The West is likely to be one of the most hotly contested regions in March Madness this year. Home to UNC, the team widely considered to be the worst #1 seed in this year's tournament, and Arizona, considered the best (if not second best) #2 seed. Addittionally, there are several teams in the top and bottom of the bracket that can challenge UNC and Arizona, and make their own path to the Final 4.
Round 1
1 UNC vs. 16 Howard/Wagner
9 Michigan State vs. 8 Mississippi State: Despite an ugly record, this well coached Michigan State team has proven that they can get hot at the right time.
12 Grand Canyon vs. 5 Saint Mary's: While they may have beaten Gonzaga twice already, I don't trust this Saint Mary's team, especially when they are facing an upset hungry GCU squad.
4 Alabama vs. 13 Charleston
6 Clemson vs. 11 New Mexico: I don't believe in all of this "New Mexico upset" talk
3 Baylor vs. 14 Colgate
7 Dayton vs. 10 Nevada: I have gone back and forth on this matchup, but I now see Dayton coming out hungry after dipping out early from the A-10 tournament
2 Arizona vs. 15 Long Beach State
Round 2
1 UNC vs. 9 Michigan State
4 Alabama vs. 12 Grand Canyon
6 Clemson vs. 3 Baylor: Viewed by many as a weak 6 seed, I have Clemson passing through Baylor and moving on to Arizona
2 Arizona vs. 7 Dayton
Sweet 16
1 UNC vs. 4 Alabama: In a game that could truly go either way, I have UNC narrowly sneaking past a tough Crimson Tide squad
2 Arizona vs. 6 Clemson: Arizona moves rather easily by Clemson, whose hot streak came to an end against a significantly hotter Arizona
Elite 8
2 Arizona vs. 1 UNC: Arizona is able to beat UNC, claiming Caleb Love as their own and moving on to face UConn in the Final 4
Eli Knight
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