Pre-Tournament Primer

First off, the NCAA selection committee created some great match-ups as usual, but at the same time teams like Virginia Tech, Colorado, Alabama, and St Mary's got robbed.  Virginia Tech was fresh off a semi-finals appearance in the ACC tournament, and defeated Duke only two weeks ago.  Colorado defeated Texas, and Kansas State 3 different times, both of whom are in the field of 68.  VCU and UAB, the letter teams, do not deserve bids in the tourney, especially due to their weak out of conference schedule, and record against top-50 teams.

First round games to watch:

(8)Michigan v. (9)Tennessee- This match-up features 2 middle of the road NCAA teams, but should provide a great and entertaining first round game. The Wolverines have no seniors on the roster, and their youth may be a hindrance, although they have found a go-to-guy late in the season in Tim Hardaway Jr.   Tennessee has responded nicely to a rough early start, and the 8 game suspension of Coach Bruce Pearl.  Both these teams average in the high 60's or higher in scoring, and like to attack the basket.  This is a very hard game to pick, but Tennessee probably has the experience to prevail.

(7)UCLA v. (10)Michigan State- Michigan State and UCLA had only mediocre seasons by their standards, but both teams should fare well in the tourney, as long as they can win this first-round game.  UCLA has won 9 of their last 12, and has great wins during the season in BYU, and their trouncing of Arizona at home.  The Spartans have struggled at times, but when March comes around they seem to always shine.  Bad years, by Michigan St. standards, tend to turn around as soon as the tournament begins. The team that wins this game should match up well with an overrated Florida team, so don't be surprised if the Bruins or Spartans find themselves in the "Sweet-16."

Other games of note:
(5)Kansas State v. (12)Utah State
(7)Texas A&M v. (10)Florida State
(6)Georgetown v. (11)USC or VCU (Should be USC)
(5)Vanderbilt v. (12)Richmond (*Upset potential!)

Look for the Snider Sports Network's Final Four predictions that will come out later in the week.