2015 NCAA Tournament thread

I've got ND going to the round of 8 in too many brackets, but I'd rather them be disgraced early then next Thursday

 

One of my rules of thumb for the tournament is, all other things being equal, don't pick against Tom Izzo. Dude is a witch this time of year. It amazes me that it's been 15 years since he's won a championship, given how many times he's had Michigan State in the mix.

 

Yeah, it's hard to believe Izzo has only won one title, but he's still one of the best coaches out there.

 

Going by recent trends, I'd say Iowa State is about ready to outscore UAB 75-30 in the second half.

But that was a nice last 15 minutes or so of the first half for the Blazers.

 

I like Iowa State A LOT. But I don't think I have them getting past the Sweet 16. Fred Hoiberg is the anti-Rick Barnes.

 

Georgia State reminds me of Detroit from a few years ago. Coach's kid is really good with some really talented transfers. You'd think it should be a threat to do some damage in this tournament, but it really isn't.

 

Before they tip off, I'll restate my love for Texas Southern. Good 22-win team with a couple of noteworthy wins (at Michigan State, at Kansas State) and they played a brutal cash-grab schedule in non-conference. Seven of their 13 games were against tournament teams, and 12 of the 13 were on the road. Of the six that didn't make the tournament, three were power-conference teams.
Arizona was a tough draw for them. I'd like their chances better if they'd managed to get a 14-seed. I don't know that they'll win (they probably won't), but I'd expect it to be closer than you'd think. I suspect it'll still be a game with 7 or 8 minutes left.

 

I would love for Georgia State to do something. Kevin Ware returning to the tournament is the best story out there, IMO...

 

Anybody pick Utah in the first round? If the sendings were swapped would anyone pick Austin?

 

Maybe Georgia State can sell T-shirts capitalizing on his injury like his old school did.

 

I think that was by far, the most popular upset pick. Which means Utah will probably win by 20.

 

I did. Utah has been pretty good all year. Like you suggested, I think if that was a 13-4 game instead of 12-5 you'd have people picking Utah without thinking twice about it.