Virginia Cavaliers were awarded the number one seed in the midwest region of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Michigan State Spartans were given the number two seed despite winning the Big 10 Tournament. Virginia were clearly given the top spot in that they play great defense; however, losing the ACC Final to North Carolina Tarheels shows that they can be beaten.
March Madness: Virginia Heads Midwest Region in NCAA Tournament
Iowa State are an offensive powerhouse that are not know for strong defense. The biggest surprise was the 10th seed to the Syracuse Orange. They survived the suspension of their head coach Jim Boeheim. Syracuse have three exciting freshman who have helped carry the team this year.
Purdue is a dangerous 5th seeded team. They have the size inside to give many team fits. The tournament though is known for strong guard play. Michigan State may well be able to defeat the Virginia team and emerge as the Final Four winner.
Here are the first round match-ups:
Thursday March 17, 2016 –
PNC Arena – Raleigh, North Carolina
1 – University of Virginia (26-7)
16 – Hampton (21-10)
Friday March 18, 2016 –
Scottrade Center – St. Louis, Missouri
2 – Michigan State Spartans (29-5)
15 – Middle Tennessee (24-9)
Thursday March 17, 2016 –
Pepsi Center – Denver, Colorado
3 – Utah (26-8)
14 – Fresno (25-9)
Thursday March 17, 2016 –
Pepsi Center – Denver, Colorado
4 – Iowa State Cyclones (21-11)
13 – Iona (22-10)
Thursday March 17, 2016 –
Pepsi Center – Denver, Colorado
5 – Purdue Boilermakers (26-8)
12 – Little Rock (29-4)
Thursday March 17, 2016 –
Pepsi Center – Denver, Colorado
6 – Seton Hall Pirates (25-8)
11 – Gonzaga Bulldogs (26-7)
Friday March 18, 2016 –
Scottrade Center – St. Louis, Missouri
7 – Dayton Flyers (25-7)
10 – Syracuse Orange (19-13)
Thursday March 17, 2016 –
PNC Arena – Raleigh, North Carolina
8 – Texas Tech Red Raiders (22-11)
9 – Butler Bulldogs (21-10)
