Staff writer Ben Ferree and editor in chief Andrew King give their picks for winning your annual NCAA Tournament bracket pool (or just your pride).
5 double-digit seeds to watch
14-Belmont
The Bruins are this year’s sexy upset pick over Georgetown. Belmont has experience, and could give the Hoyas a run for their money on Friday.
11-NC State
North Carolina State has come into the tournament hot, winning four in a row before losing an extremely tight game to North Carolina.
13-Ohio
Ohio is another low seed that is getting a lot of love from the “experts.” Expect them to do well if Michigan can’t hit their usual three pointers.
10-Virginia
Virginia may not be a huge upset at the ten seed, but most have picked Florida. UV has weathered a tough ACC schedule, and should scare the Gators.
12-USF/Cal
Whether USF or Cal win the play-in game, either power conference team could beat the Atlantic 10’s Temple after gaining momentum in the first round.
5 sleepers that could make a run
Baylor
Baylor has been solid all season. The Bears are an athletic team, and despite being in the toughest section of the bracket, could make noise.
Florida St.
The Seminoles have beaten both Duke and North Carolina this year, and could very well catch fire in the tournament.
Louisville
Louisville looked strong at the beginning of the season, but mid-season losses cost them a high seed. Despite that, the team still has the potential to knock off the higher seeds in the tournament.
Wichita St.
Wichita State is the highest seed of the Missouri Valley’s representatives this year. Power conference teams could take the Shockers lightly, a huge mistake.
Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt knocked off Kentucky in the SEC tournament, and comes into the big dance on fire, having won seven of their last nine games.
