The Midwest Region features to be one of the most intriguing in this year’s March Madness tourney. Previews and predictions are right here.
By Ryan Daly
That splendid time of the year we identify as March Madness.
Everyone is looking to make last-minute adjustments to perfect their bracket.
Who will be this years cinderella story, and what high seed will fall early? The midwest region is not the toughest region out of the four, it is stacked.
The Midwest Region is the “region of revenge.”
Virginia will have to slay its giant — Michigan State — to get to a Final Four. Buckle up.
Serious Contenders
(1) Virginia– The Cavaliers have, on paper, what it takes to make it to the Final Four. After coming up short against UNC in the ACC tournament, Virginia looks to take out their anger on the midwest. Coach Tony Bennet’s team went (26-7) and lead the ACC in three-point shooting at 40.2% per game. If the threes continue to fall, Virginia will be a tough out.
(2) Michigan State– It’s hard to understand how Michigan State is a No. 2 seed especially after winning the BIG 10 tournament. Sparty went (29-5) this season in one of America’s most competitive conferences. Coach Tom Izzo’s team has become a very popular pick to make it to Houston and the Final Four.
(5) Purdue– The boilermakers are not the most popular pick, but they are huge. With two, SEVEN foot players, Purdue is a force on both sides of the court, especially in the paint. A well coached veteran team, Purdue can make some noise with their size, in this powerful midwest region.
Pretenders
(3) Utah– Coming off PAC-12 championship beat down by Oregon, Utah’s confidence could potentially be low. They should get past their first round matchup against Fresno State, but a potential second round matchup with Seton Hall could be dangerous. I wouldn’t count on Utah making it out of this bracket.
(4) Iowa State– The cyclones have officially been put on upset alert. They draw (13) Iona, who comes in on an 8 game winning streak in the first round. Iowa State has a ton of talent on the roster but, a potential second round matchup with Purdue could be too much for the cyclones to handle.
Cinderella
(12) Arkansas Little Rock– They are not the best offensive team in the tournament but they do play good defense. If defense wins championships, then Arkansas Little Rock has a good chance to make a run as a cinderella team. The Trojans are good from behind the arc and they play smart basketball. Purdue is a very good team but, anything can happen–this is why we love March Madness. Look out for the Trojans From Little Rock to bust brackets all across the country.
Dark Horse
(6) Seton Hall– The Pirates are the most intriguing team in the tournament. They beat Xavier twice this season and beat Villanova in the Big East championship game. Seaton Hall draws Gonzaga in the first round– a tough matchup, yes, but it is nothing that the Pirates cannot handle. Then a potential matchup with Number (3) Utah in round two. Isaiah Whitehead has been the Pirates best player all season. If Seton Hall makes a run, Whitehead will become a name that everyone is familiar with once the tournament is over.
Best Player In The Region
Denzel Valentine (Michigan State)- This is a toss-up between Valentine and Virginia’s Malcolm Brogdon, the ACC player of the year. I’m giving the edge to Denzel Valentine simply because the guy can do it all. At 6’5 220 pounds, Valentine is a versatile threat all over the court. He has triple double ability every time he steps on the court, averaging 19 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds per game. The future NBA lottery pick will be looking to carry his team a championship.
Prediction
Michigan State– When you add it all up, an elite 8 matchup between Michigan State and Virginia could be a classic. Valentine vs Brogdon is an intriguing matchup in itself. At the end of the day, the Spartans coaching and depth will be too much for Virginia to handle (again) in the elite 8 as Michigan State and Tom Izzo make another final 4 appearance.
Who comes out of your bracket in the Midwest? Give us your March Madness take in the comments below.