March Madness

​West Division

March Madness First-Round Predictions (West Division)
    Beware the Ides of March? No, no, no, beware the 12  5 upset, beware the team you’ve never heard of making you throw your phone across the room, beware going so hard during the first few games that you get a DUI picking up your kids from school. The first weekend of the tournament are THE best days of the year, so without further ado let’s get into the wild wild west (division) 

FYI, these are simply picks to win I will give my 3 best bets at the bottom of the blog.

1 Kansas vs 16 Howard: Kansas
    Not gonna waste anyone’s time with an explanation

8 Arkansas vs 9 Illinois: Arkansas
Does this look like a coaching staff that is going to allow their team to go through a first-round exit? NO!

Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman left the court in a rage of f-bombs after losing to Texas A&M in the #SECMBB Tournament. His assistant then grabbed my phone and threw it at the ground. @KYKernelSports pic.twitter.com/xRiX7O7dAN

— Jack Weaver (@jack_weaver_) March 11, 2023

   Also influencing this pick: I watched, and bet on #1 Auburn last season during this game:

WHAT A GAME‼️ @RazorbackMBB UPSETS No. 1 Auburn 80-76 in OT □ pic.twitter.com/gFOyr1Mjvh

— ESPN (@espn) February 9, 2022

5 St. Mary’s vs 12 VCU: VCU
    Ever since VCU went to the final four in 2011 as an 11-seed they’re just one of those teams I pick to win in the first round every year. I’m used to them winning as a 10-seed, but there is no doubt in my mind they will be fine as a 12.

4 Uconn vs 13 Iona: Uconn
    The legend Rick Pitino has publicly stated recently he doesn’t even know if he’s gonna stay and coach at Iona after this season ​

□: MUST WATCH - I asked Rick Pitino about the St. John's opening and if he'd like to stay at #Iona. Take a listen to his answer. #MarchMadness @PIX11News pic.twitter.com/ZOXDCaoRVH

— Justin Walters (@JustinWaltersTV) March 12, 2023

Not only that but I love Uconn this season and have them going far in a substantial amount of my brackets. Uconn is the way to go.

6 TCU vs 11 ASU: TCU
Max Mf Duggan 

Max Duggan showing up to the game in a tux with 6 minutes left is a baller move.

pic.twitter.com/OFW0HuLhD2

— Jake Marsh (@PMTsportsbiz) February 21, 2023

Do I care he plays a completely different sport and has nothing to do with this basketball program? Nope

​3 Gonzaga vs 14 GCU: Gonzaga 
    I literally just had to google what GCU stands for. Public service announcement for everyone except GCU students, it stands for Grand Canyon University. Gonzaga is gonna be fine because the man the myth the legend

TIMMY #SouthPark pic.twitter.com/Lg6hN6H56p

— □□□ (@SabbathCostello) June 29, 2020

Drew Timme is a beast and will lead Gonzaga to an easy first-round W

7 Northwestern vs 10 Boise st: Boise St
    Northwestern have been bums in the Big 10 for a while and I never take them seriously. I’m picking Boise because I recently worked with a guy from there who informed me it’s pronounced Boi-see NOT Boi-zee. ​

Also, Boise St has a blue football field so… you know

2 UCLA vs 15 UNCA: UCLA
    I see some familiar faces on UCLA from their Final Four team 2 years ago and that’s enough for me to be sold. Also, I know that both me and the committee are hoping for a Gonzaga v UCLA rematch. ​

"UNBELIEVABLE. UNBELIEVABLE. The perfect season remains on go!"

This miracle @jalensuggs HALF-COURT shot sent @ZagMBB to the 2021 National Championship □ pic.twitter.com/cZZoVXuogE

— CBS Sports College Basketball □ (@CBSSportsCBB) March 13, 2023

Best Bets: 

Boise St +1.5
Iona +8.5
Gonzaga -15.5

​ - Jake

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