NCAA Tournament Predictions:
Early exits from the Big Ten
David Veenhuis
Issue date: 3/16/10 Section: Sports
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No, it’s not an appreciation for my favorite time of the sports year, the NCAA basketball tournament. That comes when the games begin. But rather, it’s a kinship I feel with George Louis Costanza.
If every instinct I have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.
As a road map for those that need help filling out their brackets, I’ll tell you what I think will happen, we can both pencil in the opposite and collect the rewards. The Michigan Times does not condone gambling, but what fun would it be if you didn’t wager something?
The first thing I do is look for a 12 seed. They seem to upset a five seed almost every year and if you don’t throw in some upsets, you’re not going to win.
Michigan State is a five seed that looks ripe for a fall. They are playing a team in New Mexico State that made a thrilling run through their conference tournament and upset another solid 12 seed in Utah State. Plus, the Spartans had a poor showing in the Big Ten tourney and have not impressed in the final two months of the season.
Not to be down on the Big Ten, but fourthseed Purdue will exit in the first round as well. They play 13 seed Siena. The Saints have won tournament games in each of the last two years – once out of 13 spot – and the Boilers will be without Robbie Hummel, their second-leading scorer.
I don’t like Duke’s style of play for the NCAA tournament, but they have the easiest road to the Final Four in Indianapolis.
I think West Virginia’s toughness will vault them past inexperienced Kentucky. And I like both schools from Kansas to race past their respective regions on their way to Indy.
That’s what I think. Congratulations and you’re welcome to to Kentucky, Syracuse, Ohio State and Villanova for their eventual advancement to this year’s Final Four.
David can be reached at daveenhu@umflint.edu.
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