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Complete NCAA Tournament First Round Preview

We asked our writers to give us at least one sentence on every first round game. Here’s what we got:

MIDWEST REGION:

1 Kansas vs. 16 Lehigh
THURSDAY | 8:30 CT | Oklahoma City
ODDS: Kansas (-26.5)

Daniel Evans: Kansas over Lehigh – This should be a blowout, although Lehigh’s 40% three point shooting might keep it close for a few minutes. Sherron Collins and the Jayhawks are just too much.

Blake Hofstad: Kansas over Lehigh – A 16 has never beaten a 1, and that won’t start here, as the nation’s best team cruises over the Patriot League champ.

Ricky Keeler: Kansas over Lehigh – I like Kansas because they have a ton of athleticism. Lehigh will not be able to hang around in this one

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8 UNLV vs. 9 Northern Iowa
THURSDAY | 6:10 CT | Oklahoma City
ODDS: UNLV (-1)

Daniel Evans: Northern Iowa over UNLV – The Panthers defense and slow play will keep the game close, but in the end I expect Northern Iowa’s three point shooting and great defense to get the job done.

Blake Hofstad: Northern Iowa over UNLV- The Panthers really turned up the defensive intensity against Wichita State in the Missouri Valley Championship. If the trio of Ali Farokmanesh, Kwadzo Alehegbe and Johnny Moran heats up, watch out.

Ricky Keeler: Northern Iowa over UNLV – One thing the Panthers do well is they play great team defense which will shut down Lon Krueger’s team. Jordan Egelseder will be the guy to watch in this game for UNI as they win a close one.

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5 Michigan State vs. New Mexico State
FRIDAY | 6:20 CT | Spokane
ODDS: Michigan State (-12)

Daniel Evans: New Mexico State over Michigan State – Someone has to pick an upset around here. The Spartans haven’t been playing well at the end of the year while the Aggies are rolling. NMST pulls the stunner.

Blake Hofstad: Michigan State over New Mexico State-The Aggies can score, but they are woeful on defense, which could provide a spark for a Michigan State team that has struggled to find the bottom of the net consistently.

Ricky Keeler: Michigan State over New Mexico State – The Aggies are happy to be in the Big Dance after their win over Utah State, but Tom Izzo’s team has too much talent, especially with Kalin Lucas at point guard – Michigan State rolls.

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4 Maryland vs. 13 Houston
FRIDAY | 8:40 CT | Spokane
ODDS: Maryland (-9)

Daniel Evans: Maryland over Houston – Greivis Vasquez is going to have a field day against Houston. There’s a reason the Cougars were in the middle of the pack in Conference USA.

Blake Hofstad: Maryland over Houston – This won’t be an easy game for the Terrapins, as a hot team is a dangerous team, and the Cougars have two players with takeover ability in Aubrey Coleman and Kelvin Lewis. Maryland avoids the upset, but narrowly.

Ricky Keeler: Maryland over Houston – Greivis Vazquez will be the difference in this game as the Cougars will hang around with Aubrey Coleman and Kelvin Lewis, but the experience of Maryland prevails.

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6 Tennessee vs. 11 San Diego State
THURSDAY | 8:45 CT | Providence
ODDS: Tennessee (-3.5)

Daniel Evans: Tennessee over San Diego State – This game features two teams that were probably under-seeded. Everyone is going to pick the upset, but the Vols are the better team on paper. Tennessee wins.

Blake Hofstad: San Diego State over Tennessee – The Aztecs were drastically under-seeded, something Tennessee will realize shortly after tip off. They rely on strong inside presence to get the job done, and are fresh off a MWC Championship.

Ricky Keeler: San Diego State over Tennessee – The Aztecs are coming off a win in the Mountain West title game and they are strong in the interior game. The question will be if Tennessee plays like the team that beat Kansas and Kentucky? I think Steve Fisher’s team will upset the Vols by getting Wayne Chism into foul trouble early.

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3 Georgetown vs. 14 Ohio
THURSDAY | 6:25 CT | Providence
ODDS: Georgetown (-13.5)

Daniel Evans: Georgetown over Ohio – The Hoyas are playing extremely well right now. Inconsistent play has been a  big problem for Georgetown all year though. Georgetown’s slow play will give Ohio a chance to stick around, but there’s no way the Bobcats should win this game. I’m glad to see Austin Freeman is playing well after his hectic week last week.

Blake Hofstad: Georgetown over Ohio – The 9th seeded Bobcats won the MAC, but their impressive run to the NCAA Tournament will end in the first round, as the Hoyas seem to be clicking with the return of Austin Freeman, who’s showing no signs of slowing up after being diagnosed with diabetes.

Ricky Keeler: Georgetown over Ohio – The Bobcats had a big win over Akron in the MAC Tournament and its great to see them in the NCAA Tournament. However, Georgetown is red hot with Austin Freeman back in the fold and playing like a team that can make a big run. Georgetown wins.

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7 Oklahoma State vs. 10 Georgia Tech
FRIDAY | 6:15 CT | Milwaukee
ODDS: Oklahoma State (-1.5)

Daniel Evans: Oklahoma State over Georgia Tech – James Anderson will have to score, score, score for Oklahoma State to win this game against a Georgia Tech squad with more talent in the paint. My guess is that Anderson, one of the nation’s best scorers, squeaks Oklahoma State by.

Blake Hofstad: Oklahoma State over Georgia Tech – This is the most intriguing of the 7/10 matchups. Oklahoma State throws up long ball after long ball, and are led by one of the nation’s most unheralded players in James Anderson, who might be able to win this game by himself.

Ricky Keeler: Oklahoma State over Georgia Tech – I like this game because of the contrasting styles. Travis Ford’s team focuses on the perimeter while its all about the interior for Paul Hewitt’s squad. Lawal and Favors will get their share, but James Anderson will come up big late and squeak one out for the Cowboys.

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2 Ohio State vs. UCSB
FRIDAY | 8:35 CT | Milwaukee
ODDS: Ohio State (-16.5)

Daniel Evans: Ohio State over UC-Santa Barbara – Evan Turner and the Buckeyes ran through Minnesota, a team that is in the NCAA Tournament, to win the Big Ten Championship. That game will likely resemble this one quite a bit. The Buckeyes should win big.

Blake Hofstad: Ohio State over UC-Santa Barbara – UC-Santa Barbara has one of the better nicknames in college basketball (the Gauchos), but that won’t mean much when they run into Evan Turner, who looked like he could be the New Jersey Nets’ best player during the Big Ten Tournament.

Ricky Keeler: Ohio State over UCSB – The Buckeyes come into this tournament after a win in the Big Ten Tournament and they can definitely win the title. Evan Turner will have a big day as well as David Lighty and Jon Diebler. Buckeyes roll.

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WEST REGION:

1. Syracuse vs. 16 Vermont
FRIDAY | 8:30 CT | Buffalo
ODDS: Syracuse (-18.5)

Daniel Evans: Syracuse over Vermont – Remember this upset from a few years ago? Don’t count on it happening again. Syracuse is loaded. The Orange shoot well from the field and their 2-3 zone will give a lot of teams in this tournament problems.

Blake Hofstad: Syracuse over Vermont – This should be the closest thing to a 16 over 1 upset as there will be this year, but that doesn’t mean the Catamounts will get the job done. Keep an eye on Marqus Blakely, who’s a very versatile player capable of doing some damage.

Ricky Keeler: Syracuse over Vermont – Sorry Catamount fans but T.J Sorrentine and Taylor Coppenwrath are not suiting up in this one. I expect Syracuse to roll in Buffalo with Wesley Johnson and Andy Rautins as the main leaders of this squad. I would not expect Onuaku to play much in this one to rest him for the second round game.

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8 Gonzaga vs. 9 Florida State
FRIDAY | 6:10 CT | Buffalo
ODDS: Florida State (-1)

Daniel Evans: Florida State over Gonzaga – When I saw this game in the bracket, the first thing I thought was “Wow, Gonzaga vs. Syracuse in the second round”. We all thought that. That’s one of the main reasons I’m picking the ‘Noles. Gonzaga is inconsistent and the Seminoles will bend their knees and play defense for 35 seconds a possession. FSU with the upset.

Blake Hofstad: Gonzaga over Florida State – The Zags slipped mightily towards the end of the season, and were not as dominant in the WCC as they have been in recent years. That doesn’t mean they can’t beat an inexperienced and offensively challenged Florida State squad, who failed to stand out in a mediocre ACC.

Ricky Keeler: Gonzaga over Florida State – I am not a huge believer in the Seminoles with Kitchen at guard and Solomon Alabi in the middle. Gonzaga has too many playmakers in Elias Harris and Matt Boldin as well as Stephen Gray. Zags win.

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5 Butler vs. 12 UTEP
THURSDAY | 3:45 CT | San Jose
ODDS: Butler (-3)

Daniel Evans: Butler over UTEP – This is a great matchup of two of the nation’s better mid major teams. UTEP will be looking to show it belongs in the field, while Butler is ready to make a deep run. Gordon Hayward and Derrick Caracter will make this one fun to watch. Hayward will get the last laugh.

Blake Hofstad: UTEP over Butler – Butler is playing really well, but this isn’t a good matchup for the Bulldogs, as UTEP has a host of talented players, led by future pros Randy Culpepper, Derrick Caracter and Arnett Moultrie. 6-6 point guard Julyan Stone is one of the top playmakers that no one has heard of.

Ricky Keeler: UTEP over Butler – This is one of my two 12 vs. 5 upsets and its because of the solid interior play of Derrick Caracter of the UTEP Miners. The transfer from Louisville has the ability to get Matt Howard into foul trouble and force Butler to be a one dimensional team. If Gordon Hayward can not hit his 3’s, expect UTEP to handle them easily, but the Miners win a close game with help from point guard Randy Culpepper.

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4 Vanderbilt vs. 13 Murray State
THURSDAY | 1:30 CT | San Jose
ODDS: Vanderbilt (-4.5)

Daniel Evans: Murray State over Vanderbilt – Everyone was waiting to see who Murray State was paired up against, because the Racers are the hot team to pull a first round upset. Murray State is very good and will show it against a Vanderbilt team that sometimes falls too in love with the three and forgets about A. J. Ogilvy.

Blake Hofstad: Murray State over Vanderbilt – Kevin Stallings had to have been upset when he saw the Commodores drew Murray State in round one. The Racers are winning by an average of 17 points a game, and are one of three teams, along with Kentucky and Kansas, with 30 wins. Pretty impressive for a 13 seed.

Ricky Keeler: Murray State over Vanderbilt – Kevin Stallings had to have been upset when he saw the Commodores drew Murray State in round one. The Racers are winning by an average of 17 points a game, and are one of three teams, along with Kentucky and Kansas, with 30 wins. Pretty impressive for a 13 seed.

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6 Xavier vs. 11 Minnesota
FRIDAY | 11:25 CT | Milwaukee
ODDS: Minnesota (-1)

Daniel Evans: Minnesota over Xavier – Jordan Crawford and the Musketeers are a six seed that many people like to advance a few games in this year’s tournament. Minnesota needed a great run in the Big Ten Tournament just to get into the field. I like the way the Gophers are playing right now. The Gophers are the seventh best three point shooting team in the country and will light it up from downtown to beat the Musketeers.

Blake Hofstad: Xavier over Minnesota – The Golden Gophers cemented their position in the NCAA Tournament with a run to the Big Ten finals, but Xavier shouldn’t have too much of a problem locking them down. Devoe Joseph emerged as a star for the Gophers during their conference tournament, but Jordan Crawford and the Muskies have too much firepower.

Ricky Keeler: Xavier over Minnesota – Tubby Smith’s team had a good run to make the NCAA Tournament, but this is a Musketeers team that knows how to win come tournament time. Without Al Nolen, Xavier can attack Minnesota inside and will be able to beat the Golden Gophers in this one.

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3 Pittsburgh vs. 14 Oakland
FRIDAY | 1:45 CT | Milwaukee
ODDS: Pittsburgh (-10.5)

Daniel Evans: Pittsburgh over Oakland – Ashton Gibbs and Pittsburgh draw one of the tougher 14 seeds in Oakland from the Summit League. After playing a brutal out of conference schedule, there’s no doubt that Oakland is battle tested. Pittsburgh pulls away in the second half and advances.

Blake Hofstad: Pittsburgh over Oakland – Oakland has solid computer numbers, but don’t be fooled. They’ve been run out of the gym by major competition all season, and Pittsburgh shouldn’t have any problem knocking off the Grizzlies.

Ricky Keeler: Pittsburgh over Oakland – The Golden Grizzlies have tested themselves out of conference playing Kansas, Michigan State, and Syracuse. However, this is a Pittsburgh team that can shoot the 3 and play good defense. Ashton Gibbs, who is one of the most improved players in the Big East will be able to take over this one.

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7 BYU vs. 10 Florida
THURSDAY | 11:20 CT | OKLAHOMA CITY
ODDS: BYU (-4)

Daniel Evans: Florida over BYU – Florida squeaked into the field on Sunday and now will look to take advantage against a BYU team that relies too much on Jimmer Fredette. The Gators should be able to control the boards with Alex Tyus and Vernon Maclin and use that to advance.

Blake Hofstad: Florida over BYU-I’m not impressed with either team in this game. BYU hasn’t beaten a top 25 team, and many felt that Florida didn’t deserve a bid. The Gators inability to make shots can be maddening, but BYU is not the team to knock them out. Billy Donovan’s crew advances.

Ricky Keeler: Florida over BYU – Other than Jimmer Fredette, BYU does not have any other playmakers that contribute on a consistent basis. As for Florida, they can beat you at the perimeter with Erving Walker and Chandler Parsons nd down low with Alex Tyus and Vernon Maclin. Billy Donovan’s team will be ready for this one.

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2 Kansas State vs. 15 North Texas
THURSDAY | 1:40 CT | Oklahoma City
ODDS: Kansas State (-15.5)

Daniel Evans: Kansas State over North Texas – Kansas State’s guards, Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen, are too good for the Wildcats to lose to North Texas. The Mean Green are playing well, but I don’t see them knocking off Kansas State in Oklahoma City.

Blake Hofstad: Kansas State over North Texas – The Mean Green have a revitalized program, and are 11 of their last 12, but the K-State’s guard duo, Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente, is too good to be upset so soon. The Wildcats cruise to a second round appearance.

Ricky Keeler: Kansas State over North Texas – The Wildcats will have no problem in this one with the great guard play of Jacob Pullen and Dennis Clemente. North Texas has had a great run, beating favorite Troy in the Sun Belt championship, but their run ends here.

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EAST REGION:

1 Kentucky vs. 16 East Tennessee State
THURSDAY | 6:15 CT | New Orleans
ODDS: Kentucky (-20)

Daniel Evans: Kentucky over East Tennessee State. John Wall continues to make big plays in the clutch, like his three point shot from the corner to finish off Mississippi State in the SEC Championship game, but he probably won’t need to in this one. The Wildcats will roll unless their youth really catches up with them fast.

Blake Hofstad: Kentucky over East Tennessee State – The Buccaneers were one of many capable teams from the Atlantic Sun, but their luck will end in the first round against Kentucky. The Wildcats might let ETSU hang around, but it could be a blowout from the opening tip.

Ricky Keeler: Kentucky over East Tennessee St. – The Buccaneers were in this position last year and they gave Pittsburgh some problems. I expect them to keep this game close for a half or so, but in the end, there are too many weapons and athletes on this Kentucky team. Wall and Cousins lead Kentucky to a win.

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8 Texas vs. 9 Wake Forest
THURSDAY | 8:25 CT | New Orleans
ODDS: Texas (-4)

Daniel Evans: Texas over Wake Forest – Who knows what to expect in this game. The Longhorns were #1 in the country at one time, while Wake Forest was thought of as a scary team after knocking off Gonzaga. Neither team is very scary now. The Longhorns win, just because Damion James’ talent has to mean something in the tournament.

Blake Hofstad: Texas over Wake Forest – Talk about a battle of inconsistent teams. Texas is one of the most talented teams in the country, but failed to put it together in the second half of the season, while the Demon Deacons are unable to maintain balance on the offensive side of the ball. The Longhorns win in a game between two teams who could be in the top 15.

Ricky Keeler: Wake Forest over Texas – Both teams have been inconsistent all year. Even though some experts think Wake does not belong, I like them to win this one because they have something Texas does not have. That is a point guard in Ishmael Smith paired up with Al-Farouq Aminu in the interior. Demon Deacons squeak one out.

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5 Temple vs. 12 Cornell
FRIDAY | 11:30 CT | Jacksonville
ODDS: Temple (-4)

Daniel Evans: Cornell over Temple – As good as I think Temple is, Cornell’s three point shooting (best in the country) might be too much for the Owls. The Owls are probably seeded too low, but could be going home early because of this pairing. Cornell pulls the upset, barely.

Blake Hofstad: Temple over Cornell – All this Cornell talk is a little premature, at the end of the day, their best win is over Alabama. Temple truly looks like a Final Four contender, having won their last ten behind the strong play of talented trio Ryan Brooks, Juan Fernandez and Lavoy Allen.

Ricky Keeler: Cornell over Temple – I like the Big Red as one of my surprises in this tournament. They have fared well non-conference against the likes of a Kansas and have experience in this tourney. They can beat you inside with Larry Foote and a forward in Ryan Whitman with NBA talent. If the Big Red can shut down Juan Fernandez, they should win this one. Cornell in the upset

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4 Wisconsin vs. 13 Wofford
FRIDAY | 1:50 CT | Jacksonville
ODDS: Wisconsin (-9)

Daniel Evans: Wisconsin over Wofford – Wofford could win this game, especially with the pace the Badgers choose to play.  Chances are, Trevon Hughes is probably not going to let that happen. The Badgrers slow pace could keep it close, but Wisconsin is too good on defense to lose to the Terriers.

Blake Hofstad: Wisconsin over Wofford – The Badgers are susceptible to an upset if they aren’t shooting well. That’s been the problem in losses to Illinois and Minnesota. Wofford has won 13 straight and has near wins over Pittsburgh and Michigan State, so they know how to hang with major conference teams.

Ricky Keeler: Wisconsin over Wofford – This is a battle of two solid defensive teams and will definitely be a struggle for scoring in this one. However, Trevon Hughes will lead the Badges to a win here as well as Jon Leuer providing the Badgers with enough offense to get it done. Wofford puts up a fight, but the Badgers prevail.

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6 Marquette vs. 11 Washington
THURSDAY | 6:20 CT | San Jose
ODDS: Marquette (-1)

Daniel Evans: Washington over Marquette – The Huskies had to play their way into the NCAA Tournament. That’s why I think they will find a way to get it done here.  Quincy Pondexter and Isaiah Thomas will lead Washington to a win, although Lazar Hayward and company won’t make it easy.

Blake Hofstad: Washington over Marquette – How the Golden Eagles got a six seed puzzles me. I don’t feel they are one of the nation’s 24 best teams, and the difference in talent between them and Washington is much smaller than the seed gap implies. Quincy Pondexter is a 20 point per game scorer, and he’ll lead the Huskies to the first round mini-upset.

Ricky Keeler: Marquette over Washington – This will be the closest game in this region in my opinion. Washington is red hot after winning the Pac-10 conference tournament and Isaiah Thomas is one of the top point guards in that conference. However, Marquette has played well of late, particularly in clutch games led by Lazar Hayward. I like Marquette to pull out a close win.

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3 New Mexico vs. 14 Montana
THURSDAY | 8:40 CT | San Jose
ODDS: New Mexico (-9)

Daniel Evans: New Mexico over Montana – If you missed Anthony Johnson’s incredible performance against Weber State in the Big Sky championship game, you missed an awesome show. Johnson scored 42 points and made clutch shot after clutch shot the entire second half. He could put on a show in this one, although Darington Hobson and New Mexico will be trying to prevent that from happening. In the end, New Mexico pulls out  a single digit win.

Blake Hofstad: New Mexico over Montana – The performance by Montana’s Anthony Johnson in the Big Sky Championship was inspiring, but not enough credit has been given to New Mexico for a tremendous season. The Lobos are led by do it all point forward Darington Hobson, and a talented supporting cast makes them dangerous.

Ricky Keeler: New Mexico over Montana – The Lobos have been an under-the-radar team all year led by Darington Hobson, one of the top players in the Mountain West. However, Montana guard Anthony Johnson put on a show against Weber State in the Big Sky championship and could keep the Grizzlies around in this one. Steve Alford’s team will be ready and primed for a win in this game.

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7 Clemson vs. 10 Missouri
FRIDAY | 1:35 CT | Buffalo
ODDS: Clemson (-1)

Daniel Evans: Missouri over Clemson – Mike Anderson’s crazy style of play will speed of Clemson and cause the Tigers to make mistakes. Trevor Booker will make big plays inside, but Missouri’s “Forty Minutes of Hell” will be too much.

Blake Hofstad: Missouri over Clemson – This game is sure to be frenetically paced and full of turnovers. Both teams play tenacious full court defense, and both teams are sorely lacking in the experience department. This won’t be the greatest game to watch for basketball purists.

Ricky Keeler: Missouri over Clemson – The Tigers give any team 40 minutes of hell on the defensive side of the ball and will cause Clemson fits on the offensive side of the ball. Plus, the Tigers tend to not fare well outside of their home gym. Look for Missouri to win big in this one.

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2 West Virginia vs. 15 Morgan State
FRIDAY | 11:15 CT | Buffalo
ODDS: West Virginia (-18)

Daniel Evans: West Virginia over Morgan Satte- Da’Sean Butler has made every big shot the Mountaineers have needed this year.  Against Morgan State, a scary 15 seed that knows how to win games, the Mountaineers defense will get enough stops to pull away.

Blake Hofstad: West Virginia over Morgan State – The Mountaineers won the Big East Tournament, and traditionally the Tournament champ of the nation’s toughest conference fares well in the Big Dance. Losing in the first round to Morgan State wouldn’t qualify as faring well. Bob Huggins and Co. cruise to a W.

Ricky Keeler: West Virginia over Morgan State – The Mountainners made a good case for a 1 seed winning the Big East Conference Tournament. The Bears are a solid champion out of the MEAC, but Bob Huggins’ team will play great defense. Da’Sean Butler is definitely the guy to watch for the Mountaineers with his defense and clutch scoring.

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SOUTH REGION:

1 Duke vs. Arkansas Pine Bluff/ Winthrop
FRIDAY | TBD | Jacksonville
ODDS: N/A

Daniel Evans: Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler, and Nolan Smith have their minds set on ending Duke’s recent stretch of NCAA Tournament disappointment. Chances are that the Blue Devils will play Winthrop,the worst three point shooting team in the country. This will be a blowout.

Blake Hofstad: Duke over Play-In Winner-Regardless of the opponent (most likely Winthrop), Duke should have little trouble dispatching the play-in winner. They didn’t win the ACC Championship easily, despite avoiding most of the other top competition, so it will be interesting to see how long the play-in winner sticks around.

Ricky Keeler: Duke over Winthrop – I expect the Eagles to come out of the play-in-game with a victory, but when it comes down to playing coach K’s team, I give them no chance. Winthrop’s D will not be able to stop the big 3 of Smith, Singler, and Scheyer. Duke rolls.

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8 California vs. 9 Louisville
FRIDAY | 8:45 CT | Jacksonville
ODDS: California (-1)

Daniel Evans: Louisville over California – This is easily the best game of the opening round. Jerome Randle, Patrick Chrisopther and California will give Louisville all it wants and more, but I feel the Cardinals will advance due to Edgar Sosa’s three point shooting and their overall rebounding edge over the Bears.

Blake Hofstad: California over Louisville – The Golden Bears couldn’t seal the deal against Washington in the Pac-10 Tournament, but they are 9-3 in their last 12 and have potentially the best player in the South region in Jerome Randle. Louisville suffered a disappointing loss to Cincinnati in the Big East Tournament in their final pre-NCAA Tournament game.

Ricky Keeler: Louisville over California – This is the best 8 vs. 9 matchup for me because these are two even teams. You have a Cal team led by Jerome Randle, who can light up a statsheet and a good interior game in Jorge Gutierrez and Patrick Christopher. However, I like the Cardinal in this one because of their zone and man-to-man defenses plus the combination of Sosa and Samuels might be too much for Cal. The three point shooting of the Cardinal when its red hot is hard to beat. Just ask Syracuse. Louisville wins.

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5 Texas A&M vs. 12 Utah State
FRIDAY | 3:45 CT | Spokane
ODDS: Texas a&M (-2)

Daniel Evans: Utah State over Texas A&M – Apparently I love picking 5-12 upsets. The (UTST) Aggies haven’t played a tough schedule, so it’s hard to judge just how good they are when matched against a tough team like Texas A&M. Utah State’s big advantage comes at the three point line where it shoots 41.9% (third best in the country). UTST pulls the stunner.

Blake Hofstad: Texas A&M over Utah State – Utah State enters the Big Dance having lost the WAC Championship, but anyone who has watched WAC basketball will tell you it’s an injustice that they received the same seed as the team that beat them, New Mexico State. However, they aren’t good enough to beat a solid Texas A&M squad, despite a great defense.

Ricky Keeler: Texas A&M over Utah State – The battle of the Aggies will go to the team out of the Big 12. Donald Sloan has been a solid point guard for a team coming out of the Big 12 that is very underrated. Utah State will put up a fight, but Mark Turgeon’s team will put together a solid defensive performance. A&M wins.

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4 Purdue vs. 13 Siena
FRIDAY | 1:30 CT | Spokane
ODDS: Purdue (-3.5)

Daniel Evans: Purdue over Siena – My heart tells me to pick Siena, a team that has shown it can have success in March, over a team that lost its best player for the season a week ago. My mind says to pick Purdue, who isn’t playing well, but does have JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore on the roster. The Boilers make just enough plays to grab the victory.

Blake Hofstad: Siena over Purdue – The Boilermakers are 3-2 without Robbie Hummel, including a four point win over Penn State and the embarrassing semifinal loss to Minnesota in the Big Ten Tournament. Siena was not seeded appropriately, and they will take advantage of playing the beaten up Boilers.

Ricky Keeler: Siena over Purdue – This is my second 13 seed beating a 4 seed because Purdue has struggled without their leader Robbie Hummel. Siena has a ton of experience with two straight years of victories in the first round. They are led by Ronald Moore ,the top assists man in the nation and Alex Franklin, the MAAC player of the year. Fran McCaffrey is one of the most underrated coaches in the country. Siena pulls off the upset.

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6 Notre Dame vs. 11 Old Dominion
THURSDAY | 11:25 CT | New Orleans
ODDS: Notre Dame (-2)

Daniel Evans: Old Dominion over Notre Dame -The Irish are a sexy pick to make the Elite Eight because they are playing their best basketball of the season and Luke Harangody is back from injury, but I like Old Dominion to pull the upset.  The Monarchs are the 18th best team in the country at defending the three point shot (opponents shoot 30%).

Blake Hofstad: Old Dominion over Notre Dame – The Monarchs are the third 11 seed I have winning in round one. Notre Dame is riding on a wave into the NCAA Tournament, but I’m not sure they’re as good as seeded. Old Dominion is seeded low at an 11. The defensively sound Monarchs should dispatch of Mike Brey’s squad early.

Ricky Keeler: Old Dominion over Notre Dame – The Monarchs are one of the most underrated teams in the country in my opinion. Gerald Lee is their leader on the court and off the court and they have a solid all-around team that beat Georgetown earlier in the year. Notre Dame is a strong team, but their run of good victories ends here for a team that struggles in the NCAA Tournament in recent years. The Monarchs prevail.

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3 Baylor vs. 14 Sam Houston State
THURSDAY | 1:45 CT | New Orleans
ODDS: Baylor (-12)

Daniel Evans: Sam Houston State over Baylor -  I feel Baylor has been over-seeded based only on RPI and it gives me a chance to pick the stunning upset of the tournament.  This Sam Houston State team had Kentucky on the ropes in Lexington earlier this year. The Bearkats know how to shoot the three (37.8%).

Blake Hofstad: Baylor over Sam Houston State – This is one matchup where I strongly considered putting a 14 over a 3. Baylor is not one of the 12 best teams in the country, and the Bearkats of Sam Houston State can stroke it (ask Kentucky). But Baylor’s size advantage will get them the win, albeit a difficult one, in the first round.

Ricky Keeler: Baylor over Sam Houston St. – The Bearkats can give Baylor some trouble in this one, but I like Baylor in this one because of two main players. Lacedarius Dunn and their center Udoh. They are two of the top players in the Big 12 and when Tweety Carter makes his 3’s, they are a tough team to beat. Baylor wins a surprisingly close game,

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7 Richmond vs. 10 Saint Mary’s
THURSDAY | 1:50 CT | Providence
ODDS: St. Mary’s (-1)

Daniel Evans: Richmond over St. Mary’s – This is one of the better games of the weekend. Led by Kevin Anderson and David Gonzalvez, Richmond is the better team, but the Gaels won’t let this be a blowout. Omar Samhan will likely compile a double double, but the Spiders get the win and advance.

Blake Hofstad: Richmond over Saint Mary’s – I really don’t feel this game will be that close. Take away Saint Mary’s win over Gonzaga in the WCC Championship, and are they even in the Tournament? Richmond gave Temple all they could handle in the A-10 title game, and I can’t foresee them having problems with the Gaels Euro style basketball.

Ricky Keeler: Richmond over St. Mary’s – The Spiders have impressed me this season with their wins over some of the top teams in the SEC and its all led by point guard Kevin Anderson. The junior averages eighteen points per game and has hit big shot after big shot (against Xavier in the A-10 semifinal). The Gaels have finally made the tournament and Omar Sahmran can give the Spiders fit, but I like Richmond to win a close game.

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2 Villanova vs. 15 Robert Morris
THURSDAY | 11:30 CT | Providence
ODDS: Villanova (-19.5)

Daniel Evans: Villanova over Robert Morris – The Wildcats were a surprise two seed on Sunday, and Scottie Reynolds and company will be out to show they belong that high. Villanova is too loaded for a Robert Morris team that would have to shoot lights out to even up the matchup. The ‘Cats will roll.

Blake Hofstad: Villanova over Robert Morris – The Wildcats snuck onto the 2 seedline despite an atrocious finish to the year (6-6 in their final 12 games). That won’t matter when they get the Colonials, who won’t put up much of a fight. ‘Nova gets the win here.

Ricky Keeler: Villanova over Robert Morris – The Colonials are in the tournament for the second year in a row and are led by freshman guard Karon Abraham, who hit the game winning shot against Quinnipiac in the NEC title game. They have some experience, but Nova has the perimeter game with Scottie Reynolds and Corey Fisher. Also, the lack of size down low for ‘Nova will not hurt them in this matchup. Villanova wins.

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Tags: NCAA Tournament 2010
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