2012 NCAA Tournament Predictions
By Ricky Widmer
Midwest Region
#1 North Carolina over#16 Lam/UVM
This should be a no contest (or as Dickie V says an N.C.). North Carolina could most likely win this game with two hands tied behind their back. I say there is no question North Carolina wins.
#8 Creighton over #9 Alabama
Creighton is coming off of a tough conference tournament win over Illinois St. Creighton gets a rough match-up here against Alabama. To me, Doug McDermott will be the key or the engine to Creighton’s offense. If McDermott has a bad game, Creighton will most likely lose. I do not see that happening though.
#5 Temple over #12 Cal or #12 South Florida over #5 Temple
This game depends on who wins the play-in game. If Cal wins, I see Temple having their way. If South Florida wins, then Temple will have a tough match-up. I feel like South Florida is feeling it and if they can get by Cal, then that will be the momentum South Florida needs to get over Temple.
#4 Michigan over #13 Ohio
I believe Michigan will win this game because of tempo. Michigan should be able to control the temp and shoot a lot of three pointers in the process. I see Tim Hardaway Jr being a key part to this game if its close. I still think Michigan comes out on top.
#6 San Diego St. over #11 North Carolina St.
I think San Diego St. will win because of defense. This team limits opponents to a low shooting percentage. If this is the case in this game, I believe North Carolina St. will be stressed and force up ill-advised shots. I’m picking the San Diego St. Aztecs.
#3 Georgetown over #14 Belmont
I am picking Georgetown because of one thing and that is rebounding. Georgetown averages 18 rebounds per game. I do not see Belmont making all of their shots and I see Belmont getting limited second chances on offense. I’m picking Georgetown.
#7 St. Mary’s over #10 Perdue
This is a tough match-up to judge just because of how bad these two teams are on defense. I am picking St. Mary’s because I feel their play on the glass will outlast Purdue.
#2 Kansas over #15 Detroit
Detroit had a great win over Valparaiso in their last game, but Kansas is a different story. Kansas does not turn the ball over much and I do not see them turning the ball over much against Detroit in this game of the NCAA Tournament.
Final Four: Michigan St. > Kentucky and Ohio St. > North Carolina
National Championship: Michigan St. > Ohio St.
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