Kentucky, Hampton/Manhattan, Cincinnati, Purdue, West Virginia, Buffalo, Maryland, Valparaiso, Butler, Texas, Notre Dame, Northeastern, Wichita State, Indiana, Kansas, New Mexico State
Team That Will Overachieve: Wichita State
WSU got a favorable and exciting draw. Their opening game matches them up against an Indiana team that hasn't beaten a ranked team since January 22nd against Maryland. Since that game, they have gone 5-9 and limped to the finish. WSU certainly didn't leave a good taste in their mouth either after getting upset by Illinois State in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Still, they are only two games removed from a beat down of fellow MVC tournament participant Northern Iowa. I think they win comfortably over Indiana, and get the matchup against Kansas they have been craving. WSU has claimed that Kansas is afraid to face their instate rival because KU doesn't want to lose to a mid-major. This will give the Shockers a great stage to make a statement and have bragging rights in the state of Kansas for a year. I see it as an emotional game, with WSU pulling off the upset and advancing to the Sweet 16.
Team That Will Underachieve: Maryland
In 2015, Maryland was a lingerer in the top 25 rankings. They built up their ranking with a win against Iowa State early in the year, but really didn't do too much else after that. They were extremely lucky with the Big Ten schedule as they only had to face Wisconsin and Ohio State once during the regular season. They split those games, beating Wisconsin in College Park by 6, but getting obliterated by 24 points in Columbus. They lost in the Big Ten Tournament to Michigan State, and had Big Ten losses at Iowa, at Indiana, and at Illinois (Whoo!). Valparaiso won the Horizon League regular season and tournament titles, and I think they stun Maryland in the opening round.
Bold Prediction: Kentucky Wins Each Of Their Games In This Region By At Least 15 Points
This is really the Kentucky Region, not the Midwest Region. Every week people tried to come up with ways that Kentucky might lose any given night. While the SEC wasn't a daunting conference this year, UK always got each team's best shot. Each and every night, they fought back the challenges, often times in dominating fashion. They are arguably the best defensive team in America (Virginia is a close second) and have improved offensively throughout the year. No team in their region matches up well with them so I think they cruise every single game.
Difficulty Of Region (1-10): 6
Everyone not named Kentucky will think it's a difficult region because they have to face the Wildcats to reach the Final Four. I only have one double digit seed winning in the first round (13 Valpo), only to be dispatched the following game. WSU shouldn't really be considered a sleeper so their inclusion into the Sweet 16 isn't too much of a stretch. Even if this region goes chalk and all the high seeds win, I still think UK cruises through this rather bland region.
Winner Of Region: Kentucky
Was there any doubt? Kentucky plays the winner of the Manhattan/Hampton play-in game. I truly believe that if Manhattan and Hampton were to combine their stating fives and play 10 on five versus Kentucky, that Kentucky would still win. UK is at the point where, they would have to play at around 60% and their opponent would have to play the best game of their season in order to have a chance of knocking them off. It would, and should, be considered a monumental upset if they do not reach the Final Four.
Upcoming Regional Breakdowns
Monday - East
Tuesday - South
Wednesday - West & Final Four
Matty O
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