2012 NCAA Tournament Predictions

West Region

#1 Michigan St. over #16 LIU

Michigan St. surprised me in their Big Ten Conference Tournament final win over Ohio St. To me, I thought Ohio St. was going to out play Michigan St. and win the Big Ten Conference Tournament. Michigan St. won because their amazing “Walking Double-Double,” Draymond Green, showed up. I am picking Michigan St. to go all the way because of what Green said in his post-game interview after beating Ohio St. He said he wants to make footprints in Michigan St. history. He wants coach Tom Izzo to talk about this team for years to come. Because of this I feel Michigan St. has the drive to win. They will not just win this game, but they will win the National Championship.

#9 St. Louis over #8 Memphis

This will no doubt be a game all about defense. Both Memphis and St. Louis are very defensively minded teams. This might be a low scoring game in the sixties at the most. The reason why I am picking St. Louis in this game is because of the offensive system and how senior Brian Conklin plays in it. The offensive system in which St. Louis plays lets them pick and choose their shots wisely. Conklin is the general on the court and he runs it as well as anyone in St. Louis.

#5 New Mexico over #12 Long Beach St.

This will be no cake walk for New Mexico. Long Beach St. can be a tough opponent (just ask North Carolina). Even though I say this game will be tough, New Mexico is a tough team overall. They play amazing defensive for all 40 minutes of the game. Long Beach St. will not be able to put up with the New Mexico defense. The New Mexico Lobos will out last Long Beach St.

#4 Louisville over #13 Davidson

Louisville made a nice run in the Big East Conference Tournament. Also, Davidson can run with the big boys (just ask Kansas). Davidson shoots well from the charity stripe and rebound well. They key in this game though will be Louisville shooting from beyond the three point arc. If Kyle Kuric gets hot with the three ball, Davidson can kiss this game good-bye. Take that and mix it with Louisville’s defense and that equals a win against #13 Davidson.

#6 Murray St. over #11 Colorado St.

What a season it has been for the Murray St. Racers. Just one loss this season and they are looking to make a push in the NCAA Tournament. Can they make that push? I think they can, but it all starts in the Round of 64 against Colorado St. The main things Murray St. needs to focus on is turnovers. If Murray St. can limit their turnovers, they should win. They also need to stay away from getting into a shooting match with Colorado St.

#3 Marquette over #14 BYU

Marquette was my pick to win the Big East Conference Tournament, but they were upset in their first game. If Marquette wants to win, they need to depend on their seniors. All season Marquette has depended on seniors like Jae Crowder and Darius Johnson-Odom. No matter who Marquette plays, their success will depend on the play of their seniors.

#10 Virginia over #7 Florida

Florida has one of the best starting five in all the nation, but the Virginia defense is tough. Virginia plays one of the best man-to-man defenses in the nation and it is always present. The key in this game will be Virginia’s supporting players. The team is led by senior forward Mike Scott and he will definitely put up points. Question is will his supporting cast show up? If they show up and help Scott, Virginia will be a tough team to beat in this one.

#2 Missouri over #15 Norfolk St.

The Missouri Tigers are a three headed monster on the basketball court. Their team is driven by Marcus Denmon, Kim English, and Michael Dixon. They play a fast paced style and in my mind Norfolk St. will not be able to keep up with Missouri.