GAMES KICK OFF AT 1:45pm
By Mark Halpern
Let the Madness begin. Starting today at 1:45 pm est the West Region kickoffs, it’s part of the tourney. The West Region has some real potential to be the region that wins the tournament, with Gonzaga favored almost 3-1 to win.
#8 Boise State vs. #9Memphis. Traditionally this is where most of the records for teams playing even out. The record is close to .500, with #8 seeds just edging out #9. Memphis will have to keep the ball moving and get the ball down low to Star Center Jalen Duran. He is a scary threat and a monster under the boards, averaging almost double-double whenever he is on the floor. Boise will have to slow down this offense and keep Duran isolated. Abu Kigab and Maiden Armus, the two top players on Boise, will have to control the floor today. I have Memphis Pulling out a small margin victory 87-80
#5 Uconn vs. #12 New Mexico State. There is another win for Uconn here as the Huskies and R.J. Cole and Adama Sanogo have their eyes set on the dance. They have had outstanding years, with Cole averaging 15.7 pts a game and Sanogo managing 8 rebounds a game. New Mexico earned their spot here with an excellent 26-6 record to earn their spot in the tourney. Teddy Allen is the team’s clear leader with 19.3 pts and 6.8 rebounds a game. He and the Aggies have their work cut out for them as I foresee a narrow victory here with Uconn edging out New Mexico 77-73.
#1 Gonzaga vs. #16 Georgia State. I congratulate Georgia for making the tournament, and it’s sad they face off against the heavily favorite Gonzaga in the first round. Top-tier players Drew Timme and Chet Holmgren will be licking their chops to help put the Zags with their first win in the tourney. It has happened before, but I don’t foresee any upset here. Look for Panther’s star Corey Allen to have the most vigorous game as I see #1 Gonzaga 98-Georgia State 74.
#4 Arkansas vs. #13 Vermont. The Razorbacks will face off against the Catamounts in a late match-up on TNT at 9 pm est. J.D. Notae leads the Razorbacks with 18.4 pts and 3.7 assists per game. Jaylin Williams has helped under the boards, who is almost averaging a double-double every game. The Catamounts didn’t have a quiet season either. Compiling a 28-5 record and lead by Ryan Davis with 17 pts a game and Isaiah Powell, who leads the team in reb/ast. I see the great play by the Catamounts here and pulling out an upset and winning 82-79.
Tomorrow I will have reactions to today’s games and previews of tomorrows West Region games for Friday up at the same time. Good luck to all teams and may the Zags win it all.
The Sports Insanity Network 