Big 10
Michigan (9-21, 5-13) vs. Iowa (13-18, 6-12): Michigan should pull this one out, they are a well coached team despite not having the great talent.
Prediction: Michigan 76-61
Illinois (13-18, 5-13) vs. Penn State (15-15, 7-11): This should be a pretty good game. Illinois has had a disappointing season, and hope to at least pick up a win in this tourney. Trent Meacham is a very underrated shooter.
Prediction: Illinois 68-65
Northwestern (8-21, 1-17) vs. Minnesota (18-12, 8-10): Northwestern looks to pull an upset against Tubby Smith's Golden Golphers, who put together a decent season but didn't beat anyone. Spencer Tollackson and Dan Coleman will lead Minnesota to the next round.
Prediction: Minnesota 74-64
Pac-10
Arizona State (19-11, 9-9) vs. USC (20-10, 11-7): An important game, especially for Herb Sendek's Sun Devils, who are probably squeezed out if they lose. A win might put them on the right side of the bubble. Look for Ty Abbott and James Harden to show that sense of urgency and pull out a huge win.
Prediction: Arizona State 68-52
California (16-14, 6-12) vs. #2 UCLA (28-3, 16-2): I'm expecting a close game here as Ryan Anderson is a stud, and UCLA has not had great success in the past couple Pac-10 tourneys. I think Kevin Love will come up huge for them down low, and look for a team effort from Darren Collison, Josh Shipp, and Russell Westbrook on the outside.
Prediction: UCLA 80-79
Oregon (18-12, 9-9) vs. #21 Washington State (23-7, 11-7): Knowing what Arizona State did earlier in the day could be of benefit to Oregon, because if Arizona State loses the Ducks may still get a bid with a loss here. To feel confident heading into Selection Sunday, Oregon will want a win here. Wazzu has just too much though, as I think Taylor Rochestie and Derrick Low are set for big games. I've penciled in Washington State as one of my dark horse Final Four suggestions.
Prediction: Washington State 83-65
Arizona (19-13, 8-10) vs. #11 Stanford (24-6, 13-5): Arizona blew away bottom feeder Oregon State last night, and looks safe to be dancing. They sure would love to take out a top team in the conference like Stanford though, who lost a few games down the stretch after being in contention for the Pac-10 title. Nic Wise is healthy, and he should team with Jerryd Bayless to help the 'Cats make some noise in this tourney.
Prediction: Arizona 75-66
SEC
South Carolina (13-17, 5-11) vs. LSU (13-17, 6-10): LSU hasn't been too bad down the stretch, and has some great talent in Anthony Randolph and Marcus Thornton. Don't be surprised if they pull an upset in a later round.
Prediction: LSU 65-51
Auburn (14-15, 4-12) vs. #17 Vanderbilt (25-6, 10-6): Vandy has struggled since taking out Tennessee, but Auburn is just horrible. Expect Shan Foster and Alex Gordon to dial it up from long range in a blowout.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 99-68
Alabama (16-15, 5-11) vs. Florida (21-10, 8-8): Florida needs to advance to the SEC Championship game if they want to make the field to defend their title. I like the shooters on Alabama, Mykal Riley and Alonzo Gee. I think 'Bama pulls off the huge upset.
Prediction: Alabama 86-77
Georgia (13-16, 4-12) vs. Mississippi (21-9, 7-9): Ole Miss is an intriguing team when you look at their schedule and stats. They were so good non-conference, has a Clemson-esque fall during the SEC season, and bounced back to finish with a 7-9 league mark. They may need 2 wins in this tourney to get on the right side of the bubble. Dwayne Curtis will help the Rebels blow past a bad Georgia team.
Prediction: Mississippi 84-68
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