Just like Thursday, Friday will give us 8 middle seed games to enjoy, with many intriguing Men's March Madness matchups. I hope my predictions can help navigate the madness that is the Round of 64.
#9 Northwestern vs. #8 Florida Atlantic
It is hard to forget the Cinderella run that FAU had in last year's men's March Madness. That same kind of run for either one of these teams is improbable, as the winner will almost certainly face the #1 overall seed in UConn. The best player on the court is senior Boo Buie for Northwestern, as he would be my Mr. March pick if UConn wasn't in their immediate path. Take the Northwestern Wildcats in a tight one.
#12 UAB vs. #5 San Diego St
The Blazers are on fire winning the American tournament. However, San Diego State will show you why they are a ranked team in the latest poll. I believe the difference maker will be Yaxel Lendeborg, as he averages a double-double a game. Take the Blazers in an upset.
#11 New Mexico vs. #6 Clemson
The Lobos won every game in the Mountain West Tournament by at least 7 points. Clemson had a good season, but the ACC isn't as strong as it was. New Mexico has four players who average double digits and all of them shoot above 33% from the 3-point line. Give me a win for New Mexico.
#9 Texas A&M vs. #8 Nebraska
The Cornhuskers have a flashy offense led by senior Keisei Tominaga from Japan. However, I believe that the Cornhuskers lack the physicality that the Aggies possess. Texas A&M has had a rollercoaster of a season but has won 5 of their last 6 games. Look for the duo of Wade Taylor IV and Tyrece Radford to take over this game for an Aggies win.
#12 James Madison vs. #5 Wisconsin
The Badgers have regained their midseason form in the Big 10 tourney with everyone healthy and a deep roster. JMU has 31 wins on the season but Wisco is clicking on all cylinders. AJ Storr, nicknamed AJ Score, will have a 20+ scoring night in a statement win for the Badgers.
#9 TCU vs. #8 Utah St.
On paper, this is as 50/50 as a game can get. Conference-wise, TCU may be more battle-ready by playing in the Big 12. On the other hand, the USU Aggies are 8th in the country in Field Goal % (49.3) and 3rd in the country in opposing 3-point % (28.6). Hitting half your shots, and defending the 3-point line is the perfect recipe to win in March. Take Utah State.
#12 Grand Canyon vs. #5 Saint Mary's
Grand Canyon won the regular season title and conference championship so they are coming to play. Saint Mary's plays a different type of basketball than most. While not flashy, they give up the second least points per game in the country (58.7) and give up the least amount of rebounds in the country to opponents (27.5). This kind of defensive prowess should avoid the 12-5 upset. Take the Gaels.
#10 Colorado vs. #7 Florida
The Buffaloes needed a play-in game to make the field of 64. The Gators are sixth in the country in scoring with over 85 points a game. They are also very solid on the glass, as they are the second-best rebounding team in the country. With that recipe, take Florida to win convincingly.
