. Ohio made their first Sweet 16 since the 1960s this year. They won't make the Elite Eight.</p>
<p><b>No. 11 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/n-c-state-wolfpack" class="sbn-auto-link">N.C. State Wolfpack</a>* vs. No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks</b>: The Wolfpack are another good feel good story, but (spoilers) I'm picking the Jayhawks to win this bracket. Sorry, N.C. State, but it's all I have left. Kansas to advance.</p>
<p>Hey, that actually was a lot easier this time! I bet the Elite Eight will be a cakewalk. Until next time ...</p>
<p><b><i>Stay with us here at <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2874018/ncaa-bracket-2012-march-madness-scores-bracket-updates-ncaa-results">SB Nation Seattle for NCAA Bracket Scores and Updates</a> throughout the day in this StoryStream. For schedule, game times, TV Announcers, and more, head to our </i></b><b><i><a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/11/2862683/selection-sunday-2012-time-tv-schedule-bracketology">NCAA Tournament Schedule and Info StoryStream.</a> </i></b><b><i>Finally, if you haven't yet, head to</i></b><i><i><b> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/3/5/2846518/ncaa-bracket-2012-printable" target="_blank">SB Nation's Printable Bracket StoryStream</a> to print an updated one out for yourself.</b></i></i></p>
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https://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/19/2883717/ncaa-tournament-predictions-2012-picking-the-sweet-16Bill Hanstock2012-03-17T10:17:44-07:002012-03-17T10:17:44-07:00NCAA Tournament Predictions 2012: Picking The Round of 32
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<p>Well, that was fun.</p>
<p>I certainly hope that all of you had better luck with your Round of 64 predictions than I did. Of course, given the historic and completely out-of-left-field results from the games on Thursday and Friday, there's pretty much no way that you did. Unless you got hold of a 2015 Sports Almanac, in which case: <i>cheater.</i></p>
<p>So let's try the Round of 32, shall we? (Gulp.) Teams I did not pick in the Round of 64 marked with an asterisk.</p>
<p><b>South Region:</b></p>
<p><b>No. 1 Kentucky vs. No. 8 Iowa State:</b> Still picking Kentucky to go over here. They're the one No. 1 seed that still looks plenty strong at this point.</p>
<p><b>No. 12 VCU vs. No. 4 Indiana: </b>Sticking with my initial pick and taking Indiana here, but just typing that out makes me so, so nervous. I feel like VCU might keep it up. Still, going with the Hoosiers to make the Sweet 16.</p>
<p><b>No. 11 Colorado* vs. No. 3 Baylor: </b>Colorado's strong run comes to an end. Even though Baylor didn't look so hot in the Round of 64, I don't believe the Buffaloes can stampede through for another round.</p>
<p><b>No. 10 Xavier* vs. No. 15 Lehigh*:</b> This one is the true wild card of this whole bracket. I'm taking Lehigh here. If they can defeat Duke, they've won my favor ... for now. You're on thin ice, Lehigh!</p>
<p><b>West Region:</b></p>
<p><b>No. 1 Michigan St. vs. No. 9 Saint Louis: </b>It breaks my heart to have to pick against my beloved Billikens. Their weird-ass name and mascot, their slovenly coach. They have everything they need to possibly be my favorite college team forever. They're going to get obliterated by Michigan State and there's nothing any of us can do about it.</p>
<p><b>No. 5 New Mexico vs. No. 4 Louisville: </b>Louisville is finally going to get exposed this round. And I'm going to keep saying that until they do. Lobos all the way here.</p>
<p><b>No. 6 Murray St. vs. No. 3 Marquette: </b>Marquette will get to keep playing like a No. 3 seed for one more round.</p>
<p><b>No. 7 Florida vs. No. 15 Norfolk St.*: </b>I had originally picked Missouri to win this bracket. Whoops! This is the hardest pick of any matchup in this bracket, in my opinion. I'm going with Norfolk State. Of the two teams, they looked convincing in the first round.</p>
<p><b>East Region:</b></p>
<p><b>No. 1 Syracuse vs. No. 8 Kansas State: </b>The 'Cuse is going down. Zone is for cowards, of course. They should have lost in the first round and barring any similar officiating shenanigans, they'll be going down here.</p>
<p><b>No. 5 Vanderbilt vs. No. 4 Wisconsin: </b>It feels like Wisconsin should win this one, so I very much hope they do. For the sake of my SB Nation Seattle fantasy bracket, if nothing else. Damn you, Jacson!</p>
<p><b>No. 6 Cincinnati* vs. No. 3 Florida St.: </b>FSU should have a much easier time against Cincinnati than they did against St. Bonaventure. Learning that the Seminoles do the hatchet chant and chop makes me really hate picking them at all from here on out, though. Ugh.</p>
<p><b>No. 7 Gonzaga vs. No. 2 Ohio St.: </b>Don't get me wrong: I want the Zags to win this one. I really do. I just don't think they will, is all.</p>
<p><b>Midwest Region:</b></p>
<p><b>No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 8 Creighton*: </b>This is another one that makes me nervous, but I think the Tar Heels hang in to make it to the Sweet 16.</p>
<p><b>No. 12 South Florida* vs. No. 13 Ohio*: </b>Jeez, this one didn't work out, did it? Hmm. Hey, if USF can go without a basket for 15 minutes in a game and still pull off a decisive win, I've got to give them the edge, haven't I? Right. Bulls to win. Ohio to place?</p>
<p><b>No. 11 N.C. State* vs. No. 3 Georgetown: </b>Georgetown will continue to play boring, unexceptional basketball for one more round.</p>
<p><b>No. 10 Purdue* vs. No. 2 Kansas: </b>I still think the Jayhawks are the number one team in this bracket and I don't think the Boilermakers can stack up.</p>
<p><b></b></p>
<p>Best of luck to all of you. We're going to need it.</p>
<p><b><i>Stay with us here at <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2874018/ncaa-bracket-2012-march-madness-scores-bracket-updates-ncaa-results" target="_blank">SB Nation Seattle for NCAA Bracket Scores and Updates</a> throughout the day in this StoryStream. For schedule, game times, TV Announcers, and more, head to our </i></b><a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/11/2862683/selection-sunday-2012-time-tv-schedule-bracketology" target="_blank"><b><i>NCAA Tournament Schedule and Info StoryStream.</i></b></a></p>
<p><b><i>Head over to our <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/12/2865016/ncaa-basketball-tournament-2012-predictions-bracket-picking">NCAA Predictions StoryStream</a> to check out SBN Seattle's crack team of bracketologists' picks and game previews, because we know there are a ton of games to keep track of. Finally, if you haven't yet, head to</i></b><i><i><b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/3/5/2846518/ncaa-bracket-2012-printable">SB Nation's Printable Bracket StoryStream</a> to print one out for yourself. </b></i></i></p>
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https://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/17/2879815/ncaa-tournament-predictions-2012-picking-the-round-of-32Bill Hanstock2012-03-15T09:19:32-07:002012-03-15T09:19:32-07:00NCAA Tournament Predictions 2012: Picking the Sweet 16, Elite 8, & Championship Game
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<p>Cramming for your bracket? Here are your super-quick winners from the Sweet 16 on. Picks from Round One and Round Two can be found <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/13/2867626/ncaa-bracket-predictions-2012-march-madness-west-midwest-east-south-region" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/14/2870902/ncaa-tournament-predictions-2012-picks-west-east-south-midwest" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Best of luck!</p>
<h4>SWEET SIXTEEN</h4>
<p><br>#1 Kentucky vs #5 Wichita State<br>Remember how I said Kentucky is full of NBA players? I love Wichita State's team this year, but they're not getting past this group of Wildcats.<br>PICK: Kentucky<br><br>#2 Duke vs #3 Baylor<br> I'll be totally honest with you, when I was filling out the bracket, no game was more difficult to pick than this one. Baylor's ceiling is higher than Duke's, but their floor is lower, too. If the best version of both teams show up, I think Baylor wins. Even if the best version doesn't show up, the fact that the Bears have a little more margin for error is enough for me to take them here.<br>PICK: Baylor<br><br>#1 Syracuse vs #4 Wisconsin<br>Teams that make it this far have to feel good about their chances to beat a Fab Melo-less Orange team, and Wisconsin is surely capable of pulling it off with their terrific defense and ball-control offense. All that being said, Syracuse will have had some time to figure out how they'll play without Melo and their size and ahleticism should be enough.<br>PICK: Syracuse<br><br>#2 Ohio State vs #3 Florida State<br>Florida State won't be nearly as effective against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124094/jared-sullinger">Jared Sullinger</a> as they were against J'Covan Brown. Even if Sullinger's off, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124097/aaron-craft">Aaron Craft</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52369/william-buford">William Buford</a> will do enough to win.<br>PICK: Ohio State<br><br>#1 Michigan State vs #4 Louisville<br>Rebounding. The Spartans have it. It will do the trick.<br>PICK: Michigan State<br><br>#2 Missouri vs #6 Murray State<br>The Racers' journey will end here, as Missouri's uber-talented backcourt will dominate control of the ball, keeping Murray State out of rhythm and off-pace, which is the key to beating them, methinks.<br><br>#1 Carolina vs #5 Temple<br>Remember what I said about Kentucky? The Tar Heels have that same, everybody's-going-to-the-NBA fel, and even though they aren't always on the same page, Temple doesn't have the horses to compete with 'em.<br>PICK: North Carolina<br><br>#2 Kansas vs #3 Georgetown<br>Georgetown is the most vulnerable 3-seed in the tournament. Kansas is good enough to win it all. That difference will be made clear in this one.<br>PICK: Kansas</p>
<h4>ELITE EIGHT</h4>
<p><br>#1 Kentucky vs #3 Baylor<br>Baylor's size will match up very well with Kentucky, giving them a legitimate chance to win, but the Wildcats have discipline that the Bears have lacked, which is an odd thing to say, seeing as discipline has often been John Calipari's undoing. they get past that here.<br>PICK: Kentcky<br><br>#1 Syracuse vs #2 Ohio State<br>Fab Melo vs Jared Sullinger would have been gorgeous. Unfortuately, it's not a matchup we'll get to see, and Ohio State will find themselves i the Final Four.<br><br>#1 Michigan State vs #2 Missouri<br>It's a classic frontcourt vs backcourt situation here, and Missouri's guard strength should be enough to compensate for losing the rebounding battle.<br>PICK: Missouri<br><br>#1 North Carolina vs #2 Kansas<br>CBS is drooling about the possibility of another Roy Williams Bowl, after Kansas crushed UNC in the tourney a few years ago. Bill Self has picked up where Williams left off when he moved on from Kansas to Carolina, and if Kansas gets hot, they're more than able to take down the Heels. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99945/thomas-robinson">Thomas Robinson</a> is gonna give <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52240/tyler-zeller">Tyler Zeller</a> everything he can handle, and more, but the Jayhawks aren't gonna have an answer for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124044/harrison-barnes">Harrison Barnes</a>, either, and he's one of the best scorers in the country.<br>PICK: North Carolina</p>
<h4>FINAL FOUR</h4>
<p>#1 Kentucky vs #2 Missouri<br>This one is gonna be good. Missouri might be the team best suited to beat Kentucky on the whole left side of the bracket. If you're over-matched in the paint, the best way to overcome it is with terrific guard play and, like I've said before, the Tigers have that in spades. Unfortunately for them, this is probably the best team that Calipari's ever had and he's coached more raw basketball talent than anyone since Dean Smith.<br>PICK: Kentucky<br><br>#1 North Carolina vs #2 Ohio State<br>The key in this one will be how well <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124042/kendall-marshall">Kendall Marshall</a> and Aaron Craft play each other. There's not a better up-tempo guard i the nation than Kendall Marshall, but Craft is extremely good in half-court sets and Marshall ain't a great on-ball defender. It's easy to see Craft winning this matchup if the pace is slowed enough, but no team makes you pay for lapses in focus as much as the Tar Heels do, and there will be enough of those to set Carolna up for a rematch in the championship game.<br>PICK: North Carolina</p>
<h4>CHAMPIONSHIP GAME</h4>
<p><br>#1 Kentucky vs #1 North Carolina<br>When these two teams met earlier this season, Kentucky eeked out a one-point victory when <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99813/john-henson">John Henson's</a> final shot wa blocked b Anthony Davis. I watched every second of that game and came away stunned by just how evenly they were matched. If it comes down to the Wildcats and Tar Heels in the final, we're in for one of the great title games of all time. This one will feature as much pro-level talent as any college game you've ever seen and I imagine that the pace will be blinding. This is one of the rare games where you can score in the 80s and lose. I think both teams get there, but Carolina will make the free throws down the stretch to ice what is sure to be an extremely close game. </p>
<p><b><i>Stay with us here at <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2874018/ncaa-bracket-2012-march-madness-scores-bracket-updates-ncaa-results" target="_blank">SB Nation Seattle for NCAA Bracket Scores and Updates</a> throughout the day in this StoryStream.</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>Head over to our <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/12/2865016/ncaa-basketball-tournament-2012-predictions-bracket-picking">NCAA Predictions StoryStream</a> this morning to check out SBN Seattle's crack team of bracketologists' picks and game previews, because we know there's a ton of games to keep track of. Finally, if you haven't yet, head to</i></b><i><i><b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/3/5/2846518/ncaa-bracket-2012-printable">SB Nation's Printable Bracket StoryStream</a> to print one out for yourself. </b></i></i></p>
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https://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2874282/ncaa-tournament-predictions-2012-picking-sweet-16-elite-8Jacson Bevens2012-03-15T04:30:06-07:002012-03-15T04:30:06-07:00NCAA Basketball Tournament 2012 Predictions: Picking the South Region
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<p>Kentucky, Duke and Connecticut all have potential lottery picks on their rosters, but will this talent translate to victory in this year's NCAA basketball tournament. Here are my predictions for the South region:</p> <p>The South region is loaded with NBA talent. Kentucky, Duke and Connecticut all have potential lottery picks on their rosters, but will this talent translate to victory in this year's NCAA basketball tournament? Here are my predictions for the South region:</p>
<p>Play-In Game on Tuesday, March 15, 2012 - 3:30 pm PT: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/western-kentucky-hilltoppers">Western Kentucky Hilltoppers</a> beats Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils<br>MVSU has lost one game in all of 2012, and I'm picking Western Kentucky to give them their second loss. The Hilltoppers have claimed victories against Middle Tennessee and Denver in the past month of play, while MVSU has been collecting wins in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the weakest conference in all of college basketball.</p>
<p>No. 1 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kentucky-wildcats">Kentucky Wildcats</a> beats No. 16 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers<br>Rivalry! A Wildcat would eat a hilltopper alive - there's my reasoning.</p>
<p>No. 9 UConn Huskies beats No. 8 Iowa State Cyclones<br>I'm taking UConn in a close one in this game. Sophomore guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123382/jeremy-lamb">Jeremy Lamb</a> and freshman forward <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/144204/andre-drummond">Andre Drummond</a> will be the difference-makers for the Huskies. Iowa St. has proven itself with impressive wins over Texas, Kansas, Kansas St. and Baylor but the NBA talent of Drummond and Lamb along with Jim Calhoun's success in March tell me UConn will advance to the next round.</p>
<p>No. 5 Wichita State Shockers beats No. 12 Virginia Commonwealth Rams<br>VCU is a trendy pick after last year's run to the final four but Wichita State ranks in the top 20 of Ken Pomeroy's offensive and defensive efficiency rankings. The Shockers have experience - eight of the team's 10 players are upperclassmen. Senior guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124669/joe-ragland">Joe Ragland</a> is shooting a lights out 50% for the Shockers - VCU will have a tough time stopping him.</p>
<p>No. 4 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/indiana-hoosiers">Indiana Hoosiers</a> beats No. 13 New Mexico State Aggies<br>The Hoosiers will win this game rather comfortably. It will be a blowout if the Hoosiers can catch fire from three, they are shooting a lights-out 43.3 percent from beyond the arc this season.</p>
<p>No. 6 UNLV Rebels beats No. 11 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/colorado-buffaloes">Colorado Buffaloes</a><br>UNLV's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100899/mike-moser">Mike Moser</a> is a treat to watch, but might not be a treat to watch for Colorado fans in this game. The sophomore forward is averaging 14.1 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Colorado will be depending on Andre Robinson to neutralize Moser in the post; Robinson is averaging 11.6 PPG and 11.1 RPG for the Buffaloes.</p>
<p>No. 3 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/baylor-bears">Baylor Bears</a> beats No. 14 South Dakota State Jackrabbits<br>The Jackrabbits enter this game riding an eight-game winning streak, but they'll run into a wall against Baylor. While <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123221/perry-jones-iii">Perry Jones III</a> has the most name recognition on Baylor, college basketball fans need to watch junior guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145085/pierre-jackson">Pierre Jackson</a>. The 5'11" guard is distributing 5.8 assists per game and ranks second in scoring to Perry putting up 13.3 points per game.</p>
<p>No. 7 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> beats No. 10 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/xavier-musketeers">Xavier Musketeers</a><br>Xavier's seven-footer <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52529/kenny-frease">Kenny Frease</a> poses a concern for Notre Dame, but I expect the Fighting Irish's 6'9" <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100020/jack-cooley">Jack Cooley</a> and 6'10" <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100017/tom-knight">Tom Knight</a> to neutralize Frease.</p>
<p>No. 2 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/duke-blue-devils">Duke Blue Devils</a> beats No. 15 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/lehigh-mountain-hawks">Lehigh Mountain Hawks</a><br>Duke is too talented when compared to Lehigh for this game to be close. Not having <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99795/ryan-kelly">Ryan Kelly</a> hurts Duke, but I think <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52190/miles-plumlee">Miles Plumlee</a> will step up his performance in Kelly's absence.</p>
<p>Through 32:<br>No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats beats No. 9 UConn Huskies<br>Every NBA scout in America will be at this game, or at least watching it. Kentucky's Anthony Davis and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145567/michael-kidd-gilchrist">Michael Kidd-Gilchrist</a> are projected top ten picks along with UConn's Andre Drummond and Jeremy Lamb. I'm putting my money on Davis being able to shut down Drummond. Kentucky rolls on.</p>
<p>No. 4 Indiana Hoosiers beats No. 5 Wichita State Shockers<br>I advise people to flip a coin if this matchup happens. The player matchup to watch will be Indiana's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145499/cody-zeller">Cody Zeller</a> and Wichita State's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53202/garrett-stutz">Garrett Stutz</a>, while Zeller is efficient at converting in the post, Stutz is a 256lb senior seven-footer, and won't let Zeller get easy buckets.</p>
<p>No. 3 Baylor Bears beats No. 5 UNLV Rebels<br>UNLV's Mike Moser will be contained by Perry Jones and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145084/quincy-miller">Quincy Miller</a> of Baylor. Baylor has lost four of its last ten games while UNLV has dropped five of their last ten games - the Bears were playing tougher opponents in their losses - that's my reasoning.</p>
<p>No. 2 Duke Blue Devils beats No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish<br>Boring, right? It's never fun picking all top four seeds to move on, but I like Duke's offensive firepower and I think <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145288/austin-rivers">Austin Rivers</a> has the advantage on both ends of the floor against Notre Dame's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124082/eric-atkins">Eric Atkins</a>.</p>
<p>Sweet 16<br>No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats beats No. 4 Indiana Hoosiers. <br>Kentucky has two losses this season, and one of them was a gift from Indiana back on December 10, 2011. It took Indiana home-court advantage along with a last-second shot to beat Kentucky - I think the Wildcats have learned their lesson and will avenge their loss in this game.</p>
<p>No. 3 Baylor Bears beats No. 2 Duke Blue Devils<br>With or without Ryan Kelly, Duke will fall to Baylor in this game. Duke's losses have come to teams with players that can match up with their big guys. Baylor's Perry Jones III and Quincy Miller are two quality big men that can stop the Mason and Miles Plumlee along with Kelly if he ends up being back from injury in this game.</p>
<p>Elite Eight<br>No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats beats No. 3 Baylor Bears<br>Baylor will make Kentucky fight for this victory, but the underclassmen backcourt of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145569/marquis-teague">Marquis Teague</a>, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123771/doron-lamb">Doron Lamb</a> will be the difference-maker for the Wildcats. Jones and Miller will have fits against the nation's No. 1 shot-blocker Anthony Davis.</p>
<p><b><i>Stay with us here at <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2874018/ncaa-bracket-2012-march-madness-scores-bracket-updates-ncaa-results" target="_blank">SB Nation Seattle for NCAA Bracket Scores and Updates</a> throughout the day in our dedicated StoryStream.</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>Head over to our <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/12/2865016/ncaa-basketball-tournament-2012-predictions-bracket-picking">NCAA Predictions StoryStream</a> to check out SBN Seattle's crack team of bracketologists' picks and game previews, because we know there's a ton of games to keep track of. Finally, if you haven't yet, head to</i></b><i><i><b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/3/5/2846518/ncaa-bracket-2012-printable">SB Nation's Printable Bracket StoryStream</a> to print one out for yourself. </b></i></i></p>
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https://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2866757/ncaa-basketball-tournament-2012-predictions-picking-the-south-regionKevin Cacabelos2012-03-15T04:15:04-07:002012-03-15T04:15:04-07:00NCAA Basketball Tournament 2012 Predictions: Midwest Region First And Second Round Matchups
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<p>Well, here we are; the last of the first-round predictions. Fittingly, the Midwest is last. Why is that fitting, you ask? Because the Midwest region has the absolute dumbest name of any of the other regions. There are four primary directions; North, West, East and South. We've got three of those, but instead of the North we end up with the Midwest? I mean, I understand that the mid-western United States is the Heartland of America and the Heartland of college basketball, but if we're going with geographic regions over directions, why not West, East, Midwest and Southeast? Or any other number of less arbitrary designations? Yeah, I know. Not exactly covering new ground. But man oh man is it dumb.</p>
<h4>(1) North Carolina vs. (16) Lamar/Vermont</h4>
<p>Catamounts is a bitchin' nickname so I'm picking them in the First Round game, but that's as far as they're getting because, you know.</p>
<h4>(8) Creighton vs. (9) Alabama</h4>
<p>Creighton will win this one because it just ain't fair that 'Bama would have two really good teams at the same time. And we all know fairness is paramount in college sports.</p>
<h4>(5) Temple vs. (12) California/South Florida</h4>
<p>The 5/12 matchup is notorious for producing upsets, so it seems like it's doubly unfair to force Temple to take on two teams at once. Still, the Owls should take this one.</p>
<h4>(4) Michigan vs. (13) Ohio</h4>
<p>If Ohio really wants to put a fright into the Wolverines, they'll dye their uniforms red and write "State" on them. Can't see that happening, so Michigan heads to the second round.</p>
<h4>(6) San Diego State vs. (11) North Carolina State</h4>
<p>There are a few games like this every season where I just assume all of the brackets have been mis-printed and the actual seeds are reversed. So with that in mind, I'm pick San Diego State for the big upset!</p>
<h4>(3) Georgetown vs. (14) Belmont</h4>
<p>Yeah this should be a close one.</p>
<h4>(7) St. Mary's vs. (10) Purdue</h4>
<p>Mid-majors are simultaneously under-and-over rated, and St. Mary's looks (to me) to have gotten the short end of that particular stick. I'm expecting them to win, and to do so without a whole lot of trouble, but you should keep in mind that I picked another team because their uniforms are purple</p>
<h4>(2) Kansas vs. (15) Detroit</h4>
<p>Wow I knew the Pistons were bad but I didn't know they were bad enough to be a 15 seed a-hur-hur-hur.</p>
<p>But no seriously, Kansas by 50.</p>
<p><b><i>Stay with us here at <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2874018/ncaa-bracket-2012-march-madness-scores-bracket-updates-ncaa-results" target="_blank">SB Nation Seattle for NCAA Bracket Scores and Updates</a> throughout the day in our dedicated StoryStream.</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>Head over to our <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/12/2865016/ncaa-basketball-tournament-2012-predictions-bracket-picking">NCAA Predictions StoryStream</a> to check out SBN Seattle's crack team of bracketologists' picks and game previews, because we know there's a ton of games to keep track of. Finally, if you haven't yet, head to</i></b><i><i><b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/3/5/2846518/ncaa-bracket-2012-printable">SB Nation's Printable Bracket StoryStream</a> to print one out for yourself. </b></i></i></p>
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https://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2867001/ncaa-basketball-tournament-2012-predictions-march-madness-midwest-regionAaron Campeau2012-03-15T04:00:05-07:002012-03-15T04:00:05-07:00NCAA Basketball Tournament 2012 Predictions: East Region First And Second Round Matchups
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<p>16 predictions down, 16 to go! The East looks to be a pretty formidable region, but then again you could say that about all of them if you were talking to someone that didn't know what you were talking about. They wouldn't know the difference. Gonzaga plays in this region though, so that's exciting! Except for the people that hate them.</p>
<h4>(1) Syracuse vs. (16) UNC Asheville</h4>
<p>Yeah ok.</p>
<h4>(8) Kansas State vs. (9) Southern Mississippi</h4>
<p>This is kind of weird:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1009654/200px-Southern_Miss_Golden_Eagles_Logo.svg.png"><img alt="200px-southern_miss_golden_eagles_logo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1009654/200px-Southern_Miss_Golden_Eagles_Logo.svg_medium.png" height="100"></a> <a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1009657/200px-KSUWildcats_logo.svg.png"><img alt="200px-ksuwildcats_logo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1009657/200px-KSUWildcats_logo.svg_medium.png" height="100"></a></p>
<p>via <a href="http://wikimedia.org/">upload.wikimedia.org</a></p>
<p>Tough call. I say KSU advances by virtue of the fact that they use purple.</p>
<h4>(5) Vanderbilt vs. (12) Harvard</h4>
<p>Here is where I tell jokes based on the premise of Harvard being one of the more prestigious academic institutions in the country. And here is where I point out that Vanderbilt is no slouch in that department either. And finally, here is where I state the obvious in saying that I think Vanderbilt will win.</p>
<h4>(4) Wisconsin vs. (13) Montana</h4>
<p>There's a pretty compelling argument to be made that Wisconsin was under-seeded, and there's every reason to believe Montana will give the Badgers a pretty tough game. In fact, in nature one would think a Grizzly bear would put a pretty serious hurting on a badger. This is basketball though, so I don't think that's really applicable. Wisconsin advances.</p>
<h4>(6) Cincinnati vs. (11) Texas</h4>
<p>I would be inclined to pick Cincinnati in this game. I say "would" because I happened to find myself in a pub during the Big East tournament championship game. After seeing that Bearcats performance, I cannot imagine this team ever winning another game of basketball, ever.</p>
<h4>(3) Florida State vs. (14) St. Bonaventure</h4>
<p>Bonnies? <i>Seriously?</i> I mean, Seminoles is bad in a different way but <i>man</i>. I cannot imagine taking any team called "the Bonnies" seriously and I'm a rabid European soccer fan. Florida State will win by 60.</p>
<h4>(7) Gonzaga vs. (10) West Virginia</h4>
<p>Gonzaga is the only team with any chance of bringing the joy of a deep tournament run to more than a few isolated fans in the Pacific northwest. This clearly isn't the best team in the school's history, but they should have enough to get past a (relatively) mediocre West Virginia team into the second round where they'll get to be underdogs again! It's 90s night at the dance!</p>
<h4>(2) Ohio State vs. (15) Loyola (MD)</h4>
<p>See the thing with this game is that if you're the least bit inclined to not pick Ohio State, nothing I can possibly say will convince you otherwise. You're either being ironic, or think this is the kind of wacky thing that has to happen for someone to win their office pool, or you've found some totally meaningless statistic that has convinced you that Loyola are destined to pull off a legendary upset. So fine, smart guy. Go ahead and throw your pick away. I hope you get a paper cut tearing your bracket to shreds.</p>
<p><b><i>Stay with us here at <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2874018/ncaa-bracket-2012-march-madness-scores-bracket-updates-ncaa-results" target="_blank">SB Nation Seattle for NCAA Bracket Scores and Updates</a> throughout the day in our dedicated StoryStream.</i></b></p>
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https://seattle.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2866959/ncaa-basketball-tournament-2012-predictions-march-madness-east-regionAaron Campeau