by Ryan Burnett

Let me start this off by saying I really don’t think this is going to be a good tourney for the conference. I think that top to bottom we were one of the better, more competitive leagues this season. I just absolutely hate our tournament match-ups. Of the five teams we managed a spot in the group of 64 , I think only two make it to the 2nd week. On the flip side I think the Big 12 was a solid but less than spectacular conference for much of the regular season, but I like their match-ups so much I’m predicting that three of them will make it to the Final Four in Indianapolis.

Michigan State: I think MSU gets past New Mexico State pretty easily. NMS defense is terrible, they give up nearly 78 points a game. In fact their scoring margin of +.08 is the lowest of any team in the tourney. But beyond that I want them out because three teams nicknamed the Aggies (Utah State and Texas A&M) is two too many. I even think they manage to slow down Greivis Vasquez enough that they squeak by the Terps in round 2.  But They will run into a brick wall against Kansas. There just isn’t a hole in this team for the Spartans to exploit.

Ohio State: The Buckeyes were fantastic this year, and I am praying that my Detroit Pistons somehow manage to land Evan Turner. But I think this team is a lot weaker than its record would lead you to believe. Beyond that, I think that they will run into a TERRIBLE matchup in the second round against Georgia Tech. The Buckeyes only have one integral player over 6-7, and thats Dallas Lauderdale who, at 6′8, barely fits the bill. GT on the other hand features two NBA caliber big men in Gani Lawal and Derrick Favors who should be able to punish OSU down low. I think the only way OSU manages to get to the second round is for another OSU, Oklahoma State, to do them a solid and knock off the Yellow Jackets before the Buckeyes have to face them.

Minnesota: Most people are picking the Gophers to get knocked off by Xavier in the 1st round, but I’m not buying it. The closest thing the Musketeers have to a signature win is a 4 point win at Cincinnati, who’s playing in the NIT right now (I think).  Meanwhile, Minnesota managed to beat Ohio State, Wisconsin, and won at Illinois. I kinda want to pick the Gophers to go on and knock off Pitt too, but Pitt finished 2nd in the Big East, have a ton of impressive signature wins, and are a MUCH better team away from home than the Gophers. Hey one win isn’t bad for an 11 seed.

Wisconsin: The Badgers will get past Wofford no problem. I think they even manage to ruff Temple up in what will be a truly ugly slugfest of a game (seriously a five point win should be considered a blowout). But when it comes down to it I think that Kentucky is just too talented  for the Badgers to hold to less than 70. And the Badgers only won one game this year in which they allowed an opponent to score more than 70 points. Its a shame to, because it would be a nice story if this experienced, cohesive squad could manage to slay the Wildcats uber-talented, semi-dysfunctional group of youngsters.

Purdue: I know the Boilermakers are limping into the tourney after getting shellacked by Minnesota last week, but whatever, they had a bad game, and the Gophers were hungrier that night. I don’t think Purdue can make it past the first weekend without their best player (forward Robbie Hummel). But with everyone picking them to be the first high seed to get bounced, I think they manage to pull it together for one win. Beyond that Siena has yet to play a team of Purdue’s caliber all season, let alone beat one. The closest they came was a 13 point loss at Georgia Tech. Not impressed. Texas A&M though probably has the momentum, grit, and confidence to keep the Boilermakers from making it to the second weekend.

Ry’s Final Four: Kansas, Kansas State, Baylor, and Kentucky.