It’s officially March, and the madness is just about here.
With the Round of 64 tipping off Thursday, the NCAA Tournament is set to take over the sports world once again. Brackets are being finalized, upsets are being debated, and fans everywhere are trying to find that perfect path to the Final Four.
Now it’s time to break down the Midwest Region, featuring the No. 7 seed Kentucky Wildcats, with a full game-by-game prediction, including scores, upsets, and ultimately, who punches a ticket to the Final Four.
Let’s dive in.
Midwest Region Predictions
ROUND OF 64
No. 1 Michigan over No. 16 Howard, 93-60
There won’t be any drama here. Michigan has been one of the most complete teams in the country all season long, and that won’t change in the first round. With elite defense and a high-powered offense, the Wolverines cruise into the Round of 32 without breaking a sweat.
No. 8 Georgia over No. 9 Saint Louis, 88-82
This is one of the more intriguing matchups of the first round. Saint Louis can score with just about anyone in the country, but Georgia’s physical defense and ability to slow the tempo will be the difference. The Bulldogs pick up their first NCAA Tournament win in a decade and move on.
No. 5 Texas Tech over No. 12 Akron, 80-72
Texas Tech enters the tournament on a bit of a skid, having dropped three straight games. The absence of leading scorer JT Toppin has clearly impacted their rhythm. Still, the Red Raiders have enough depth and defensive toughness to handle Akron and advance.
No. 4 Alabama over No. 13 Hofstra, 87-78
Alabama continues its run of tournament success under Nate Oats. With three straight Sweet 16 appearances and a Final Four run already under his belt, Oats has built a consistent winner. Even with uncertainty surrounding Aden Holloway, the Crimson Tide’s backcourt talent should be too much for Hofstra.
No. 11 SMU over No. 6 Tennessee, 82-77
Here’s one of the first big upsets in the Midwest Region. SMU, fresh off a First Four win, carries that momentum into a matchup with Tennessee and pulls off the 11-over-6 upset. The Mustangs’ guard trio gives the Volunteers problems all night long.
No. 3 Virginia over No. 14 Wright State, 84-72
Virginia returns to the tournament with something to prove under first-year head coach Ryan Odom. The Cavaliers control the pace, play suffocating defense, and take care of business in the first round.
No. 7 Kentucky over No. 10 Santa Clara, 77-73
Kentucky hasn’t been playing its best basketball entering the tournament, dropping six of its last nine games. Still, the Wildcats’ size advantage proves to be a major factor. Santa Clara struggles on the defensive glass, and Kentucky capitalizes just enough to survive and advance.
No. 2 Iowa State over No. 15 Tennessee State, 88-63
Iowa State has quietly been one of the most impressive teams in the country this season. Known for its defense, the Cyclones have also shown they can score at a high level. This one isn’t close, as they roll into the next round.
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Be sure to check out FanDuel Sportsbook for Midwest Region odds!
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ROUND OF 32
No. 1 Michigan over No. 8 Georgia, 85-76
Georgia’s tournament run comes to an end against a Michigan team that simply has too much firepower. The Wolverines control the game from start to finish and move on comfortably.
No. 5 Texas Tech over No. 4 Alabama, 84-80
This matchup could go either way, especially with both teams dealing with key absences. In the end, Texas Tech’s defensive identity and coaching give them a slight edge. Grant McCasland’s squad pulls off the upset and heads to the Sweet 16.
No. 3 Virginia over No. 11 SMU, 83-79
SMU’s Cinderella run ends here, but not without a fight. Virginia’s experience and defensive discipline prove to be the difference in a tightly contested game.
No. 2 Iowa State over No. 7 Kentucky, 85-77
Kentucky’s run comes to an end in the Round of 32. Turnovers and Iowa State’s relentless defensive pressure prove to be too much for the Wildcats. It’s a tough finish for Mark Pope’s squad after showing flashes of potential throughout the season.
SWEET 16
No. 1 Michigan over No. 5 Texas Tech, 85-79
Texas Tech’s run ends here. Without JT Toppin, the Red Raiders simply don’t have enough scoring punch to keep up with Michigan. The Wolverines continue their dominant season and punch a ticket to the Elite Eight.
No. 2 Iowa State over No. 3 Virginia, 82-76
This matchup features two elite defensive teams, but it turns into a higher-scoring game than expected. Iowa State’s improved offense makes the difference as the Cyclones advance.
ELITE EIGHT
No. 1 Michigan over No. 2 Iowa State, 86-81
The Midwest Region delivers a heavyweight matchup in the Elite Eight, and it doesn’t disappoint. Both teams are known for their defense, but this game turns into an offensive battle.
In the end, Michigan’s size and versatility prove to be the deciding factor. The Wolverines dominate inside, using their frontcourt advantage to wear down Iowa State over the course of the game.
Michigan head coach Dusty May caps off an incredible season by leading his team to the Final Four, as the Wolverines prove they are one of the most complete teams in the country.