Bracket busters and Buzzer Beaters: March Madness preview

Shabazz Napier of UConn

East Region

Final Four Pick: Michigan StateDid you know that every senior class at Michigan State has reached a final four under Head Coach Tom Izzo at least once before graduating? Well that will change if this Michigan State (#4 seed) team doesn’t make a final four run. Seniors Keith Appling and Adreian Payne don’t want to be the first. The good thing is they have all the pieces to do it. Now that they are healthy, they are finally clicking. Coming off a Big Ten tournament championship win; Appling, Payne, and sophomore sensation Gary Harris will look to ride the momentum into the NCAA tourney, with future hall of famer Izzo leading the way.

However, to win, they will have to get past a possible Sweet 16 matchup with #1 seed Virginia to do so. The Cavaliers are coming off an ACC regular season and tournament championship and are more than capable of making a deep run. With their packed in, stingy defense, and deliberate, but efficient offense, they will not beat themselves. On the lower half of the bracket, keep an eye out for Big 12 player of the year Melvin Ejim and #3 Iowa State. They rely on their versatility and Head Coach Fred Hoiberg a.k.a.”The Mayor” is a mastermind at creating and taking advantage of matchups. However, they tend to have trouble when they have to play a bigger, more physical team. That is why I see Michigan St. defeating them in an entertaining Elite Eight matchup, sending Sparty Nation to a final four.

Upset Watch: 11 Providence over 6 North CarolinaProvidence, fresh off a Big East tournament championship over America’s heartthrob Creighton, is more than capable of playing with this Tar Heel team. North Carolina is talented, but inconsistent, as well as a poor shooting team, both from the 3pt line and the free throw line, which is a recipe for an upset. Regardless of outcome, we will be treated to a great guard matchup with Carolina guard Marcus “Mr. 2nd Half” Paige and Providence dynamic guard Bryce Cotton. Cotton is an iron man as he practically plays every minute of every game. He sees more court time than Lil’ Boosie.

Player to Watch: Shabazz Napier, UCONNI didn’t even mention #7 seed UConn in my East Region breakdown, but I’d be damned if I didn’t mention Husky point guard Shabazz Napier here. This do-it-all guard is capable of leading his squad to the 2nd weekend in the tournament, including getting past #2 seed Villanova. Three years ago he was playing a supporter role as a freshman in a backcourt with superstar Kemba Walker on their way to a national title. Now it’s time for ‘Bazz to star in a leading role. Can he shock the nation and lead this UConn team to best picture?