I filled out a bracket with a bit more time than usual — strategic, not flashy. Top teams are tighter this year, so be selective with upsets. These are my best guesses; use your judgment and enjoy the ride.
EAST REGION First round 1 Duke over 16 Siena — Take the top seed: depth and Cameron Boozer matter. 9 TCU over 8 Ohio State — Toss-up; I’ll take TCU. 5 St. John’s over 12 Northern Iowa — St. John’s experience and coaching advantage. 4 Kansas over 13 California Baptist — Rim protection and size favor Kansas. 11 South Florida over 6 Louisville — Upset pick: USF is physical and Louisville is short-handed. 3 Michigan State over 14 North Dakota State — Izzo’s teams are built for March. 10 UCF over 7 UCLA — UCLA health is a concern; UCF is worth a flier. 2 UConn over 15 Furman — Interior matchup favors UConn.
Second round 1 Duke over 9 TCU — Even if banged up, Duke’s depth carries them. 5 St. John’s over 4 Kansas — St. John’s can exploit matchups and guard pressure. 3 Michigan State over 11 South Florida — Defensive toughness and postseason experience. 2 UConn over 10 UCF — Huskies’ inside play gets them through.
Sweet 16 1 Duke over 5 St. John’s — Health dependent, but talent edge
