By Erich R Pilcher

The madness has arrived. As we count down until Thursday at noon eastern when the first game tips off (play-in games on Tuesday and Wednesday non-withstanding) there will be analysis upon analysis and predictions galore. So, if you will indulge me, I will throw my hat into the ring.

Today I will be taking a look at the East and West regions with predictions and regional winners. However, first I will give my opinions on the bracket. 

Left Out: I thought Texas A&M did enough to play their way into the tournament. And the numbers would agree with that. When you look at their NET rating it is better than Notre Dame, Wyoming, and Rutgers. Their Strength of Schedule (SOS) is better than Wyoming and Notre Dame. The only argument against them would be their Quad One record (4-10, but identical to Notre Dame percentage-wise). However, their overall profile and the way they played in the SEC tournament would dictate they should have gone dancing.

Seeding Gripe: Two teams were miss seeded in opposite directions. Michigan, was seeded as an 11 seed and missed a play in-game. In their last game, they blew a 17 point lead against Indiana (selected to a play in-game) and have been inconsistent throughout the season. Their resume was their saving grace. They have the seventh toughest schedule in the country and went 8-13 against Quad 1 and 2 opponents. I feel their record (17-14) and the way the season finished should have put them in the play-in situation. 

On the flip side Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament champion Tennessee Volunteers should have bumped Kentucky from the two-line. They are a three-seed but went 4-1 against Auburn (regular-season conference champion) and Kentucky (who they beat in the Conference Tournament semifinals) that alone should have allowed them to overtake one of them for a two seed. 

Why are they in: Louisiana State University (LSU) fired Head Coach Will Wade on Saturday after the school was notified by the NCAA of mass improprieties alleged against him and his staff. They were selected to take part in the tournament. No doubt the student-athletes worked hard to get here and from what we know, none of the current players were involved in wrongdoing. But why have them take part in a tournament when the appearance will more than likely, just be vacated once the NCAA concludes their investigation? That is an answer that has not been given and sadly these players will feel the hurt of their accomplishments being wiped away, albeit delayed. 

WEST REGION PREVIEW 

The Top Seed: The Gonzaga Bulldogs suffered no hangover from their destruction at the hand of Baylor in the National Title game last season. Behind Freshman Chet Holmgren and veteran Andrew Timme the Bulldogs appear to be more complete than they were last season. They were dependent on strong guard play last season this year they can shoot from anywhere on the court and defend. There is no mistake with them being the overall top seed. 

Upset Special: Cal State Fullerton over the Duke Blue Devils. This Duke team (In Mike Krzyzewski’s final season) is one of the most talented in the nation. They have 4 probable NBA first-round picks led by Paolo Banchero. However, talent doesn’t always win out in March. This Duke team is inexperienced and has shown major immaturities. These parallels remind me of the Duke teams that lost to Lehigh and Mercer. I feel the same happens here. Duke loses in the first round.

Possible Dark Horse: Texas Tech did not miss a beat when Head Coach Chris Bard departed for rival Texas. They can defend and shoot. The issue is can they shoot it consistently to match up with an offensive powerhouse. The defense will get them to the Elite Eight. But, there is Gonzaga and that inconsistent shooting is hard to overcome against them. But they can play against anyone. 

Best Game: The probable Elite Eight match-up between Texas Tech and Gonzaga will be the best in this region. You have two teams that can score and play defense. It will be a war of attrition and entertainment. Despite Texas Tech being really good they are not exceptional. So that leads to…

Region Winner: The Gonzaga Bulldogs have been the most consistent top team in the country this season. Honestly, I do not see a team that if they are playing to their potential and talent that can match up with them in this region. They might have a close call or two (Texas Tech comes to mind) but in the end, they will be on their way to the Final Four. 

EAST REGION PREVIEW 

The Top Seed: The Baylor Bears are the defending National Champions. Throughout this season they have shown the heart of a champion. They have overcome injuries and lost players from last year’s squad. They certainly look the part behind Flow Thamba and others. They are not as deep as they were last year. However, to discount them would be a mistake

Upset Special: Virginia Tech over Texas. The Hokies started championship week on the outside looking in on the NCAA tournament. All they did was win four games in four days. And beat the top three teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament on their way to an improbable conference tournament championship. For their troubles, they were awarded an 11 seed and a match-up against Texas. They are playing so well and have momentum on their side. This continues with the upset here 

Possible Dark Horse: Saint Mary’s dominated Gonzaga in a late-season match-up. Despite Gonzaga beating them in the conference tournament final, they are a great team. They defend well and work hard on every possession. Teams will need to give their best effort to beat the Gales. Do not be shocked if they find their way to the regional final. 

Best Game:  The possible sweet sixteen match-up between Kentucky and Purdue will be an offensive slugfest. Jaden Ivey from Purdue can score from anywhere on the court and might be the most explosive player in the country. He can close down on the basket very quickly and is a big body that can finish strong. Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe will be waiting for him. This man is a double-double machine and leads the country in rebounds averaging about 15 per game. Kentucky has had spells of not shooting well and Purdue is not the defensive team they have been. This match-up is great because it is dependent on who overcomes their weaknesses more. 

Region Winner: The Kentucky Wildcats. Being the two seed Kentucky is gifted with not having to see a thin Baylor Bears team until the Elite Eight. when they could be quite worn down (if they make it that far, see my picks below). Coach John Calipari has this team playing well at the right time and is in the weakest bracket. This bodes well for the Wildcats to march onto the Final Four. 

Join me here tomorrow as I look at the South and Midwest regions.