NCAA Tournament Preview: West Region

We're down to 64 teams. And with that, the best four day stretch in all of sports can begin.

Adam and I have spent the last three days hard at work looking over the bracket, thinking about possibilities, rethinking them, and writing up predictions on what we think will happen. Today, we finish stuff out just in time for the opening tip.

With time running out, if you're still looking for a pool to join, you can join the official Confessions of a Sportscaster pool. I'm pretty sure it closes when the games start, so time is short.

And with that, here's our thoughts on the West region.



West Region

Team Going to Indianapolis
Lucas: Wisconsin (1). You didn't think I'd go all tournament without a 1-seed making it to Indy, did you? If it's not going to be Kentucky, I think it's Wisconsin. They've got the depth and resolve, plus the experience, to make it.
Adam: Wisconsin (1). They are the Big 10 champs. Overcoming a double digit deficit in the championship game to win in overtime shows heart, determination and grit. I like that. Also, since I cannot pick Illinois (sad face) I have to go with my Big 10 brothers. 

First Round Upset
Lucas: Harvard (13) over North Carolina (4). Honestly, I kind of feel that even though the made the ACC title game, Carolina is overrated. Harvard is also a sneaky good team. Beware: they could make it to the second weekend.
Adam: Do I only have to pick one?… I see Ohio St. (10), BYU (11), Wofford (12), Harvard (13) all pulling upsets in the 1st round. But the most difficult, and entertaining I think, is going to be Harvard over UNC. UNC made it to the ACC championship game falling to the Fighting Irish, but they finished in 5th overall in the regular season. The Ivy League always comes ready with an upset on their mind.

Regional Sleeper
Lucas: Harvard (13). Keeping with that theme. Even though I think Arkansas knocks off Harvard in Round 2, Harvard could give them a game, making them a tough out. Plus, there's the whole Curse of the 5 Seed thing.
Adam:Pahk yah cah in Hahvahd yahd… that would be Harvard (13). I just think people think the Ivy League is not given their due cred.

Regional Bust
Lucas: North Carolina (4). I know, I'm banking on a single result here. But this team lost twice to Duke, and I just don't have faith in them this year.
Adam: I am going with Baylor (3) as my biggest bust. I think people have Elite Eight or even Final Four on their minds when they think of Baylor. I think they are not going to make it out of the weekend.

Other Regional Predictions
Midwest Region (Monday)

East Region (Tuesday)
South Region (Wednesday)