The Midwest region feels like Michigan State’s to lose.
The Spartans likely should have been the No. 1 seed over Virginia, but they’ll have an opportunity in the Elite Eight if both teams get to that point.
I’m not so sure if the Cavaliers will make it that far, but they shouldn’t struggle in the first round with Hampton.
However, despite some mismatches, this bracket features some nice games in the first round. Here’s my two best bets for the Midwest region in the first round.
Gonzaga (-1.5) vs. Seton Hall
I’d like to pat myself on the back for his one. When the games were announced, I conjectured that the Bulldogs would be favorites over the Pirates.
I was right, thanks likely to the betting public having a similar perception of Gonzaga as I do. The Bulldogs have so much talent, with guys like Kyle Wiltjer and Domantas Sabonis.
Those two players should be household names by next weekend. Sabonis averages a double-double, while Wiltjer goes for 20 points per game. Also, don’t sleep on Eric McClellan for the Bulldogs.
Gonzaga is peaking at the right time and its experience should trump Seton Hall’s youth, which features Isaiah Whitehead, who is a future pro.
Seton Hall has some momentum, but I’ve seen Big East tournament winners flame out in the Big Dance before.
Everyone’s picking Gonzaga, and while I hate picking what everyone else believes, I’m rolling with the Bulldogs. — Go chalk with Gonzaga
Syracuse vs. Dayton (-1)
I was a bit surprised with Syracuse’s seeding, but overall the win at Duke must have counted for plenty of weight for the committee.
That’s fine with me, because it brought down the line to one-point in favor of the Flyers.
The Orange really don’t do much for me. They’re pretty average across the board on offense and defense, and this is just not one of those traditional solid Syracuse teams that we’ve been accustomed to seeing.
The Flyers, meanwhile, have solid tournament history where they’ve been good in recent years. The Flyers even beat the third-seeded Orange two years ago to advance to the Sweet 16.
Dayton has four players who score in double-figures, with Charles Cooke leading the way. The team also can hit the three-ball, which is crucial to beating the Orange’s zone. — Go chalk with Dayton
