We’ve already run through every region in an effort to predict every 2011 NCAA Tournament game — as daunting as a task it is. With the field down to four in our mythical NCAA bracket, it’s time to figure out who cuts down the nets and brings home the NCAA Championship this year in Houston. Will it be Ohio State or Kansas, two of the overwhelming favorites, anointed by experts and oddsmakers alike? Or will a Cinderella team sneak in ala George Mason?
Here’s what we have so far.
Out of the West region, it’s San Diego State over Texas in the regional finals. No. 1 seed Duke and No. 3 seed UConn lost to Texas and San Diego State, respectively, in the regional semifinals to set up the Longhorns-Aztecs battle for a trip to the Final Four.
In the Southwest regional, it’s all about Kansas. The Jayhawks are a favorite everywhere, including in the Vegas sports books. In the regional finals, the predicition is Kansas over No. 3 Purdue, with the Jayhawks heading to Houston for the Final Four.
In the Southeast region, Pittsburgh, another No. 1 seed, survives to advance to the Final Four. Utah State makes a run to the Sweet Sixteen while Gonzaga surprises St. John’s in the round of 64, but goes no further.
Finally, in the East, Ohio State moves on to the Final Four after defeating Syracuse in the regional finals. Washington gets by Georgia to open the tournament, but facing North Carolina in what is, essentially, a home game for the Tar Heels is too much.
Final Four
Kansas over Pittsburgh. The Jayhawks are too much for Pitt and make it to the Final Four and face-planting last year.
Ohio State over San Diego State. The Aztecs dream run ends with a loss to Ohio State in the Final Four.
National Championship
Ohio State over Kansas. I picked Kansas last year and it let me down. Never again.
Need more help making predictions? We’ve got you covered in our NCAA bracket predictions StoryStream. Grab a printable bracket and get to work filling out the field. For more on the Huskies and Zags, visit SB Nation’s UW Dawg Pound and The Slipper Still Fits.