March 20, 2006 NCAA Tournament Predictions
Atlanta Region
Duke (1) vs. USL (4)
The Duke Blue Devils come from a victory over the George Washington Colonials with a final score of 74-61. The LSU Tigers are coming off a victory over the Texas A&M Aggies with a final score of 58-57. Duke, of course, has the second leading scorer in the nation, JJ Redick, and Sheldon Williams, who is an inside threat.
LSU, however, also has its respected players, including forward Glen Davis, at 6’9, 320 lbs. overwhelming, superior force in the paint who averages a double-double with 18.6 PPG and 10 RPG, and Darrel Mitchell 5’11 178 lbs. guard averaging 17.3 PPG and 4.5 APG.
Both teams have made their case for why they should win…however, I’m going with the Dukies.
Final Score: 76-74
Texas (2) vs. West Virginia (6)
This match should be interesting. Texas, in my opinion, is overrated… and WVU is underrated. I’m not saying WVU is better than Texas, but this game will be MUCH closer than many expect. One thing that really helps a team is a power forward who can shoot all three and go in. West Virginia, of course, has that in Kevin Pittsnogle. But, as I’ve said before, Texas has Aldridge, Gibson and PJ Tucker, who leads Texas in two statistical categories, points and rebounds per game. Due to the fact that John Beilein, in my opinion, is a better trainer than Rick Barnes, I’m going with West Virginia.
Final Score: 80-74
Oakland Region
Memphis (1) vs. braley (13)
Bradley, a 13th seed, just came off upsets against Kansas, a team many expect to make the final four, and another upset win over the Pittsburgh Panthers. But, all Cinderella stories eventually come to an end. To further prove the point, Memphis is too powerful and athletic; It is led by sophomore Deron Washington Jr. and senior Rod Carney.
Final Score: 81-68
UCLA (2) vs. gonzagas (3)
Wow, I have no respect for Adam Morrison, but he and his team are very good. Even though UCLA struggled against Alabama, Gonzaga will NOT be able to handle UCLA at all and we’ll see a big hit… But then again, Morrison could explode at the fact that he didn’t play well in their 90-80 win over Indiana. But, he could be the other way around. He might be starting to slump.
In closing, I strongly believe that the Gonzaga Bulldogs will go home on March 23rd.
Final Score: 86-72
Washington D.C. Region
Connecticut (1) vs. washington (5)
Connecticut is athletic, experienced, well-trained and fundamentally sound. I’m very happy that Washington beat Illinois, because Illinois is much more skilled than Washington. Illinois would have a much better chance of beating UConn, and in my bracket I have UConn winning it all. I respect Washington and all, don’t get me wrong… but I just don’t see this malaise happening. If you have great players and a great coach (Jim Calhoun), then the chance of getting upset GREATLY decreases.
Final Score: 83-74
Wichita Street (7) vs. G. Mason (11)
Well, I think most people would agree that this is a very interesting matchup between two teams that most people know only a limited amount about. One thing I do know is that George Mason is an even scoring team. Five players for George Mason are averaging double figures, including forwards Jai Lewis 6-7 275 pounds, Will Thomas 6-7 220 pounds and Folarin Campbell 6-4 200 pounds. They average 14.0, 11.8 and 10.6 points per game respectively. Wichita state looks the same. He also balances his score with 4 players averaging double figures. For me, this game is a draw, but with the help of an hour of research, I’ve decided to add a win to Wichita State’s already historic season.
Final Score: 72-67
Minneapolis Region
Villanueva (1) vs. Boston University (4)
Boston College is led by forwards Jered Dudley and Craig Smith (1st Team All ACC). Villanova is led by guards Randy Foye, Allan Ray, Kyle Lowry and Mike Nardy. So as you can see, BC is big man oriented and Villanova is guard oriented. Well, when it comes down to it, you have to choose which is more valuable in the NCAA Tournament, guards or big men? Guards are the players you really have to depend on in late game situations because of their three points and driving ability. Alternatively, the big men get to the free throw line more and make up for the fact that they can’t shoot all three, by getting three-point plays and are more likely to score.
To conclude, most NCAA Tournament games, especially Sweet 16 games, are closed. Like I said, guards are key in late game situations. BUT you need big men to get you back! And with Villanova starting with four guards, while he hasn’t made much of a difference this year, I think now he’s going to come back and slap them in the face. Like I said, Boston College is a team with big stars that will totally DOMINATE the boards and Smith will have a monstrous game. BC will walk away late with the win.
Final Score: 74-71
Florida (3) vs. george town (7)
This game must be very good. Georgetown was very hot and went on a six-game winning streak, during which it beat Duke and Pittsburgh, but then began to cool off with losses to West Virginia, Marquette, Villanova, South Florida, and Syracuse. Florida is hot right now, with seven straight wins. Take that, and add the fact that he has double-digit 5 scores, and you get a beating from Georgetown.
Final Score: 80-63
