raditionally my massive brain is used to pick the entire bracket in about two minutes while on the air talking about quadrants, scrubbing résumés and diving deep into metrics and full bodies of work. A mere mortal needs more time to make selections. So late at night, I put together this thoughtful and completely accurate prognostication of the NCAA tournament so you can win your pool and laugh heartily at friends and family. For that, as always, you're welcome.

South Region

The South Region is the "black and blue" region. There are more physical, punishing defenses in this region than any other. There also are more Wildcats in this region than any other, with Kansas State, Kentucky, Davidson and Arizona. This is the toughest region of the four, and the team that comes out of here will be fully tested and will have earned it.

FIRST ROUND

No. 1 Virginia Cavaliers vs. No. 16 UMBC Retrievers
Virginia is the No. 1 overall seed in this year's NCAA tournament. Since the selection committee began naming overall seeds in 2004, only three of them have gone on to win the national title. No overall No. 1 seed has lost in the first round. In fact, no No. 1 seed has lost in the first round. Do you think it will be Virginia? Please. Ryan Odom has a solid team that beat America East favorite Vermont to advance to the NCAA tournament, and this is the best of the No. 16 seeds. Jairus Lyles hit the big shot against the Catamounts and averages just under 20 points per game, but he will not hit his average against Virginia's "Pack Line" defense. Fun fact: Ryan Odom's father is Dave Odom, the former Wake Forest and South Carolina head coach. Dave Odom was an assistant to Terry Holland at … Virginia.

Virginia wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 8 Creighton Bluejays vs. No. 9 Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State is a solid team with terrific players in Barry Brown and Dean Wade, but the Wildcats are not a great rebounding team. Kansas State can force turnovers and does a really good job of putting pressure on opposing offenses. Creighton is 21-11 against a solid schedule that featured 10 games against ranked teams. The Bluejays are better than an 8-seed. Six of Creighton's losses came to ranked teams. Marcus Foster transferred in from Kansas State and is a repeat All-Big East performer who has matured and averaged better than 20 points per game. Think he'll have some motivation going up against Bruce Weber? Foster has scored more than 2,000 points in his career and teams with one of the best defenders in the nation in Khyri Thomas, who averages 15 points per game. Thomas was Big East defensive player of the year. Creighton scores more than 84 points per game and shoots 49.9 percent from the floor and 38 percent from 3-point range.

Creighton wins and moves on to face No. 1 Virginia.

No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats vs. No. 12 Davidson Wildcats
Kentucky did not get a good draw, and it will be no fun for a young team to have to chase Davidson around on all of the intricate cuts and screens that Davidson can throw at you. Bob McKillop is one of the truly great coaches in the game, and he has some very skilled and very good players to combat Kentucky's athleticism and size. Davidson is led by Peyton Aldridge, a big, very skilled forward who can play at the next level. Aldridge can pass, cut, handle it, block a shot and rebound. In addition, Aldridge can score with anyone and has put up games with 45 points, 37 points and 35 points. Freshman guard Kellan Grady is a unique talent who has the size and ability to give Shai Gilgeous-Alexander some problems. Kentucky is playing far better over the past seven games that it did all season, and things are starting to come together. Roles are better defined and Kentucky is shooting the ball much better. Will that continue in Boise? It will in the first round. Although Davidson will pose a major test, Kentucky will advance.

Kentucky wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 4 Arizona Wildcats vs. No. 13 Buffalo Bulls
It is hard to fathom how the 27-7 Pac-12 Champion — both in the regular season and conference tournament — can be considered the 16th-best team in the nation and a 4-seed. Did the selection committee watch Arizona play this season? Did the committee see Deandre Ayton play this season? Ayton is the Pac'12's leading rebounder (11.5) and his 20.3 PPG are percentage points behind UCLA's Aaron Holiday for most in the conference. Ayton could be the first player to lead the Pac-12 in both categories since 2005-06 (California's Leon Powe). Wow. Well, that is bad news more for the other teams in Arizona's path, because this is a ridiculously talented team. With Ayton, Allonzo Trier, Rawle Alkins and Dusan Ristic, the Wildcats have done a much better job of rebounding and defending — and Ayton cannot be stopped. Arizona's 50.5 field goal percentage is fourth best in Division I, and on pace to be the Wildcats' best since 1990-91 (51.4 percent). Buffalo is good, but this is not a fair matchup for the MAC champions.

Arizona wins and moves on to face Kentucky in the second round.

No. 6 Miami Hurricanes vs. No. 11 Loyola-Chicago Ramblers
The Hurricanes went down a man when Bruce Brown Jr. was injured earlier this season. There was a chance he could return for the NCAA tournament, but it is hard to imagine that he would be the same. Brown is Miami's best defender, rebounder and assist guy. He is a triple-double talent who is a difference-maker. Miami does not have a player averaging 13 points per game, but is very balanced in its attack. Lonnie Walker IV has been Miami's best player since ACC play began. But Miami does not defend at the same level as it has in the past. Before the ACC tournament, Miami won four games in a row, but all were decided by a single basket, including Ja'Quan Newton's heave at the buzzer at North Carolina. Loyola-Chicago is coached by Porter Moser and plays a solid "Pack Line" defense, one that helped the Ramblers beat Florida in Gainesville. Loyola-Chicago is led by Clayton Custer, a 6-1 guard who started his career at Iowa State. Marques Towns is a tough Jersey kid from Fairleigh Dickinson and Donte Ingram is a 6-6 shooter who hit 66 3-point field goals this season and 162 for his career. Miami is the bigger and more talented team, but the Ramblers are fully capable of pulling the upset.

Loyola-Chicago wins and advances to the second round.

No. 3 Tennessee Volunteers vs. No. 14 Wright State Raiders
The Vols have steadily improved over the course of the season. Early on, I spent a couple of days in Knoxville watching Tennessee play and the Vols were one of the quietest teams I had seen this year. But Rick Barnes and his staff worked with this team and it is now one of the better defenses in the nation. Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield are tough players who can score. Jordan Boneis a speedy guard who can really play. Schofield is averaging more than 20 points per game over his past six games. Tennessee has won six of its past seven games, holding its opponents to fewer than 70 points in all six wins. The Volunteers are 22-1 this season when allowing 70 or fewer points and 3-7 when they allow more than 70. Wright State beat Georgia Tech earlier this season and Grant Benzinger is a good player, but the Horizon champs will not beat the Vols.

Tennessee wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 7 Nevada Wolf Pack vs. No. 10 Texas Longhorns
If Nevada wins this game, it will be an upset. The Wolf Pack has lost twice to San Diego State in the past week, and it is hard to fathom how the selection committee could give Nevada a 7-seed in this field. Nevada is very good, especially on the offensive end, but the Nevada defense is not a strong point. Of the at-large teams, only TCU and Wichita State have lower-rated defenses. Nevada is led by Caleb Martin, the NC State transfer who scores more than 19 points per game, and Kendall Stephens, the transfer from Purdue who has hit more than 100 3-point field goals at a 44 percent clip. Jordan Caroline is a double-double guy who is tough and productive. Texas has been very good defensively, especially with Mohamed Bamba blocking shots and rebounding. Texas can struggle to score at times, but this is a team that will fight. Matt Coleman is a freshman point guard who can make plays and Dylan Osetkowskican handle, pass and score. Despite Nevada's overseeding, I still like the Wolf Pack. I am simply not willing to put Nevada past the Longhorns.

Texas wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 2 Cincinnati Bearcats vs. No. 15 Georgia State Panthers
The Bearcats are an under-the-radar pick, even though Cincinnati is a No. 2 seed. The Bearcats' 30 wins are tied for their most in school history entering the NCAA tournament. Cincinnati is outscoring its opponents by 17.5 points per game this season, the best scoring margin in Division I. It ranks second in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency (84.2), trailing only Virginia (81.8). Cincinnati has eight games where it has held its opponent to 50 or fewer points, second most in Division I. Guess who has a dozen of those? Yep, it's Virginia. The Bearcats average 19.4 points per game off turnovers, most in the AAC. Georgia State does not have R.J. Hunter anymore, and will not get past Cincinnati.

Cincinnati wins and the Bearcats move on to the second round.

SECOND ROUND

No. 1 Virginia vs. No. 8 Creighton
The Cavaliers are so good defensively and Creighton is so good offensively. But absent Virginia falling apart on the offensive end, I don't see Creighton reaching 70 points. Of course, the reason I don't see that is because Virginia has not allowed a single opponent to reach 70 all season. That is simply ridiculous. Virginia will move on to the second weekend.

Virginia wins and advances to the Sweet 16.

No. 4 Arizona vs. No. 5 Kentucky
This seems like it should be in the Elite Eight, not the second round. But as well as Kentucky is playing, the Wildcats will have a hard time beating Arizona. The only way Kentucky moves forward is if Kevin Knox and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander go crazy in the same game. Arizona will beat Kentucky to advance to the second weekend.

Arizona wins and moves on to the Sweet 16.

No. 3 Tennessee vs. No. 11 Loyola-Chicago
The Vols are too good on both ends of the floor to drop this game to a very sound and older Loyola-Chicago team. The Vols have good shooters in Jordan Bone, James Daniel III, Jordan Bowden and Lamonte Turner. They should be able to solve Porter Moser's "Pack Line" defense. Tennessee moves on to the second weekend.

Tennessee wins and moves on to the Sweet 16.

No. 2 Cincinnati vs. No. 10 Texas
If you haven't seen Gary Clark and Jacob Evans, check them out. Clark is long and athletic and one of the better players in the country. Evans is a really good shooter, and Kyle Washington is a lefty big man who can step away and shoot it, and he is another transfer from NC State. Mo Bamba will prove to be difficult to score upon, but Cincinnati will be tougher for Texas to score upon. Cincinnati will move on to the second weekend.

Cincinnati wins and advances to the Sweet 16.

SWEET 16

No. 1 Virginia vs. No. 4 Arizona
This game will be the "Pack Line" defense against the "Pack Line" defense. Thing is, Virginia runs it better. While no team with Deandre Ayton is ever at a disadvantage, the tempo of this game will be owned by Virginia. With Kyle Guy, Devon Hall and Ty Jerome running off of screens, expect Virginia to get past the more athletic and talented Wildcats.

Virginia wins and advances to the Elite Eight.

No. 2 Cincinnati vs. No. 3 Tennessee
The Bearcats are better on the defensive end and better on the glass. Tennessee is better on the offensive end, but not that much better. I think Cincinnati is a much better team this year than it has been in past years. Cincinnati has a 38 percent offensive rebounding rate, ranked in the top 10 in the nation. Cincinnati's defense and rebounding will carry the day and the Bearcats will win.

Cincinnati wins and moves on to the Elite Eight.

ELITE EIGHT

No. 1 Virginia vs No. 2 Cincinnati
This is the first test of Virginia's sole weakness. The Cavaliers are not great on the glass — and Cincinnati is. Is that enough to knock off the Cavaliers? Can Cincinnati defend and rebound its way past Virginia? Because of the athleticism of Mamadi Diakite and De'Andre Hunter, I would say not. Virginia will win and advance to Tony Bennett's first Final Four, and the first Final Four for the Bennett family since 2000, when Dick Bennett took the Wisconsin Badgers to the Final Four and lost to Michigan State.

Virginia wins and moves on to the Final Four.

West Region

The West Region is the "wide open" region, filled with good teams that just don't scare you. This in the only region you could see blowing up and opening up in several different ways.

FIRST ROUND

No. 1 Xavier Musketeers vs. No. 16 NC Central Eagles/Texas Southern Tigers
The Musketeers have won 27 NCAA tournament games, the most by any team without a Final Four appearance. Chris Mack has taken Xavier to the second weekend on more than one occasion. Tournament success is in the Xavier DNA. That said, Xavier is overseeded and should probably not have been a No. 1 seed. That said, Xavier is a very capable team that averages 37.2 paint points per game, most in the Big East and on pace to be its most in the last seven seasons. Xavier outrebounds its opponents by 7.2 rebounds per game, the largest differential in the Big East. Trevon Bluiett is Mack's best player — the type of player who can be a tournament darling and carry a team to the second weekend and beyond. Bluiett has 46 career 20-point games, the most in the Big East since his career began in 2014-15. Xavier will not lose to a No. 16 seed. It has never happened before, and it won't happen to Chris Mack.

Xavier wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 8 Missouri Tigers vs. No. 9 Florida State Seminoles
The Tigers are pretty decent defensively and have Michael Porter Jr. back in the lineup after he missed all but two minutes in the first game of the season. Missouri plays hard and has good talent, but Florida State has more talent. The Seminoles are far better than they have played, and this collection of athletes should be very good defensively. But Florida State is not a great defensive team and somewhat of a disappointment, given the talent and athleticism on this team. That said, Florida State should win if the Seminoles can rebound with Missouri. The Tigers are vulnerable because they turn the ball over too much and don't force enough turnovers.

Florida State wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. No. 12 South Dakota State Jackrabbits
This game features two of the best individual players in the nation: Ohio State's Keita Bates-Diop and Mike Daum of South Dakota State. Daum averages 24 points and 10 rebounds while shooting better than 40 percent from 3-point range. The last guy to do that? Kevin Durant while at Texas. Daum is not Kevin Durant, but he is damn good. Daum is not alone, as freshman David Jenkins Jr. puts up 16 points per game, and the Jackrabbits can space the floor and shoot from deep. But unless Ohio State sleepwalks into this game, the Buckeyes should win due to athleticism and size.

Ohio State wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 4 Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. No. 13 UNC Greensboro Spartans
How does Mark Few do this? His program is an amazing model of high-level consistency and excellence. Few has a more traditional Gonzaga team with scrappy, together players who compete and overcome. Gonzaga was 30-4 and has winning guards Josh Perkins and Silas Melson to feed Johnathan Williamsand Killian Tillie inside. The Bulldogs have a terrific athlete in Rui Hachimura, but he has been an inconsistent star, productive in one game and not in another. But, UNC Greensboro will not beat Gonzaga in Boise. The Bulldogs average 84.5 points per game, on pace to be the highest scoring average in school history. Gonzaga is outscoring opponents by 17.4 points per game, the second-highest score differential in Division I (Cincinnati, 17.8).

Gonzaga wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 6 Houston Cougars vs. No. 11 San Diego State Aztecs
Kelvin Sampson has a tough team that can rebound and score. Rob Gray is a really good scoring guard who can move all over the floor. He is a right driver and good pull-up jump-shooter. Devin Davis is a good rebounder and Corey Davis is an excellent 3-point threat who has hit almost 100 3-point field goals on the season; he hits 44 percent from deep. San Diego State had a shaky start and looked like it was headed south after getting blasted at Nevada. Yet since then, the Aztecs have won nine in a row, including providing two payback beatings to Nevada on the way to the Mountain West tournament title. Still, Houston should win.

Houston wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 3 Michigan Wolverines vs. 14 Montana Grizzlies
Who is playing better than Michigan? The answer is, hardly anybody, really. Since the Big Ten tournament was instituted in 1998, seven of the 20 teams that won it went on to lose in the first weekend of the NCAA tourney. Two years ago in 2016, Michigan State won the Big Ten tournament but was upset by 15-seed Middle Tennessee State in the first round. After a week off, that will not happen to Michigan or any Big Ten team. Michigan's defense allows an average of 8.1 second-chance points per game and 9.5 points per game off turnovers, both fewest in the Big Ten and third-fewest among major conference teams. Michigan is also a much-improved defensive rebounding team.

Michigan wins and advances to the second round.

No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies vs. No. 10 Providence Friars
Texas A&M is very talented up front with Tyler Davis and Robert Williams. Plus, the Aggies have one of the best shooters in the nation, DJ Hogg. The Aggies have been ridiculously inconsistent, yet they are capable. Providence defends well, but has been inconsistent on the offensive end. Kyron Cartwrightand Rodney Bullock are quality scorers who can go off on you, but the Friars are not a great shooting team. This is an odd game between it involves two teams that have been up and down. It is therefore difficult to peg. Because the Providence guards are better, I am going with Providence.

Providence wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 2 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. No. 15 Lipscomb Bisons
The Heels were terrific in the ACC tournament before falling to No. 1 Virginia in the final. North Carolina's fortunes changed when Theo Pinson became a reliable two-way player and started to really defend at a higher level. Pinson is a playmaker at the 4-spot and he has been very productive over the past eight games, putting up multiple double-doubles. Lipscomb is a good team that pulled off an upset by winning at FGCU, and Garrison Mathews is a 22-point-per-game scorer. The only way Lipscomb can win is if four games in four days totally decimates Carolina and guys get hurt. But, realistically, there is no way that Lipscomb pulls off an upset of North Carolina.

North Carolina wins and moves on to the second round.

SECOND ROUND

No. 1 Xavier vs. No. 9 Florida State
Xavier is just tougher than Florida State. The Musketeers are better in the front court than people think. Sean O'Mara and Kerem Kanter are solid and do not make mistakes. They can score in the post and they get angles on defenders and take advantage of it. Florida State, while talented, seem to be missing something intangible but important. Xavier should advance in this one, but it gives you some pause due to Florida State's size and athleticism.

Xavier wins and advances to the Sweet 16.

No. 4 Gonzaga vs. No. 5 Ohio State
The Buckeyes have one thing the Bulldogs do not: Keita Bates-Diop. However, Ohio State does not have the guards to match up to Gonzaga, and the Bulldogs should win.

Gonzaga wins and advances to the Sweet 16.

No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 6 Houston
Moritz Wagner is one of the nation's best big men, and one of its most versatile. Wagner is an NBA player. Houston is good enough to win this game, but Michigan is better and playing on a high after winning the Big Ten tournament.

Michigan wins and advances to the Sweet 16.

No. 2 North Carolina vs. No. 10 Providence
The Heels are subject to a bad shooting day like every other team in the field. But if Cameron Johnson and Kenny Williams are rested and ready to shoot, North Carolina should be able to run past Providence. Luke Maye has had a spectacular season, although he did not play his best in the ACC tournament. Against Providence, North Carolina should get offensive rebounds and transition.

North Carolina wins and moves on to the Sweet 16.

SWEET 16

No. 1 Xavier vs. No. 4 Gonzaga
Due to the Gonzaga guards and Killian Tillie, I have the Bulldogs pulling off the upset of Xavier in the Sweet 16. A real key will be the play of Rui Hachimura. If he plays with maturity, Gonzaga wins. I would not be surprised to see Xavier run past Gonzaga. This is a fair fight, and a tough one for a No. 1 seed with the profile of a No. 3 seed.

Gonzaga wins and moves on to the Elite Eight.

No. 2 North Carolina vs. No. 3 Michigan
The Heels blew out Michigan in Chapel Hill in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge; Michigan simply wasn't that good in early December. Michigan is really good now, though. In this rematch, the glass will be a deciding factor, and North Carolina is the better rebounding team and more capable of chasing Michigan around the court with Carolina's smaller lineup. While I like North Carolina's chances to get to a Final Four out of this region, there is something compelling about Michigan right now. I am picking Michigan to pull the upset of North Carolina.

Michigan wins and advances to the Elite Eight.

ELITE EIGHT

No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 4 Gonzaga
The Wolverines have something special right now, and Gonzaga has no answer for Mo Wagner. The only pause is Michigan's free throw shooting, especially Zavier Simpson, the Wolverines' point guard.

Michigan wins to advance to the Final Four.

Midwest Region

The Midwest Region is the "blue blood" region, filled with former NCAA champions and football royalty. Still, this is a good opportunity for Kansas, Michigan State and Duke to compete on the second weekend.

No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks vs. No. 16 Penn Quakers
Nobody has a better corps of shooting guards than Kansas. The fact that the Jayhawks won the Big 12 by two games with a 3-point shooting crew is simply remarkable. Kansas is a drive-and-kick 3-point shooting team. Devonte' Graham is a champion who plays on both ends of the floor. His maturation reading and using pick-and-rolls is really impressive. Graham is averaging 17.3 points and 7.5 assists per game this season, third and second in the Big 12, respectively. Graham is on pace to be the only player in Kansas history to average at least 15 points and 7 assists per game since assists became official in 1983-84. Graham is also averaging 37.6 minutes per game, on pace to be the most by a Kansas player in Big 12 history. Graham played 40 minutes in 16 games this season, including 10 straight at one point. Svi Mykhailiuk has 10 20-point games this season, eight more than his previous three seasons combined. As long as Udoka Azubuike is back healthy, there is no reason to believe that Kansas will not blow past the first weekend. No top seed has ever lost to a No. 16 seed. No way will it be Kansas.

Kansas wins and advances to the second round.

No. 8 Seton Hall Pirates vs. No. 9 NC State Wolfpack
This is a tough game between two teams that can beat anybody but also can be beaten by anybody. NC State is a pressing team with a terrific point guard in Markell Johnson, who led the ACC in assists after returning to the team. Omer Yurtseven is a skilled big man who can play in screen-and-roll situations. Al Freeman and Torin Dorn are very good guards, with Freeman being the scorer and Dorn the rebounder/driver. Seton Hall has Desi Rodriguez and Myles Powell to score, and Angel Delgado is one of the best rebounders and low post scoring big men in the Big East. In this game, I am going with NC State.

NC State wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 5 Clemson Tigers vs. No. 12 New Mexico State Aggies
The Tigers have really good guards in Gabe DeVoe, Marcquise Reed and Shelton Mitchell. Up front, Texas A&M transfer Elijah Thomas is a good rebounder and shot-blocker who is one of the best interior defenders in the ACC. New Mexico State is a solid rebounding team with a 35 percent offensive rebounding rate and a 20 points per game scorer in Zach Lofton and a terrific rebounder in Jemerrio Jones. As good as New Mexico State is, Clemson should win this game.

Clemson wins and advances to the second round.

No. 4 Auburn Tigers vs. No. 13 Charleston Cougars
Auburn laid an egg against Alabama. Bruce Pearl got into a scrape with the Alabama strength coach in the handshake line. That was a mistake. Never, and I mean never, get into a beef with a strength coach. Instead, go after the faculty rep or team doctor. Challenging a strength coach with a ponytail is just reckless. Auburn is a hard-playing, 3-point shooting team that defends well. Charleston has Grant Riller, Joe Chealey and Jarrell Brantley, all of whom can play and all of whom can score. Riller and Chealey each average better than 18 points per game. Still, I expect Auburn to come out with more fire than it did against Alabama.

Auburn wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 6 TCU Horned Frogs vs. No. 11 Arizona State Sun Devils/Syracuse Orange
TCU is without point guard Jaylen Fisher, yet still continues to play well. Kenrich Williams and Vladimir Brodziansky are very skilled players who can score efficiently. Still, TCU does not defend at the highest level. Former Pitt and current TCU coach Jamie Dixon knows the Syracuse zone well, but defending against the speedy guards of Arizona State might prove more of a challenge. I like Syracuse to get past Arizona State and then for Syracuse to pull the upset against TCU. Tyus Battle and Frank Howard will carry the Orange.

Syracuse wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 3 Michigan State Spartans vs. No. 14 Bucknell Bison
The Spartans are crazy deep and vastly underrated by the selection committee. Michigan State averages 7.4 blocks per game, most in the nation and on pace to be the most by any team since 2014-15 Texas (7.8 blocks per game). The Spartans hold opponents to a Division I worst 36.6 percent shooting from the floor, on pace to be their best defensive FG percentage since 1957-58 (34.3 percent). Michigan State is shooting 50.4 percent from the field, sixth in the nation and on pace to be its highest FG percentage in a season since 1992-93 (50.7 percent). Michigan State records an assist on 68 percent of its made field goals, the highest assist percentage in Division I this season. Cassius Winstonaverages 6.8 assists per game, most in the Big Ten. The Spartans are 17-1 this season when Winston records at least seven assists. Miles Bridges has recorded 11 20-point games this season, fifth most in the Big Ten. The Spartans are 11-0 in games when Bridges scores at least 20.

Michigan State wins and advances to the second round.

No. 7 Rhode Island Rams vs. 10 Oklahoma Sooners
There is no way that Oklahoma should be in the NCAA tournament field after losing so many games in February and March, and no way they should be favored to beat a No. 7 seed. Yet, Oklahoma should win this game. With Trae Young and Brady Manek, the Sooners will move on and the weak-minded will think the selection committee was correct. They were not, but that doesn't mean Oklahoma cannot win a game or two in this field.

Oklahoma wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 2 Duke Blue Devils vs. No. 15 Iona Gaels
Duke is the most talented team in the country. The only team to score 70 against the Blue Devils since they went full time to zone defense is North Carolina. Over its past nine games (since Feb. 11), Duke has allowed 90.3 points per 100 possessions, the fifth-best defensive efficiency in Division I. In that span, Duke has played zone defense 93 percent of the time, compared to 29 percent earlier in the season. Duke averages 40.1 paint points per game, most among major conference teams. The last time Duke led major conference teams in paint scoring, it won the national championship (2014-15). The Blue Devils have 15 games this season with at least 40 paint points, tied with North Carolina for most among major conference teams. Marvin Bagley III is one of five Division I players averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. No freshman in ACC history has averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds over an entire season. At 21.1 PPG, Bagley is on pace to set the Duke single-season freshman scoring record currently held by Jabari Parker (19.1 PPG in 2013-14). Iona has good guards, but this Iona team does not have the firepower up front to hang with Duke for very long.

Duke wins and moves on to the second round.

SECOND ROUND

No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 9 NC State
The Jayhawks have better guards than the Wolfpack. Unless Kansas has a catastrophic shooting night, the Jayhawks will advance past NC State. The Wolfpack can score on Kansas, but I don't think NC State can stop Kansas.

Kansas wins and moves on to the Sweet 16.

No. 4 Auburn vs. No. 5 Clemson
Bruce Pearl has some junkyard dogs on his team. Pearl prefers his players to play their tails off. Bryce Brown and Mustapha Heron should be the difference against a very solid Clemson team. Auburn has lost three of five games since Anfernee McLemore suffered an injury against South Carolina on Feb. 17. That's nearly as many as it lost all season prior to McLemore's injury. McLemore leads the SEC with 2.7 blocked shots per game. If Elijah Thomas can take advantage of McLemore's absence, Clemson can be successful. Because Auburn is better defensively, I favor Auburn to move forward.

Auburn wins and moves on to the Sweet 16.

No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 11 Syracuse
The Spartans are the better team — a No. 1 seed type of team. Jaren Jackson Jr. is an NBA lottery pick. He is a rim-protecting force who can step away and hit a perimeter jumper. Michigan State can find openings in the Syracuse zone and will be able to rebound it and beat it downcourt. Cassius Winston is a special player and leader. Miles Bridges will be a difference-maker.

Michigan State wins and advances to the Sweet 16.

No. 2 Duke vs. No. 10 Oklahoma
Trae Young versus the Duke freshmen should be a lot of fun to watch and to hype. It won't be fun for Young. Duke's zone defense is so long and its rebounding is so powerful, the Blue Devils should be able to come out on top and advance past the Sooners.

Duke wins and moves on to the Sweet 16.

SWEET 16

No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 4 Auburn
The Tigers will be difficult beat, but Devonte' Graham, Svi Mykhailiuk. Lagerald Vick and Malik Newman should be able to handle the Auburn pressure and get good opportunities from it. I like Kansas to beat Auburn, though it won't be easy. Kansas should advance to the Elite Eight, which has been a staple under Bill Self wherever he has been.

Kansas wins and moves on to the Elite Eight.

No. 2 Duke vs. No. 3 Michigan State
Both of these teams are No. 1 seed quality teams. I think Michigan State will have tremendous motivation to pay back Duke for the loss the Spartans took in Chicago at the Champions Classic. The key will be Michigan State's ability to rebound the zone and keep Marvin Bagley and Wendell Carter off the glass on the other end. Remember, Grayson Allen had 37 points against the Spartans in Chicago, but Allen has not shot the ball that well since that day. Duke is the more talented team, but very young. Michigan State's Miles Bridges played poorly against Duke in the first game and should be motivated to play much better.

Michigan State wins and advances to the Elite Eight.

ELITE EIGHT

No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 3 Michigan State
Kansas feels like the No. 3-seeded team and Michigan State feels like the No. 1 seed. Can Kansas win this game? Of course it can. But I like Michigan State because of the Spartans' strength up front with Bridges, Nick Ward and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Michigan State wins and advances to the Final Four.

East Region

This is another wide-open region because it is the most volatile and could have the most carnage.

FIRST ROUND

No. 1 Villanova Wildcats vs. No. 16 LIU-Brooklyn Blackbirds/Radford Highlanders
The Wildcats have the best culture in college basketball and one of the most mature and together teams in the nation. Villanova has two Wooden Award candidates in Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges and an excellent all-around guard in Phil Booth. Villanova has two Wooden Award candidates in Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges and an excellent all-around guard in Phil Booth. Villanova is the second team in D-I history to win at least 30 games in four straight seasons, joining Kansas, which did it from 2009-10 through 2012-13. Memphis also did it in four straight from 2005-06 to 2008-09, but its 2008 season was later vacated. If Villanova reaches the Final Four, it will set a D-I record for wins in a four-year span (this is also true for Gonzaga). Villanova has won 130 games in the past four seasons. The record is 133 by Duke (1997-98 through 2000-01). Brunson and Bridges have been among the most successful players in D-I in their time at Villanova. The Wildcats are the only D-I team with six players averaging at least 10 points per game. Of course, a No. 16 seed has never beaten a No. 1 seed, so none of this stuff really matters in the first round.

Villanova wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 8 Virginia Tech Hokies vs. No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide
Collin Sexton is the best freshman guard in the country and the top guard among NBA prospects. Sexton can take over a game; he did so in the SEC tournament before running into Kentucky. Virginia Tech is a very good 3-point-shooting team with an excellent point guard in Justin Robinson. As good as Sexton is, I expect Virginia Tech to squeak by and move forward.

Virginia Tech wins to advance to the second round.

No. 5 West Virginia Mountaineers vs. No. 12 Murray State Racers
The Racers have some really good guards and play excellent defense. Jonathan Stark averages more than 21 points per game, is the Ohio Valley Conference MVP and hit more than 100 3-point field goals. Terrell Miller is a 6-8 shooter, and Ja Morant is a playmaking guard. West Virginia is far better than a No. 5 seed. West Virginia will play well and hard.

West Virginia wins and advances to the second round.

No. 4 Wichita State Shockers vs. No. 13 Marshall Thundering Herd
The Thundering Herd have an outstanding scorer in Jon Elmore, who averages more than 22 points per game to lead Conference USA. C.J. Burks averages 20 points per game alongside Elmore. Marshall is a fast-paced team that really passes well. Wichita State has Shaquille Morris, a low-post stud who can overpower most everyone. Landry Shamet is an outstanding leader and offensive player. Wichita State is not the same defensive team it was last year and is vulnerable to being beaten off the dribble at certain positions. While Marshall can certainly beat Wichita State, I favor the Shockers.

Wichita State wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 6 Florida Gators vs. No. 11 UCLA Bruins/St. Bonaventure Bonnies
The Gators are a very capable 3-point-shooting team with Jalen Hudson, Egor Koulechov and Chris Chiozza spreading the floor, driving and searching behind drives for open shots. While St. Bonaventure has great guards in Jaylen Adamsand Matt Mobley, I like UCLA and Aaron Holiday to win and face Florida. While I think Florida is better than UCLA, I think the Bruins can pull an upset because Holiday is the second-best player in the Pac-12 next to Arizona's Deandre Ayton.

UCLA wins and moves on to the second round.

No. 3 Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. No. 14 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
The Red Raiders are gritty and good. Keenan Evans is one of the very best guards in the country but has been injured with turf toe for a couple of weeks. With a healthy Evans, perhaps Texas Tech is Big 12 the champion. Stephen F. Austin forces a ton of turnovers, but Tech has the chops to deal with it. Watch out for Zhaire Smith, one of the most dynamic athletes in the country.

Texas Tech wins and advances to the second round.

No. 7 Arkansas Razorbacks vs. No. 10 Butler Bulldogs
While Arkansas has Jaylen Barford and Daryl Macon in the backcourt, Butler has a proven scorer in Kelan Martin and an excellent point guard in Kamar Baldwin. Arkansas can pressure Butler, but the Bulldogs are very capable of beating the Razorbacks. I like Butler to pull the upset.

Butler wins and advances to the second round.

No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers vs. No. 15 CSU Fullerton Titans
Purdue has everything. The Boilermakers have size, shooting, depth and Carsen Edwards. Purdue shoots 42 percent from behind the 3-point line, the highest percentage in the Big Ten and second in the nation (William & Mary, 43.4 percent). This is currently on pace to be the Boilermakers' second-best 3-point field goal percentage in a season (44.0 percent in 1987-88). Big Ten first-team guard Edwards averaged 22.7 PPG over his final 10 games of the regular season, including a career-high 40 points in a win over Illinois on Feb. 22. Edwards has made multiple 3s in each of his past nine games, averaging 3.6 per game over that span.

Purdue wins and moves on to the second round.

SECOND ROUND

No. 1 Villanova vs. No. 8 Virginia Tech
The only way Villanova loses is if it runs into another NC State, which beat Villanova in the second round a few years ago by making shot after shot. Virginia Tech is capable, but I like Villanova to advance.

Villanova wins and moves on to the Sweet 16.

No. 4 Wichita State vs. No. 5 West Virginia
The Mountaineers are bigger and stronger at several positions. They are also the better pressing and rebounding team. I like West Virginia to come out on top, mostly due to the will of Jevon Carter and the shot blocking of Sagaba Konate. There are great matchups between Konate and Shaq Morris and Carter and Landry Shamet.

West Virginia wins and moves on to the Sweet 16.

No. 3 Texas Tech vs. No. 11 UCLA
Texas Tech is the better team, but UCLA will be tough to beat on a neutral court. In addition to Aaron Holiday, UCLA's Thomas Welsh is an undervalued player who makes every open shot and has grabbed more than 1,000 rebounds in his career. Texas Tech is better, but I like UCLA to pull another upset.

UCLA wins and moves forward to the Sweet 16.

No. 2 Purdue vs. No. 10 Butler
Butler can be a pain to Purdue, but the Boilermakers have Carsen Edwards, who is a spectacular playmaker and go-to scorer. Edwards can be one of those players who electrifies the tournament.

Purdue wins and moves forward to the Sweet 16.

SWEET 16

No. 1 Villanova vs. No. 5 West Virginia
Another great matchup of veterans with Jevon Carter going head-to-head with Jalen Brunson. But Villanova has more stars, including Mikal Bridges. How does West Virginia match up with Bridges? Villanova handles the pressure and attacks it to score.

Villanova wins and moves on to the Elite Eight.

No. 2 Purdue vs. No. 11 UCLA
In a rematch of a 1980 Final Four game, the Bruins will not have enough to get past Purdue, especially with Vincent Edwards and Dakota Mathias.

Purdue wins and moves forward to the Elite Eight.

ELITE EIGHT

No. 1 Villanova vs. No. 2 Purdue
Purdue will be a handful for Villanova, but the Wildcats can spread out the Boilermakers and drive on them. Expect Villanova to try to get Purdue's big men to guard out on the floor and away from the basket. If Villanova can rebound with Purdue, the Wildcats will win.

Villanova wins and moves on to the Final Four.

Final Four

No. 1 Virginia vs. No. 3 Michigan
The Cavaliers' defense against the Wolverines' offense. The question is whether the Michigan defense can handle the Virginia offense. As well as Michigan has played, I favor Virginia to defend its way to the title game.

Virginia wins and advances to the title game.

No. 1 Villanova vs. No. 3 Michigan State
The Spartans are the better defensive and rebounding team, the only areas in which Villanova has had some struggles. I favor Michigan State to advance to the title game. Michigan State wins to move on to the title game.

National championship

No. 1 Virginia vs. No. 3 Michigan State
I chose Michigan State before the season started. I am staying with that decision. Michigan State wins the title for the first time since 2000, when Tom Izzo beat Tony Bennett's father, Dick Bennett, in the national semifinals.

צפון קרולינה עשתה זאת שוב לדוק. אלבאמה בנצחון גדול על אאובורן. צעירי קליפרי נראים מצויין בקנטקי. בשבוע הבא מתחיל 'הריקוד הגדול' – ה-מרץ' מדנס המפורסם. בינתיים אליפויות הקונפרנצים מכניסות אותנו ל-MODE הנכון לקראת יום חמישי הקרוב!

1. גריסון אלן עושה זאת שוב בהפסד לצפון קרולינה

Grayson Allen tripped a player with his booty. pic.twitter.com/HEOA79bzNm

— Kyle Boone (@Kyle__Boone) March 10, 2018

 משחק הגמר: 3:30 שעון נתיב ה-ל"א (מזיזים אצלנו ת'שעון הלילה)

מס' 1 וירג'יניה נגד מס' 12 צפון קרולינה

צפון קרולינה יכולה להיות מדורגת גם 42 ולא רק 12. אבל כשמגיע זמן הטורנירים היא הופכת למפלצת. רק לפני 6 שבועות היא הפסידה 4 רצופים, והיתה 5-5 בליגת ה-ACC. הטאר-הילס אף פעם לא גרועים מדי לרדת מהמשקפת הלאומית במשך העונה הרגילה, אבל כשמגיע טורניר ה-ACC היא מתחפשת למחסלת אריות.

FF להלילה הזה בו יש לה סכוי ריאלי מאד לגבור על וירג'יניה, מס' 1 פה אחד במכללות, שאתמול נראתה די BEATABLE נגד קלמסון.

הטאר הילס הפסידו לוופורד הפיצפונת, 5 מייל מביתי בספרטנבורג השכנה פור גוד סייק. הם באים לכבוש את העולם עם 9 הפסדים. היי, אם קנזס לא מנצחת את ה-BIG 12 וצפון קרולינה מנצחת את וירג'יניה, אחרי שניצחה את דוק (ואקסווייר נתנה ליתרון 16 להתפוצץ לה בפנים נגד פרובידנס ב-MSG), היא עלולה עוד להיבחר לאחת מ-4 מובילות הבתים לטורניר ה-NCAA. היי, היא ניצחה את הגדולות דוק, טנסי, מישיגן, אוהיו סטייט, וקלמסון. אם היא מנצחת הלילה את וירג'יניה, היא חייבת להיות  ראש אזור ב-NCAA!.

אם…שוב, להזכירכם, הקבאליירס מוירג'יניה ניצחו את הטאר-הילס העונה על 12 בביתם בינואר. אז קל לגבור עליהם לא יהיה. אבל מה שצפון קרולינה הראתה לי אתמול היא שליטה תחת הסלים עם כמה מענקיה שגברו על באגלי וצימצמו אותו ל-19 נק' ו-9 ריב'. כשאתה משחק נגד בחירת הדראפט הראשונה, והוא מסיים עם 19 ו-9 – "דברת עליו"!

אם תתעוררו באמצע הלילה, אני מציע שתשימו לב על ת'יאו פינסון שהפך לכוכב של ממש. וכמובן ג'ואל ברי.

מייק ששבסקי הוא BAD LOSER וזאת ידענו מזמן:

טורניר ה-BIG 12

משחק הגמר ב-1:00 אחרי חצות בכפר המכביה: ווסט וירג'יניה (18) נגד קנזס (9)

היילייט של חצי הגמר קנזס נגד קנזס סטייט:

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משחק חצי הגמר של קנזס נגד קנזס סטייט היה חשוב מאד לה כי הוא גילה את חולשותיה, שאולי ניתן לתקן תוך יום.

אבל קודם המאונטנייר מווסט וירג'יניה. הם באים לגמר כמו דובים שכולים כי ההפסד לקנזס לפני חודש אחרי שהובילו ב-12 באמצע החצי השני עדיין צורב, וזה למרות שהם זכו ב-35 זריקות מהקו נגד ה-2 של האורחים מהמערב התיכון..

הנצחון 63-66 על טכסס טק המצויינת מביא אותם לגמר בהרגשה טובה. ווסט וירג'יניה לא ניצחה עדיין את הביג 12 כשבשנה שעברה הם הפסידו בגמר לאיובה סטייט. לבוב הגינס (אחד המאמנים האהובים עלי למרות שלעתים הוא מתנהג כרון קופמן, הווה אומר – בהמה) יש הרבה מה לומר לשחקניו. משפט אחד שהוא בוודאי אומר זה "אם אנחנו מנצחים, יש לנו סכוי להיות ראשי אזור – אחד מהארבעה – בריקוד הגדול.

כשביל סלף מאמן קנזס נישאל את ראש בית מובטח לו אחרי שקבוצתו סיימה עם 26 נצחונות ענה: "בשום פנים ואופן לא. אנחנו חייבים לנצח הערב"

קנזס ניצחה שוב את הביג 12 – בפעם ה-14 ברציפות. הנצחון 67-83 על קנזס סטייט היה נצחון טוב מאד, אבל הוויילדקטס מסטייט היו חסרים שני שחקנים חשובים – הפורוורד דין ווייד והגארד בארי בראון. ועדיין הוויילדקטס קטעו דפיציט של 16 ל-2 כשמקול מיוויין מיוטה עשה קרייר היי של 29. צעירי קנזס מיץ' לייטפוט וסילביו דה סאוסה מאנגולה מילאו בכבוד את חסרונו של הסנטר של קנזס אודוקה אוזובויקי הניגרי. לביל סלף ישנו עוזר מאמן שכל תפקידו הוא להסתובב באפריקה ולמצוא ענקים.

טורניר הביג איסט

משחק הגמר: 1:30 שעון עין החורש בין וילנובה (2) ופרובידנס

חבל שלא אמרתי לעידן עופר שלנו לבקש אקרדיטציה למשחק כי בכל ארה"ב אין אווירה כמו גמר הביג איסט במדיסון סקוור גארדן. תשאלו את דורון שפר ונדב הנפלד אם אתם לא מאמינים לי. לי זה היה ביקור קודש כל שנה בכמעט 40 שנות מגורים בלונג איילנד. האווירה היא דבר שאין לתארו. זונהי מסורת בת שנים על גבי שנים,

וילנבה הבטיחה את אחד מארבעת המושבים אחרי קריעה מחלטת של מרקט ברבע הגמר 70-94, ואז בחצי הגמר שחיטה של באטלר 68-87.

לפרובידנס היה קשה הרבה יותר עם הפתעה מרעישה בנצחון על אקסווייר בחצי הגמר שבוודאי הבטיח להם מקום בין ה-68.

טורניר ה-PAC 12

משחק הגמר ב-5 לפנות בוקר בת"א דרום בין אריזונה (15) ו-USC

אני לא נודע אם אתם זוכרים שכתבתי לכם שבספטמבר 26 ה-FBI אסרו את שני עוזרי המאמנים של אריזונה טוני בלנד ובוק ריצ'רדסון על CORRUPTION בקולג' בסקטבול מבלי לפרסם את סוג או מין ה-CORRUPTION.

כולם חשבו שהמאסר סיים לאריזונה את העונה. גם ב-USC היו אזהרות מה-FBI.

סוף טוב הכל טוב. שתי הקבוצות הטובות ביותר מה-PAC 12 בגמר (אריזונה בהארכה נגד UCLA)

טורניר ה-SEC

הערב חצאי הגמר. מחר הגמר.

ברוס פירל (מאמן ארה"ב במכבייה הקודמת), מאמן אאובורן, משתולל שוב