The 2019 Men's College
(Division 1) basketball tourney is set for March
19-April 8, 2019.
The first full round (64) starts on March 21, 2019.
Welcome to KJ's round-by-round
prediction of the Tourney. This page hosts the ROUND OF 16 matchups.
EAST REGION
| #1 Duke |
<<< Predict |
#4 Virginia Tech |
| Synopsis:
The Hokies of Virginia Tech had a bit of a fight on their hands with
Liberty University, finally pulling away at the end. I say a bit of a
fight as that paled in comparison to the absolute all-out competition
between Duke and UCF that went down to the last seconds with two UCF
attempts to score the winning basket failed, including one that just
rimmed out. The Hokies are potentially a tougher threat than UCF, but
they don't have Tacko Fall. It's with a little reservation, but I'm
going with Duke again, but expect another fairly close game. If Duke
struggles to win this one and Michigan State makes the Regional
Final... look out. |
| #2 Michigan State |
<<< Predict |
#3 LSU |
| Synopsis:
LSU had to withstand a comeback by Yale and took to the last few
seconds to knock out Maryland. It's clear they're on borrowed time.
Sparty had a wee bit of a challenge against Bradley but had little
trouble against Minnesota, besting them by a full twenty. This game is
for the Spartans to lose, as LSU looks to somehow try to extend their
season. |
WEST REGION
| #1 Gonzaga |
Predict >>> |
#4 Florida State |
| Synopsis:
Florida State had no trouble bringing the Cinderella story of Murray
State to a crashing halt. Gonzaga had a little trouble with Baylor, but
pulled away to a solid finish at the end. If the Zags are to beat the
Seminoles, they have got to build a substantial lead as Florida State
is a potential #1 seed killer. And you know what? I think they get it
done. |
| #2 Michigan |
<<< Predict |
#3 Texas Tech |
| Synopsis:
Neither Michigan nor Texas Tech had too much trouble with their R32
games, with Michigan taking tenth-seed Florida out fairly quickly and
the Red Raiders "wreck 'em'ed" Buffalo right out of the tournament, and
Buffalo was no pushover. The Bulls still got... "rekt". This one is
going to be a gritty matchup, but the Wolverines have enough tourney
experience to have the very slight edge over the Red Raiders. |
SOUTH REGION
| #1 Virginia |
<<< Predict |
#12 Oregon |
| Synopsis:
Oregon prevailed over the battle of the Cinderellas, outlasting a pesky
UC Irvine team that stayed in the game through the second half until
towards the end, where Oregon put an end to the Anteaters' season.
Virginia managed to get past Oklahoma, but not by a whole lot. I don't
yet see the Cavaliers making it to the National Semifinals, but I can
see them just eking out a win against Oregon. But if Oregon can get a
strong enough start in the first half, they could potentially be the
first twelve seed to crash the party on the Big Stage. |
| #2 Tennessee |
<<< Predict |
#3 Purdue |
| Synopsis:
Tennesee had their hands full with Iowa, taking overtime to bring the
Hawkeyes' season to a close. Purdue easily bested Villanova to end the
Wildcats' dreams of a title defense. This one is another doozy, but the
Vols should somehow make it one more. |
MIDWEST REGION
| #1 UNC |
<<< Predict |
#5 Auburn |
| Synopsis:
While Northeastern didn't pan out to be much of a challenge to Kansas,
Auburn certainly did and proved their one-point win over the Aggies of
New Mexico State was no fluke. Kansas' play leading up to the
tournament was suspect, and Auburn proved it. UNC easily roped the
Huskies of Washington out of the tourney, setting up this showdown. The
Tigers have a bit of pluck and a win over Kansas to boot, but the Tar
Heels are just far more experienced. UNC advances, but it could get a
little close. |
| #2 Kentucky |
Predict >>> |
#3 Houston |
| Synopsis:
Kentucky almost lost to Wofford, as the Terriers stayed in it until the
final minutes. Houston had little trouble with Ohio State, although the
Buckeyes kept it interesting for quite a while, before Houston pulled
away to a strong finish. Kentucky's tough and gritty win over Wofford
helped them survive the weekend but their weaknesses are now quite
known. The Cougars are back, and they've going to the Regional Final. |
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