411's NCAA Tournament Preview

Posted by Jared Marcus on 03.15.2007

Everything you need to know about the NCAA Tournament. We give you the coaches, lineups and stats for all 64 teams still in the tourney, as well as my predictions for all 63 games. Plus we list the can't miss games for the first round and the top potential match ups down the road. Don't miss it!!!!

Hello and welcome to the 2007 NCAA Tournament Preview. There is no sporting event in the world that is as much fun as the NCAA Tourney. Over the next few weeks we will be treated to countless great games, buzzer beaters and star performances, as well as a ton of gambling and drinking, how could anyone not think this is the greatest sporting event that has ever been? Well, we have a lot to get to today, so I think we should jump right in…………..


FIRST ROUND

(Note: The lineups that are listed below are not necessarily the team's starting five. They are in the five best players on each team and the five players that figure to receive the most playing time in the tournament)

(Also Note: The bold player listed for each team is my choice as the key player for that team in the tournament)

East Region

Ohio St. Buckeyes (1) vs. Central Connecticut St. Blue Devils (16)
Coaches: Thad Matta (Ohio St.) and Howie Dickenman (C. Conn. St.)
Ohio St. Lineup: Greg Oden (Fr. - 7-0 - 15.7 ppg - 9.6 rpg), Ivan Harris (Sr., 6-7, 8.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Ron Lewis (Sr., 6-4, 11.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Jamar Butler (Jr., 6-2, 8.4 ppg, 3.8 apg), Mike Conley Jr. (Fr., 6-1, 10.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 6.3 apg)
C. Conn. St. Lineup: Jemino Sobers (Sr., 6-7, 16.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg), Obie Nwadike (Sr., 6-4, 7.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Joe Seymore (Fr., 6-3, 7.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Javier Mojica (Sr., 6-3, 10.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Tristan Blackwood (Jr., 6-0, 16.5 ppg, 4.4 apg)
Prediction: Nothing to really say here as this one obviously won't even be close. Ohio St. could be the best team in the field and Central Connecticut could be the worst. Ohio St. 92 -- C. Conn. St. 56

BYU Cougars (8) vs. Xavier Muskateers (9)
Coaches: Dave Rose (BYU) and Thad Matta (Xavier)
BYU Lineup: Trent Plaisted (So., 6-11, 12.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Keena Young (Sr., 6-6, 17.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg), Jimmy Balderson (Sr., 6-6, 8.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg), Lee Cummard (So., 6-6, 9.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg), Austin Ainge (Sr., 6-2, 7.8 ppg, 4.5 apg)
Xavier Lineup: Justin Doellman (Sr., 6-9, 13.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Josh Duncan (Jr., 6-9, 9.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Justin Cage (Sr., 6-6, 10.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Stanley Burrell (Jr., 6-3, 13.1 ppg), Drew Lavender (Jr., 5-7, 11.2 ppg, 4.7 apg)
Prediction: This could go either way but I like Xavier because they have a little bit more tournament experience. Xavier 77 – BYU 74

Tennessee Volunteers (5) vs. Long Beach St. 49ers (12)
Coaches: Bruce Pearl (Tennessee) and Larry Reynolds (Long Beach St.)
Tennessee Lineup: Wayne Chism (Fr., 6-9, 9.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Dan Bradshaw (Sr., 6-4, 5.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.5 apg), JaJuan Smith (Jr., 6-2, 15.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Chris Lofton (Jr., 6-2, 20.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg), Ramar Smith (Fr., 6-2, 10.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.0 apg)
Long Beach St. Lineup: Mark Dawson (Sr., 6-9, 5.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Sterling Byrd (Sr., 6-6, 13.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg), Kejuan Johnson (Sr., 6-4, 15.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.6 apg), Aaron Nixon (Sr., 6-2, 18.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.1 apg), Kevin Houston (Sr., 5-10, 11.7 ppg, 4.4 apg)
Prediction: This should be a fun game as it features two of the highest scoring teams in the nation. Long Beach starts five seniors and will give Tennessee a game but the Vols are just too good to lose in the first round again. Tennessee 87 – Long Beach. St. 79

Virginia Cavaliers (4) vs. Albany Great Danes (13)
Coaches: Dave Leitao (Virginia) and Will Brown (Albany)
Virginia Lineup: Jason Cain (Sr., 6-10, 6.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg), Adrian Joseph (Jr., 6-7, 7.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Mamdi Diane (So., 6-5, 9.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg), J.R. Reynolds (Sr., 6-3, 17.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.9 apg), Sean Singletary (Jr., 6-0, 18.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.6 apg)
Albany Lineup: Jimmie Covington (So., 6-7), Brent Wilson (Jr., 6-8, 11.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg), Brian Lillis (Jr., 6-5, 7.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg), Jason Siggers (Sr., 6-4, 13.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Jamar Wilson (Sr., 6-1, 18.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 4.8 apg)
Prediction: Albany almost pulled the biggest upset in tourney history last year when they nearly beat number one seed Uconn, but I think that was their 15 minutes of fame. Virginia has the best backcourt in the nation and it will be too much for the Great Danes. Virginia 81 – Albany 70

Texas A&M Aggies (3) vs. Pennsylvania Quakers (14)
Coaches: Billy Gillespie (Texas A&M) and Glen Miller (Penn)
Texas A&M Lineup: Joseph Jones (So., 6-9, 13.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg), Antanas Kavaliauskas (Jr., 6-8, 12.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg), Josh Carter (So., 6-7, 12.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Dominique Kirk (Jr., 6-3, 6.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Acie Law (Sr., 6-3, 17.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 5.3 apg)
Penn Lineup: Steve Danley (Sr., 6-8, 9.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Mark Zoller (Sr., 6-7, 18.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg), Ibby Jaaber (Sr., 6-2, 15.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 5.3 apg), Darren Smith (Fr., 6-4, 4.3 ppg), Brian Grandieri (Jr., 6-4, 12.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg)
Prediction: This is not a traditional Quaker team as this team can really score. The problem is that so can A&M and they are also one of the top defensive teams in the country. The Aggies will win big here. Texas A&M 80 -- Penn 66

Louisville Cardinals (6) vs. Stanford Cardinal (11)
Coaches: Rick Pitino (Louisville) and Trent Johnson (Stanford)
Louisville Lineup: David Padgett (Jr., 6-11, 9.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Terrence Williams (So., 6-6, 12.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 3.9 apg), Earl Clark (Fr., 6-8, 5.8 ppg, 3..7 rpg), Brandon Jenkins (Sr., 6-3, 5.2 ppg), Edgar Sosa (Fr., 6-1, 10.7 ppg)
Stanford Lineup: Brook Lopez (Fr., 7-0, 12.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg), Lawrence Hill (So., 6-8, 15.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg), Fred Washington (Sr., 6-5, 8.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.7 apg), Anthony Goods (So., 6-3, 13.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Mitch Johnson (So., 6-1, 4.5 ppg, 3.4 apg)
Prediction: Stanford is struggling coming in and Louisville has been playing well, but usually bubble teams that just make the cut like Stanford play with a chip on their shoulder in March. Brook Lopez will be looking to make a statement. Stanford 66 – Louisville 61

Nevada Wolfpack (7) vs. Creighton Blue Jays (10)
Coaches: Mark Fox (Nevada) and Dana Altman (Creighton)
Nevada Lineup: Nick Fazekas (Sr., 6-11, 20.5 ppg, 11.2 rpg), Denis Ikovlev (Sr., 6-7, 6.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Marcelus Kemp (Jr., 6-5, 18.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg), Kyle Shiloh (Sr., 6-3, 9.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.4 apg), Ramon Sessions (Jr., 6-3, 12.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg)
Creighton Lineup: Anthony Tolliver (Sr., 6-9, 13.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg), Dane Watts (Jr., 6-8, 10.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Isacc Miles (Fr., 6-2, 6.0 ppg), Nate Funk (Sr., 6-3, 17.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.0 apg), Nick Porter (Sr., 6-3, 10.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg)
Prediction: No one in the bracket got screwed worse than Nevada who should have had a 3 or 4 seed. Although Creighton also gets screwed because instead of getting a legitimate 7 seed, they have to play a top ten team. Nate Funk is one of the best "low profile" players in the country, but Nick Fazekas is one of the top five players in the country overall. Nevada 73 – Creighton 66

Memphis Tigers (2) vs. North Texas Mean Green (15)
Coaches: John Calpari (Memphis) and Johnny Jones (N. Texas)
Memphis Lineup: Joey Dorsey (Jr., 6-9, 8.7 ppg, 9.5 rpg), Robert Dozier (So., 6-9, 9.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg), Antonio Anderson (So, 6-6, 7.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.7 apg), Chris Douglas-Roberts (So., 6-6, 15.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Willie Kemp (Fr., 6-2, 6.5 ppg)
N. Texas Lineup: Keith Wooden (Jr., 6-9, 9.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Quincy Williams (Jr., 6-8, 10.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg), Rich Young (Sr., 6-5, 5.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Calvin Watson (Sr., 6-5, 15.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Ben Bell (Jr., 6-3, 7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.0 apg)
Prediction: Memphis can score and so can North Texas, but Memphis is also one of the top defensive teams in the nation. The Tigers are just too talented for N. Texas to have a chance. Memphis 84 – North Texas 67


South Region

North Carolina Tarheels (1) vs. Eastern Kentucky Colonels (16)
Coaches: Roy Williams (UNC) and Jeff Neubauer (E. Kentucky)
UNC Lineup: Tyler Hansbrough (So., 6-9, 18.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg), Brandan Wright (Fr., 6-9, 14.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Reyshawn Terry (Sr., 6-8, 9.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Wayne Ellington (Fr., 6-4, 12.0 ppg), Ty Lawson (Fr., 5-11, 10.1 ppg, 5.5 apg)
E. Kentucky Lineup: Darnell Dialls (Jr., 6-8, 8.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Michael Brock (Sr., 6-7, 5.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Julian Mascoll (Sr., 6-4, 11.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 4.9 apg), Mike Rose (So., 6-3, 15.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg), Adam Leonard (Fr., 6-0, 12.4 ppg)
Prediction: The Colonels do have one of the better defenses in the country, but they are up against the number two offense in the nation. And even if that wasn't the case, E. Kentucky still has zero chance here. UNC 101 – E. Kentucky 61

Marquette Golden Eagles (8) vs. Michigan St. Spartans (9)
Coaches: Tom Crean (Marquette) and Tom Izzo (Michigan St.)
Marquette Lineup: Ousmane Barro (Jr., 6-10, 8.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg), Dan Fitzgerald (Jr., 6-9, 7.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg), Jerel McNeal (So., 6-3, 14.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.8 apg) or Lazar Haywood (Fr., 6-6. 6.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg) Wesley Matthews (So., 6-5, 12.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Dominic James (So., 5-10, 14.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 5.0 apg)
Michigan St. Lineup: Drew Naymick (Jr., 6-10, 3.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Goran Suton (So., 6-10, 9.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Raymar Morgan (Fr., 6-7, 11.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg), Travis Walton (So., 6-2, 6.6 ppg, 5.5 apg), Drew Nietzel (Jr., 6-0, 18.1 ppg, 4.3 apg)
Prediction: If Jerel McNeal plays I would probably have to take Marquette here, but it looks more and more like he won't be in the lineup come Thursday. Without McNeal, Marquette will have no one to shut down Drew Nietzel and Michigan St. will probably prevail. Eitherway it should be a great game though. Michigan St. 68 – Marquette 63

USC Trojans (5) vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (12)
Coaches: Tim Floyd (USC) and Stan Heath (Arkansas)
USC Lineup: Keith Wilkinson (So., 6-10), Taj Gibson (Fr., 6-9, 11.9 ppg, 8.4 rpg), Nick Young (Jr., 6-6, 17.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Lodrick Stewart (Sr., 6-4, 14.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg), Gabe Pruitt (Jr., 6-4, 12.9 ppg, 4.1 apg)
Arkansas Lineup: Steven Hill (Jr., 7-0, 6.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg), Charles Thomas (Jr., 6-8, 10.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Sonny Weems (Jr., 6-6, 11.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Patrick Beverley (Fr., 6-1, 14.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.2 apg), Gary Ervin (Jr., 6-0, 9.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 5.1 apg)
Prediction: Arkansas is lucky to even be in the tournament and they really don't deserve to be. They have played well over the past week, but USC is clearly the better team. USC 66– Arkansas 54

Texas Longhorns (4) vs. New Mexico St. Aggies (13)
Coaches: Rick Barnes (Texas) and Reggie Theus (New Mexico St.)
Texas Lineup: Kevin Durant (Fr., 6-9, 25.3 ppgm 11.5 rpg), Damion Jones (Fr., 6-7, 8.0 ppg, 7.2 rpg), Justin Mason (Fr., 6-2, 8.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg), A.J. Abrams (So., 5-10, 15.1 ppg), D.J. Augustin (Fr., 5-11, 14.7 ppg, 6.7 apg)
New Mexico St. Lineup: Hatila Passos (Jr., 6-9, 8.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg), Tyrone Nelson (Jr., 6-9, 11.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg), Justin Hawkins (15.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Fred Peete (Jr., 6-4, 10.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Elijah Ingram (Sr., 6-0, 10.1 ppg)
Prediction: I actually really like New Mexico St. and think they are very underrated. They had sleeper potential entering the tourney, that is until they drew Texas. They may be underrated, but they are still no match for the Durant show. Texas 85 – New Mexico St. 72

Washington St. Cougars (3) vs. Oral Roberts Eagles (14)
Coaches: Tony Bennett (Washington St.) and Scott Sutton (Oral Roberts)
Washington St. Lineup: Aron Baynes (So., 6-10, 4.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg), Robbie Cowgill (Jr., 6-10, 7.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Derrick Low (Jr., 6-1, 13.6 ppg), Taylor Rochestie (So, 6-1, 4.4 ppg), Kyle Weaver (Jr., 6-5, 11.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.5 apg)
Oral Roberts Lineup: Shawn King (Jr., 6-10, 7.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Caleb Green (Sr., 6-8, 20.8 ppg, 9.3 rpg), Yemi Ogunoye (Jr., 6-9, 3.0 rpg), Ken Tutt (Sr., 6-1, 16.1 ppg), Adam Liberty (Jr., 6-2, 6.9 ppg)
Prediction: This game likely represents the best chance for any of the top three seeded teams to fall. Washington St. is one of the strongest defensive teams in the country but they are weak on offense and are a tad bit overrated. Meanwhile Oral Roberts has the best "unknown" player in the country in Caleb Green, who is the type of player that carries a team in March. Oral Roberts 60 – Washington St. 57

Vanderbilt Commodores (6) vs. George Washington Colonials
Coaches: Kevin Stallings (Vanderbilt) and Karl Hobbs (G.W.)
Vanderbilt Lineup: Ross Neltner (Jr., 6-9, 9.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg), Derrick Byars (Sr., 6-7, 16.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg), Shan Foster (Jr., 6-6, 15.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Dan Cage (Sr., 6-5, 11.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg), Alex Gordon (Jr., 5-11, 7.7 ppg, 3.4 apg)
G.W. Lineup: Regis Koundjia (Sr., 6-8, 7.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg), Dokun Akingbade (Sr., 6-9, 7.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Rob Diggs (So., 6-8, 11.0 ppg. 5.2 rpg), Carl Elliot (Sr., 6-4, 13.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 5.0 apg), Maureece Rice (Jr., 6-1, 16.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg)
Prediction: Vanderbilt is capable of beating anyone or losing to anyone on any given night, but G.W. is really only a mediocre team and they shouldn't have too much trouble getting by them in round 1 no matter how they play. Vanderbilt 76– G.W. 66

Boston College Eagles (7) vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (10)
Coaches: Al Skinner (B.C.) and Bobby Knight (Texas Tech)
B.C. Lineup: Tyrelle Blair (Jr., 6-11), John Oates (Jr., 6-10, 4.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg), Jared Dudley (Sr., 6-7, 19.0 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 3.0 apg), Sean Marshall (Sr., 6-6, 14.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Tyrese Rice (So., 6-1, 17.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 5.5 apg)
Texas Tech Lineup: Jon Plefka (Sr., 6-8, 6.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Decensae White (Fr., 6-6, 4.4 ppg), Martin Zeno (Jr., 6-5, 16.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.2 apg), Jarrius Jackson (Sr., 6-1, 20.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Charlie Burgess (Jr., 6-1, 8.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg)
Prediction: B.C. has been inconsistent all season but they are still much better than a seven seed. Texas Tech can score, but they have no one that can stop Jared Dudley inside and that will be the difference. B.C. 74 – Texas Tech 70

Georgetown Hoyas (2) vs. Belmont Bruins (15)
Coaches: John Thompson III (Georgetown) vs. Rick Byrd (Belmont)
Georgetown Lineup: Roy Hibbert (Jr., 7-2, 12.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Jeff Green (Jr., 6-9, 14.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.3 apg), DaJuan Summers (Fr., 6-8, 9.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Jessie Sapp (So., 6-3, 8.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.4 apg), Jonathan Wallace (Jr., 6-1, 11.1 ppg, 3.0 apg)
Belmont Lineup: Boomer Herndon (Sr., 6-11, 10.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Andrew Preston (Sr., 6-10, 8.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg), Matthew Dotson (So., 6-8, 7.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Justin Hare (Jr., 6-2, 14.4 ppg), Andy Wicke (So., 6-2, 9.5 ppg)
Prediction: Few teams are playing as well coming into the tourney as Georgetown and Belmont, well, Belmont is Belmont. In other words, this one is already over. Georgetown 73 – Belmont 48


Midwest Region

Florida Gators (1) vs. Jackson St. (16)
Coaches: Billy Donovan (Florida) and Tevester Anderson (Jackson St.)
Florida Lineup: Joakim Noah (Jr., 6-11, 11.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg), Al Horford (Jr., 6-10, 13.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg), Corey Brewer (Jr., 6-9, 12.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.1 apg), Lee Humphrey (Sr., 6-2, 10.0 ppg), Taurean Green (Jr., 6-0, 13.2 ppg, 3.6 apg)
Jackson St. Lineup: Jeremy Caldwell (So., 6-8, 7.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Grant Maxey (Fr., 6-7, 8.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Julius Young (Sr., 6-6, 8.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg), Trey Johnson (Sr., 6-5, 26.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Catraiva Givens (Jr., 5-8, 5.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.2 apg)
Prediction: Florida is obviously going to win this game, but don't be surprised if Jackson St. makes this one closer than you would think, at least for the first half. Even if they don't, the game is worth watching for Trey Johnson alone, the nation's second leading scorer. Florida 94 – Jackson St. 67

Arizona Wildcats (8) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (9)
Coaches: Lute Olsen (Arizona) and Matt Painter (Purdue)
Arizona Lineup: Ivan Radenovic (Sr., 6-10, 15.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg), Chase Budinger (Fr., 6-7, 15.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg), Marcus Williams (So., 6-7, 16.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg), Jawann McClellan (Jr., 6-4, 9.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Mustafa Shakur (Jr., 6-1, 12.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 6.9 apg)
Purdue Lineup: Carl Landry (Sr., 6-7, 12.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg), Gordon Watt (So., 6-6, 4.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg), David Teague (Sr., 6-5, 16.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Keaton Grant (Fr., 6-4, 16.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Chris Kramer (Fr., 6-3, 7.9 ppg)
Prediction: This one looks like a total mismatch on paper. Arizona is much better than an 8 seed while it is hard to figure how Purdue possibly got a 9 seed when they looked more like a 12 seed going in. Of course paper doesn't always translate to the actual games and Arizona has become a perennial tourney underachiever. Still, the Wildcats are the superior team and I just can't see them losing here. Arizona 77 – Purdue 65

Butler Bulldogs (5) vs. Old Dominion Monarchs (12)
Coaches: Todd Lickliter (Butler) and Blaine Taylor (Old Dominion)
Butler Lineup: Brian Ligon (Sr., 6-7, 3.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg), Brandon Crone (Sr., 6-6, 11.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Julian Betko (Sr., 6-5, 4.4 ppg), A.J. Graves (Jr., 6-1, 17.0 ppg), Mike Green (Jr., 6-1, 14.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 4.0 apg)
Old Dominion Lineup: Arnaud Dahi (Sr., 6-7, 9.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg), Valdas Vasylius (Sr., 6-7, 15.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Brian Hernderson (Jr., 6-4, 9.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg), Brandon Johnson (Jr., 6-1, 8.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.8 apg), Drew Williamson (Sr., 6-0, 11.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.5 apg)
Prediction: Butler really faded at the end of the season and I can't for the life of me understand how they got a five seed but Nevada got a seven. By contrast Old Dominion played their best basketball of the season down the stretch, winning 12 of their last 13. For those reasons I like ODU to win, but this one will be close. Old Dominion 63 – Butler 62

Maryland Terrapins (4) vs. Davidson Wildcats (13)
Coaches: Gary Williams (Maryland) and Bob McKillop (Davidson)
Maryland Lineup: Ekene Ibekwe (Sr., 6-9, 10.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg), James Gist (Jr., 6-8, 12.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg), Mike Jones (Sr., 6-5, 13.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg), D.J. Strawberry (Sr., 6-5, 15.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.4 apg), Greivis Vaaquez (Sr., 6-5, 9.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 4.7 apg)
Davidson Lineup: Boris Meno (Jr., 6-8, 11.0 ppg, 8.1 rpg), Thomas Sander (Jr., 6-8, 13.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Max Paulhus Gosselin (So., 6-6, 4.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Stephen Curry (Fr., 6-0, 21.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg), Jason Richards (Jr., 6-2, 13.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 7.3 apg)
Prediction: Davidson may be the best small conference team in the country. They were a great candidate to upset a top team or two and in the process Stephen Curry could have become a nationwide star. Unfortunately the Wildcats drew Maryland who is playing great basketball entering the tourney. I want to pick Davidson here, I really do, and in fact I hope they win because they are fun to watch, but I think Maryland is just too good right now to be upset. Maryland 84 – Davidson 81

Oregon Ducks (3) vs. Miami, Ohio RedHawks (14)
Coaches: Ernie Kent (Oregon) and Charlie Coles (Miami, Oh)
Oregon Lineup: Maarty Leunen (Jr., 6-9, 10.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg), Malik Hairston (Jr., 6-6, 11.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg), Bryce Taylor (Jr., 6-5, 14.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Tajuan Porter (Fr., 5-6, 14.4 ppg), Aaron Brooks (Sr., 6-0, 17.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.4 apg)
Miami (Oh) Lineup: Nathan Peavy (Sr., 6-8, 14.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Tim Pollitz (Jr., 6-6, 15.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Michael Bramos (So., 6-5, 11.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Doug Penno (Sr., 6-6, 4.9 ppg), Alex Moosman (Fr., 6-0, 4.6 ppg)
Prediction:Oregon stumbled a bit in the middle of the season, but they seem to be back on tracking after blazing through the Pac-10 tourney. Miami of Ohio had a good run in the MAC tournament to grab this bid, but that will be the peak of their season, Oregon will win this one easily. Oregon 74 – Miami (Oh) 60

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6) vs. Winthrop Eagles (11)
Coaches: Mike Brey (Notre Dame) vs. Gregg Marshall (Winthrop)
Notre Dame Lineup: Rob Kurz (Jr., 6-9, 12.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg), Luke Harangody (Fr., 6-8, 11.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Colin Falls (Sr., 6-5, 15.4 ppg), Russell Carter (Sr., 6-4, 17.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg), Tory Jackson (Fr., 5-10, 7.7 ppg, 4.4 apg)
Winthrop Lineup: Craig Bradshaw (Sr., 6-10, 13.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Phillip Williams (Sr., 6-8, 5.5 rpg), Michael Jenkins (Jr., 6-3, 15.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.0 apg), Torrell Martin (Sr., 6-5, 14.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Chris Gaynor (Jr., 5-10, 7.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.7 apg)
Prediction: This game should be an absolute shootout and one of the best games of the first round. Notre Dame has won six of seven coming in and Winthrop hasn't lost since January 2nd. It could go either way but I am going to pick Winthrop because Notre Dame is slightly less consistent. Winthrop 81– Notre Dame 79

UNLV Runnin' Rebels (7) vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10)
Coaches: Lon Kruger (UNLV) and Paul Hewitt (Ga. Tech)
UNLV Lineup: Gaston Essenque (Sr., 6-8, 7.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Wendell White (Sr., 6-6, 14.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 4.6 apg), Michael Umeh (Sr., 6-2, 7.0 ppg), Jo'Van "Wink" Adams (So., 6-0, 14.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Kevin Kruger (Sr., 6-2, 13.7 ppg, 5.1 apg)
Ga. Tech Lineup: Ra'Sean Dickey (Jr., 6-10, 8.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Thaddeus Young (Fr., 6-8, 14.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg), Jeremis Smith (Jr., 6-6, 8.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg), Anthony Morrow (Jr., 6-5, 9.9 ppg), Javaris Crittenton (Fr., 6-5, 14.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 5.7 apg)
Prediction: Let me start by saying that UNLV is another team that got screwed by the selection committee as they should have probably been a four or five seed. Also, let me say that Lon Kruger has done a phenomenal job with a team that no one expected to be in the tournament, let alone the top 25. However, they have unfortunately drawn a Georgia Tech team that is peaking at the right time. This is a young team, with two of the best freshman in the country, that took a while to come together, but they are now clicking on all cylinders and have a chance to do some damage in this tourney. That damage will begin with a win over UNLV. Ga. Tech 78 – UNLV 70

Wisconsin Badgers (2) vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders (15)
Coaches: Bo Ryan (Wisconsin) and Ronnie Arrow (TAMU-CC)
Wisconsin Lineup: Jason Chappell (Sr., 6-10, 3.1 rpg), Marcus Landry (So,. 6-7, 5.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg), Alando Tucker (Sr., 6-6, 20.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Michael Flowers (Jr., 6-2, 7.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.0 apg), Kammron Taylor (Sr., 6-2, 12.6 ppg)
TAMU-CC Lineup: Chris Daniels (Sr., 7-0, 15.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg), Manuel "Scooby" Johnson (Jr., 6-7, 9.1 ppg, 4.8 rpb), Josh Washington (Sr., 6-3, 12.8 ppg), Taurean Mitchell (Sr., 6-1, 7.6 ppg, 3.9 apg), Josh Ervin (Sr., 6-1, 8.0 ppg), 3.2 rpb, 3.7 apg)
Prediction: Congratulations to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi for a great season and their first ever tournament appearance, unfortunately their fairytale ends here. All-American Alando Tucker and the Wisconsin Badgers are just too much for them. Although this game will be interesting as TAMU-CC is one of the highest scoring teams in the nation and Wisconsin has one of the stingiest defenses. Wisconsin 72 – TAMU-CC 63


West Region

Kansas Jayhawks (1) vs. Niagara Purple Eagles (16)
Coaches: Bill Self (Kansas) and Joe Mihalich (Niagara)
Kansas Lineup: Darrell Arthur (Fr., 6-9, 10.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg), Julian Wright (So., 6-8, 11.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg), Brandon Rush (So., 6-6, 13.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Mario Chalmers (So., 6-1, 12.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.2 apg), Russell Robinson (Jr., 6-1, 6.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.5 apg)
Niagara Lineup: J.R. Duffey (Sr., 6-7, 10.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Clif Brown (Sr., 6-7, 16.0 ppg, 9.8 rpg), Charron Fisher (Jr., 6-3, 21.0, 8.1 rpg), Tyrone Lewis (Fr., 6-0, 12.,3 ppg, 3.9 rpg), Lorenzo Miles (Sr., 6-0, 12.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.6 apg)
Prediction: Niagara got a raw deal by not only getting a 16 seed, but then being placed in the play-in game. Niagara probably should have been a 14 seed or at the very least a 15. They have one of the better offenses in the country and five starters who average double digits in points. If they had gotten a higher seed they would be a great candidate for a first round upset. As it is, they are just a great candidate to cover the spread against Kansas, but have no chance at all of advancing. Kansas 81 – Niagara 69

Kentucky Wildcats (8) vs. Villanova (9)
Coaches: Tubby Smith (Kentucky) and Jay Wright (Villanova)
Kentucky Lineup: Randolph Morris (Jr., 6-11, 15.8 ppg, 7.7 rpg), Bobby Perry (Sr., 6-8, 8.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Joe Crawford (Jr., 6-5, 14.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Jodie Meeks (Fr., 6-5, 8.5 ppg), Ramel Bradley (Jr., 6-2, 13.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.7 apg)
Villanova Lineup: Will Sheridan (Sr., 6-8, 5.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Curtis Sumpter (Sr., 6-7, 17.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg), Dante Cunningham (So., 6-8, 8.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Mike Nardi (Sr., 6-2, 12.0 ppg, 3.9 apg), Scottie Reynolds (Fr., 6-2, 14.5 ppg, 4.1 apg)
Prediction: Obviously this is one of the most intriguing first round games featuring two historic programs. Either team could win, but I am going with Nova because they feature three seniors and they are entering the tourney having won four of five, while Kentucky is entering having lost three of five. Villanova 74 – Kentucky 72

Virginia Tech Hokies (5) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (12)
Coaches: Seth Greenberg (Va. Tech) and Bruce Weber (Illinois)
Va. Tech Lineup: Coleman Collins (Sr., 6-9, 7.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg), Deron Washington (Jr., 6-7, 11.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg), A.D. Vassallo (So., 6-6, 11.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Zabian Dowdell (Sr., 6-3, 18.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.3 apg), Jamon Gordon (Sr., 6-3, 11.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.6 apg)
Illinois Lineup: Shaun Pruitt (Jr., 6-10, 11.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg), Warren Carter (Sr., 6-9, 13.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Brian Randle (Jr., 6-8, 7.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Rich McBride (Sr., 6-3, 9.5 ppg), Chester Frazier (So., 6-2, 7.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.4 apg)
Prediction: I am definitely not sold yet on the Hokies being an excellent basketball team, although Zabian Dowdell is an excellent player. However, I am even less sold on Illinois, who probably doesn't even belong in this tournament. It will be Va. Tech offsense versus Illinois defense, and I have to pick Va. Tech's offense to prevail. Virginia Tech 64 – Illinois 58

Southern Illinois Salukis (4) vs. Holy Cross Crusaders (13)
Coaches: Chris Lowery (S. Illinois) and Ralph Willard (Holy Cross)
S. Illinois Lineup: Randal Falker (Jr., 6-7, 12.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg), Matt Shaw (Jr., 6-7, 11.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Jamaal Tatum (Sr., 6-2, 15.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg), Tony Young (Sr., 6-0, 9.8 ppg), Bryan Mullins (So., 6-1, 6.2 ppg, 3.6 apg)
Holy Cross Lineup: Tim Clifford (Jr., 6-10, 11.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Alex Vander Baan (So., 6-8, 6.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg), Keith Simmons (Sr., 6-5, 17.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg), Torey Thomas (Sr., 5-11, 13.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.8 apg), Pat Doherty (So. 5-11, 5.3 ppg)
Prediction: These are two of the top defensive teams in the country and this should be a real competitive game, albeit a low-scoring one, because of it. I am really tempted to pick Holy Cross, but when you consider that all of the Salukis starters have played in the tournament before while none of the Crusaders starters have, I just have to go with S. Illinois. S. Illinois 56 – Holy Cross 54

Pittsburgh Panthers (3) vs. Wright St. Raiders (14)
Coaches: Jamie Dixon (Pitt) and Brad Brownell (Wright St.)
Pitt Lineup: Aaron Gray (Sr., 7-0, 14.4 ppg, 9.8 rpg), Levon Kendall (Sr., 6-10, 5.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Mike Cook (Jr., 6-4, 10.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Antonio Graves (Sr., 6-3, 9.5 ppg), Levance Fields (So., 5-10, 9.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.5 apg)
Wright St. Lineup: Jordan Pleiman (Jr., 6-8, 7.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Drew Burleson (Sr., 6-6, 8.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg), Todd Brown (Fr., 6-5, 8.6 ppg), Vaughn Duggins (Fr., 6-3, 8.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Deshaun Wood (Sr., 5-11, 19.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.9 apg)
Prediction:Don't rule out the possibility of an upset here as Wright St. is much better than your average 14 seed. However, while the possibility exists, it is not very likely. Wright St. is just too inexperienced and they have no one that can contend with Aaron Gray inside. Pitt 70 – Wright St. 58

Duke Blue Devils (6) vs. Virginia Commonwealth Rams (11)
Coaches: Mike Krzyzewski (Duke) and Anthony Grant (VCU)
Duke Lineup: Josh McRoberts (So., 6-10, 12.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.4 apg), David McClure (So, 6-6, 4.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg), Jon Scheyer (Fr., 6-5, 12.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg), DeMarcus Nelson (Jr., 6-4, 14.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Greg Paulus (So., 6-1, 11.4 ppg, 3.8 apg)
VCU Lineup: Will Fameni (Jr., 6-7, 9.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Michael Anderson (Jr., 6-7, 6.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg), Jesse Pellot-Rosa (Sr., 6-4, 13.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg), B.A. Walker (Sr., 6-2, 14.8 ppg), Eric Maynor (So., 6-2, 13.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 6.3 apg)
Prediction:VCU is a very solid team and they will definitely give Duke a run for its money. They actually have a legitimate shot to win the game. Duke stumbled at the end of the season while VCU ran through the Colonial tourney behind some clutch play from Eric Maynor. You never know which Duke team will show up, but I have to assume they will bring it to the tourney, at least in the first round. Duke 72– VCU 65

Indiana Hoosiers (7) vs. Gonzaga Zags (10)
Coaches: Kelvin Sampson (Indiana) and Mark Few (Gonzaga)
Indiana Lineup: D.J. White (Jr., 6-9, 13.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg), Roderick Wilmont (Sr., 6-4, 12.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg), A.J. Ratliff (Jr., 6-3, 9.8 ppg), Earl Calloway (Sr., 6-3, 9.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.3 apg), Armon Bassett (Fr., 6-1, 9.7 ppg, 3.1 apg)
Gonzaga Lineup: Abdullahi Kuso (Jr., 6-9, 4.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg), Sean Mallon (Sr., 6-9, 7.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Matt Bouldin (Fr., 6-5, 8.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.1 apg), Jeremy Pargo (So., 6-2, 12.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.6 apg), Derek Raivio (Sr., 6-3, 18.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg)
Prediction: This is easily the weakest Gonzaga team of the decade and the arrest of center Josh Heytvelt last month doesn't help matters. However, Indiana is a very overrated team and they are entering the tourney having lost five of nine. This is a very even match up and with all things being equal you always go with the team that has the best player on the court. In this case it's Derek Raivio and Gonzaga. Gonzaga 72 – Indiana 71

UCLA Bruins (2) vs. Weber St. Wildcats (15)
Coaches: Ben Howland (UCLA) and Randy Rahe (Weber St.)
UCLA Lineup: Lorenzo Mata (Jr., 6-9, 6.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (So., 6-8, 8.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg), Josh Shipp (So., 6-5, 13.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg), Arron Afflalo (Jr., 6-5, 16.7 ppg), Darren Collison (So., 6-1, 12.6 ppg, 6.0 apg)
Weber St. Lineup: Arturas Valeika (Jr., 6-9, 8.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg), David Patten (Sr., 6-8, 14.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Dan Henry (Sr., 6-5, 7.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Juan Pablo Silveira (So., 6-3, 11.2 ppg, 3.3 apg), Dezmon Harris (Jr., 6-1, 10.9 ppg)
Prediction: Simply put, this one will be a laugher. UCLA 78 – Weber St. 47


That will do it for round one and the in depth analysis, now let's move on to the lighting round as we breeze through the rest of the bracket.


SECOND ROUND

East Region
Ohio St. (1) over Xavier (9)
Tennessee (5) over Virginia (4)
Texas A&M (3) over Stanford (11)
Nevada (7) over Memphis (2)

South Region
UNC (1) over Michigan St. (9)
Texas (4) over USC (5)
Vanderbilt (6) over Oral Roberts (14)
Georgetown (7) over Boston College (7)

Midwest Region
Florida (1) over Arizona (8)
Maryland (4) over Old Dominion (12)
Oregon (3) over Winthrop (11)
Georgia Tech (10) over Wisconsin (2)

West Region
Kansas (1) over Villanova (9)
Virginia Tech (5) over S. Illinois (4)
Duke (6) over Pitt (3)
UCLA (2) over Gonzaga (10)


SWEET SIXTEEN
Ohio St. (1) over Tennessee (5)
Nevada (7) over Texas A&M (2)
Texas (4) over UNC (1)
Georgetown (2) over Vanderbilt (6)
Florida (1) over Maryland (4)
Oregon (3) over Georgia Tech (10)
Kansas (1) over Virginia Tech (5)
UCLA (2) over Duke (6)


ELITE EIGHT
Ohio St. (1) over Nevada (7)
Georgetown (2) over Texas (4)
Florida (1) over Oregon (3)
Kansas (1) over UCLA (2)

All East Regional Team – Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr., Nick Fazekas, Ron Lewis, Acie Law
All South Regional Team – Jeff Green, Roy Hibbert, Kevin Durant, D.J. Augustin, Tyler Hansbrough
All Midwest Regional Team – Joahkim Noah, Al Horford, Corey Brewer, Aaron Brooks, Malik Hairston
All West Regional Team – Julian Wright, Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers, Arron Afflalo, Darren Collison


FINAL FOUR
Ohio St. (1) over Georgetown (2)
Kansas (1) over Florida)


NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

KANSAS JAYHAWKS OVER OHIO ST. BUCKEYES


Alright, that will do it for the 2007 Big Dance, all 63 games covered and predicted. Let's see how I do…….I know what you are thinking, that I won't do well, and I agree, history would tell you that. However, I always do pretty well with the NCAA Tournament so you might be surprised. On the other hand I have never posted all my picks in a column read by actual people before, so your initial thoughts are correct, I will fall flat on my face…LOL!!!! Yes, I am fake laughing…..only the tears are real.

Before we go let's take a look at some of the can't miss games that we will and may see over the next three weeks………..

Top 5 First Round Games
1) Nevada (7) vs. Creighton (10)
2) Notre Dame (6) vs. Winthrop (11)
3) Marquette (8) vs. Michigan St. (9)
4) Butler (5) vs. Old Dominion (12)
5) Kentucky (8) vs. Villanova (9)

Top 5 Potential Second Round Games
1) Memphis (2) vs. Nevada (7)
2) Florida (1) vs. Arizona (8)
3) Pitt (3) vs. Duke (6)
4) UNC (1) vs. Michigan St. (9)
5) Georgetown (2) vs. B.C. (7)

Top 5 Potential Sweet 16 and Beyond Games
1) Final Four – Ohio St. (1) vs. Texas (4)…..Oden vs. Durant, every college hoops fans dream.
2) Final Four – Florida (1) vs. Kansas (1)…..The two deepest teams in the country, every positional match up would be one to watch.
3) West Regional Final – Kansas (1) vs. UCLA (2)….Two teams that are legitimate number 1 seeds, could be one of the best regional finals ever.
4) South Sweet 16 – UNC (1) vs. Texas (4)….Hansbrough vs. Durant, rarely do you get a Sweet 16 game with such high profile players and teams.
5) West Sweet 16 – UCLA (2) vs. Pitt (3)……Ben Howland faces his old school and his protégé, Jamie Dixon.


That will do it for the Tournament Preview, now it's onto the greatest time of year with the tournament itself. As you can tell from all this, I absolutely love the tournament and it is easily my favorite sporting event in the world. I can only assume that if you actually got through all of the monotony above and are actually reading these words, that you feel the same way that I do. So for all my fellow NCAA diehards, have fun over the next few weeks, enjoy the basketball, the brackets, the drinking and whatever else you may have planned, I know I will. To all my regular readers, I will of course be back next week with "Curveballs and Sliders" on its regular day, Thursday, as we continue to preview the 2007 MLB season. Until then…………………………….


Drop me a line…………………………[e-mail]