Yesterday I gave you my East and Midwest breakdowns and today I will give you my South and West breakdowns. Did anyone watch the play-in game last night?
Round One:
Memphis - Tx Arlington - Another classic 1 vs 16 yawner. Memphis by like 50? Maybe more?
Mississippi State - Oregon - Still a little confused on how Oregon got a 9 seed, but I don't see them making it through to the second round.
Michigan State - Temple - I saw a stat the other day that said "All four year players for Tom Izzo have been to at least one Final Four." That is quite the feat. How many other coaches can say that?
Pittsburgh - Oral Roberts - ORU could pull off the upset and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised. However, I have Pittsburgh taking this one.
Marquette - Kentucky - I don't like either of these teams. Both are streaky and you don't know which will show up. I think Marquette shows up and Billy G goes home to start some early drinking.
Stanford - Cornell - Lopez twins are too much for Cornell. Cardinal into round two.
Miami - St. Mary's - I have seen SMC play a few times this season and I like their toughness. I pick them to upset Miami.
Texas - Austin Peay - Remember when Bubba Wells played for Austin Peay? Wonder if he can suit up and play this game. Texas easily wins this one.
Round Two:
Memphis - Mississippi State - I don't see Memphis getting tripped up here.
Michigan State - Pittsburgh - This is a game that could determine the rest of the tournament. If Michigan State wins, I see Memphis getting to the Elite Eight. If Pittsburgh wins, they go to the Final Four. I see Pitt winning.
Marquette - Stanford - Again, the Lopez twins are too tough inside for Marquette.
St. Mary's - Texas - Texas has too much athleticism for SMC to keep up with.
Sweet Sixteen:
Memphis - Pittsburgh - What an exciting game this could be. Levance Fields and Derrick Rose going at it at the point. Dejuan Blair (right) and Joey Dorsey banging down low. After all is said and done, I think Pitt comes out on top.
Stanford - Texas - My gut tells me that Texas will win because of the guard play, but Stanford is a tough customer. I'm going with Stanford to move on.
Elite Eight:
Pittsburgh - Stanford - Everything my gut told me about guard play in the Texas / Stanford game, I am going with in this one. Levance Fields is, in my opinion, the best one-on-one point guard in the country. He can break down any defender and get to the basket when needed. With his penetration ability, guys get open looks all night. Sam Young and Ronald Ramon can and will knock down the open jumpers.
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Drew Neitzel started against UNC in the 2005 Final Four
http://msuspartans.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2004-2005/game02.html