It’s bracket time!!!

Let’s take a look at the Southeast Region…

Most Exciting Opening Round Matchup:

St John’s and Gonzaga.  With this one, the committee gave fans a rare early round gem of a contest.  These are two teams that have the potential to take down some of the tournament’s big dogs, and unfortunately, one of them is going home very quickly. 

St. John’s has been ‘that‘ team all season – the one that highly ranked teams are not so excited about seeing on their schedule.  They’re a good team that plays the game at their pace, and Dwight Hardy has become more and more sensational as the year has progressed.  Gonzaga relies on its balanced trio of scorers – Stephen Gray, Robert Sacre and Elias Harris – to control the flow of the game.  The Bulldogs always keep themselves within shouting distance of their opponent, and they will ensure that this becomes a dogfight.

Most Unheralded Players in the Region:

Jordan Taylor (Wisconsin):  Taylor has had a magnificent season, contributing averages of 18 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.  The 6’1″ junior is able to dominate with his scoring (he’s put up 30+ twice) and playmaking (averaged over 6 assists per game in February), and has the strength to bully other floor generals.  Taylor’s confidence could be the difference in the Badgers making a Sweet Sixteen run or having a first-round exit.

Potential Upset Brewing?:

Kansas State and Utah State.  Jacob Pullen is the only factor that could perhaps save the Wildcats from underachieveing, but the Wildcats have been one of the season’s most sporadic units.  The Aggies are statistically one of the best defensive teams in the country, holding their foes to field goal percentage of 38.3% while only allowing 58.2 points per game.  Utah State doesn’t depend on any one particular player for scoring – they have 7 players posting 6 or more points per game.  If K-State gets three-point happy, this could be a short tournament stay for Frank Martin’s ‘Cats.

Florida's tendency to ignore Chandler Parsons for long stretches of play will make them vulnerable for a potential upset.

Surprising Team That Could Make A Deep Run: 

Michigan State.  Sure, many feel that this team did little to deserve being a part of the NCAA field.  They played inconsistently all season (which is usually a recipe for NCAA rejection), and – although they had numerous opportunities – had very few wins in big games. 

But with an experienced, talented trio like Draymond Green, Durrell Summers and Kalin Lucas, Michigan State is more than capable of stringing together wins.  And, more importantly, they will not be intimidated by the spotlight.  Green is one of college basketballs best high post players, Summers is an energetic athlete and clutch performer, while Lucas is a former Big Ten Player of the Year.

We know what Tom Izzo and the Spartans are capable of.  Will we see that this weekend?

In the End it Will Be:

Wisconsin and St. John’s.  Pittsburgh has a well-documented legacy of underachieving in recent years in the Big Dance.  Although Pitt has been seeded #1 twice in the past three years, it only has one Elite Eight and another Sweet Sixteen appearance to show for it.  #2-seed Florida is talented, but its guards are quick to fall in love with hoisting long-range jumpers.  #3-seed BYU is very dependent on The Jimmer, but they are potentially headed for a second-round tilt with the battle-tested Red Storm.

Wisconsin and St. John’s have the proper blend of control, defense, toughness and attention to detail that make them legit candidates for an Elite Eight appearance.

For a chance to win a $100 gift card, join Ball or Nuthin’s Bracket Challenge.

T Lamont is the owner, administrator and author of all content for Ball or Nuthin\'. Feel free to contact T Lamont with a question or comment at ballornuthin@gmail.com.  All created Ball or Nuthin' content is the sole property of T Lamont. Read more from this author