2014 March Madness: Midwest Region Predictions

Mar 16, 2014; Greensboro, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jabari Parker (1) shoots as Virginia Cavaliers guard Joe Harris (12) and forward Anthony Gill (13) defend. The Cavilers defeated the Blue Devils 72-63 in the championship game of the ACC college basketball tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

SECOND ROUND GAMES (REGION QUARTERFINALS)

(1) Wichita State Shockers vs. (8) Kentucky Wildcats

Sunday, March 23rd

Analysis: We’ve reached the point in the tournament where Wichita State will single-handedly ruin 90% of all brackets filled-out. The answer to the question posed in title of this Washington Post article should read “Wichita State.” To make matters worse, Kentucky is such a tempting team to pick as the upset. They’ve showed glimpses of greatness under Coach Cal, as evidenced by the massive 13-0 run in the SEC title game against Florida. However, in that same game, ESPN showed clips of the players looking disinterested and ignoring Calipari. The Wildcats have the athleticism and raw talent to give Wichita State trouble, and I’d go as far as to say the will pull off the upset. Kentucky heads to Indianapolis.

(4) Louisville Cardinals vs. (12) NC State Wolfpack

Saturday, March 22nd

Analysis: The cinderella run comes to an end for the Wolfpack, as the defending champions prove to be too much for TJ Warren and NC State. Louisville is a top 10 team in both offensive and defensive adjusted efficiency, which will spell trouble for an over-powered Wolfpack team that many talking heads believed shouldn’t have made the tournament over SMU. The Cardinals will head to Indy to take on their in-state rival with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line.

(3) Duke Blue Devils vs. (11) Tennessee Volunteers

Sunday, March 23rd

Analysis: This matchup pits a top 5 offense in Duke against a top 20 defense in Tennessee, which should make for a very fun game. Junior forward Jarnell Stokes is averaging a double-double, and when teamed up with Jordan McRae, the Vols have a nice one-two punch. However, Duke has an answer in Jabari Parker, who will prove to be too much for the Volunteers. My goal between now and then will be to teach all of the Dukies that I work with the following song: “Rocky Top, you’ll always be, last in the SEC! #$%^ you Rocky Top! Woo! Rocky Top Tennessee. Last in the SEC!” sung to the tune of the Osmond Brothers’ Rocky Top.

(2) Meat-Chicken Wolverines vs. (10) Arizona State Sun Devils

Saturday, March 22nd

Analysis: Single guys in Milwaukee have to be pumped that they drew Arizona State as one of their opening round teams. Now they just have to hope that some of the coed Sun Devil fans decide to travel north. In mid-March. To Wisconsin. Good luck boys. On another note, there is actual basketball to be played and the Wolverines simply out-match the Sun Devils. Michigan heads to the Sweet Sixteen to set up a rematch with Duke from earlier in the season.

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