2014 March Madness: West Region Predictions
By TJ Ackerman
Mar 14, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller instructs against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half in the semifinals of the Pac-12 Conference college basketball tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Wildcats defeated the Buffaloes 63-43. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
SWEET SIXTEEN (REGION SEMIFINALS)
(1) Arizona Wildcats vs. (12) North Dakota State Bison
Thursday, March 27th
Analysis: The clock strikes midnight on the North Dakota State Cinderella story in Anaheim. Arizona is simply too strong of a team, both offensively and defensively, and it would not be a surprise if this game got ugly quickly. The only thing preventing a blow-out is the high-powered offense of ND State, but unfortunately for the Bison, Arizona has the defensive prowess to lock that down. It will be interesting to see how the Bison players respond to a full week in the national spotlight; however this also gives Sean Miller a full week to focus his already very strong Wildcat team. Wildcats advance to the Elite Eight.
(2) Wisconsin Badgers vs. (3) Creighton Bluejays
Mar 8, 2014; Omaha, NE, USA; Berkshire Hathaway chairman and CEO Warren Buffett with Creighton tattoos before the game between the Creighton Blue Jays Providence Friars at the CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Dave Weaver-USA TODAY Sports
Thursday, March 27th
Analysis: Wisconsin has met their match in Doug McDermott and the Bluejays. They both play a similar style of basketball, with Creighton playing a slow tempo game that has to make Bo Ryan proud. Unfortunately for Wisconsin, Creighton has too many weapons that will create trouble for the Badgers defense. The Warren Buffett backed Jays are shooting a tick under 50% from the field on the season, and unless Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker can slow down Creighton’s shooters, that will be all she wrote for the Badgers.
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