Why Uconn Can Win It All: Sam Ravech Picks Every Game In The 2023 Men's Ncaa Tournament | My Bracket

It's that time of year again, folks! March Madness is upon us, and you know what that means - it's time to fill out those brackets and make some predictions. And who better to give you some bracket advice than yours truly, Sam Ravich. Strap in, because I've got some bold and wild predictions that will leave you scratching your head and questioning your own sanity. Let's dive into my bracket picks for the men's field of 68.

The Dominant Favorites

Let's start in the top left of the bracket with Alabama vs. Corpus Christi. Now, I know the first round is always full of upsets, but Alabama has been too dominant this year. I don't see any 1 vs. 16 upsets happening here. Moving on to West Virginia, you can't count out a team coached by Bob Huggins. They play great defense and can turn you over in a heartbeat. Look for them to make a strong showing in this tournament.

The Upset Potential

Now, let's talk about the 12-5 matchups. Every year, there's at least one upset in this category, and this year will be no different. While Charleston has been impressive, I don't think they have enough to upset San Diego State. The Aztecs have too much size and firepower. When it comes to mid-majors, shooting is key, and Charleston has that. However, San Diego State's size will be the deciding factor in this matchup.

Moving down to Virginia and Furman, it's hard to bet against the Cavaliers. Their defense has been solid all season long. Although Furman has had a great year, I think Virginia's stout defense will carry them into the next round, even without Vanderplas.

The Battle in the South Region

In the South Region, keep an eye on Creighton and NC State. Creighton had some struggles in the Big East, but they have started to find their rhythm lately. I believe they will be able to handle NC State and advance in the tournament. Baylor, representing the Big 12, is a force to be reckoned with. Their experience and guard play will give them the advantage over any opponent they face.

Missouri and Utah State are garnering a lot of attention in the 10-7 matchup. Both offenses are off the charts, but I have to give the edge to Missouri. Their hard-nosed playing style and dedication to their head coach will be the deciding factor. Don't be surprised if they make a deep run in the tournament.

Unpredictability in the East Region

Heading to the East Region, Purdue is facing off against Fairleigh Dickinson. While Purdue hasn't been the favorite this year, I believe they will take care of business in the first round. Memphis, led by Penny Hardaway, has been on fire lately. I have a feeling they will upset Houston and continue their winning streak in the tournament.

Tennessee without Zakai Ziegler is a tough team to bet on. Louisiana has the potential to upset them in the first round. With uncertainty on Tennessee's offense, Louisiana could take advantage and cause an upset. Watch out for Santiago Vescovy, who will have to carry the load for Tennessee.

Underdogs Rising in the East Region

Kentucky and Providence is another interesting matchup in the East Region. Kentucky has had a rocky start, but they have turned it around in recent games. However, my gut tells me to take Providence in this one. There have been rumors swirling around Ed Cooley's departure, and that might add some fuel to Providence's fire.

In the Kansas State vs. Marquette matchup, Kansas State has prepared themselves well for this tournament. The Big 12 has proven to be a tough conference, and Kansas State is no exception. Look for them to advance, especially with Marquette's standout point guard, Tyler Kolek, leading the charge.

Midwest Region Madness

Heading up to the Midwest Region, there are some intriguing first-round matchups. Houston is favored against Auburn and Iowa, and I believe they will come out on top. Houston's defense and overall play have been exceptional this year. Auburn's strong defense will help them edge out Iowa in a tough battle.

Miami and Drake is another interesting game. Drake's sharpshooting ability gives them the upper hand here. I'll take Drake to upset Miami in the first round. Indiana vs. Kent State is a matchup of two teams with different trajectories. Even though I don't love Indiana, I don't see them going too far in the tournament. Kent State will make sure their journey ends in the first round.

Surprise Picks in the Midwest Region

Jeff Capel's squad has prepared themselves for this tournament, and they are ready to make some noise. Iowa State has been inconsistent lately, and I think this will be the end of the road for them. Xavier vs. Pittsburgh is a tough one, but Xavier has the edge in this matchup. Penn State has been a pleasant surprise in the Big Ten Tournament, and I believe they will continue their strong run in the NCAA Tournament.

Now, let's head to the West Region for some more madness. Kansas is a dominant team, but Arkansas has shown some impressive offensive skills. I'm going against the grain here and taking Arkansas to upset Kansas in an exciting game. Next up, we have St. Mary's vs. VCU. St. Mary's struggled in the West Coast Conference tournament, and I think VCU's ability to force turnovers will give them the upper hand.

UConn, my home state team, is a sentimental favorite for many, and I am no exception. They have a rich history in the tournament, and I believe they will make a strong showing this year. TCU vs. Arizona State is a battle of two evenly matched teams, but I have a feeling Arizona State will come out on top. Gonzaga, my pick as a dark horse, will continue their strong run and take down Grand Canyon.

The Final Four Showdown

And now, we're down to the Final Four. In the south region, Alabama and San Diego State will face off. As much as I would love to see an upset, I think Alabama is the best team in the country and will come out on top. San Diego State's size will pose a problem for Virginia, but ultimately, Virginia's defense will be the deciding factor.

In the east region, I believe Memphis will upset Purdue, but Duke's star power and impressive performance will lead them into the Sweet 16. Kansas State's run will come to an end against Marquette, who has strong guard play and versatile players in the frontcourt.

The Road to the Championship

Houston, a strong team from the Midwest Region, will prove too much for Drake, ending their Cinderella story. Xavier will continue their journey by defeating Penn State in a hard-fought battle. UConn, a dangerous team, will make a strong showing against VCU and secure their spot in the Final Four. And finally, Gonzaga will continue their underdog run by defeating Arizona State.

The Championship Matchup

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for. The championship matchup between Alabama and UConn. It's a battle between the unstoppable force and the nostalgic favorite. While Alabama has been dominant all season, I'm throwing caution to the wind and picking UConn to win it all. Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies will bring home the championship trophy this year.

There you have it, folks - my bold and wild bracket predictions for the men's field of 68. Remember, anything can happen in March Madness, so don't be surprised if these predictions turn out to be completely off the mark. It's the beauty of the tournament, the unpredictability, and the excitement that keep us coming back for more every year. Let the madness begin!