Headlined by a favorite in the whole tournament in one seeded Houston, the Midwest presents a very interesting slate of games. Iowa and Auburn had very similar stories in having up and down years. Miami and Indiana sit on the four and five lines with matchups that could run the Canes and Hoosiers into trouble. How will the opening round fair in the Midwest?
No.1 Houston vs No.16 Northern Kentucky
Pick: Houston
Across the board the one seeds have lost just one time. Won't change with this tournament, Cougars are a legit final four caliber team. The defense is suffocating and has been on display for the last couple of years.
No.8 Iowa vs No.9 Auburn
Pick: Auburn
The Tigers I think led by Wendell Green Jr. will be able to take down the Hawkeyes. I know the Hawkeyes have a offense that can shoot and will at will. But they don't have the defense to keep them going. I like Bruce Pearl and even if it wasn't the season Auburn hoped but I think they get it done.
No.5 Miami vs No.12 Drake
Pick: Drake
Maimi and Larranaga made it all the way to the Elite Eight last year as a 10 seed and losing to eventual champ Kansas. I don't think the magic lasts into this March, and I like how Drake stacks up against the Canes. Drake pulls it off.
No.4 Indiana vs No.13 Kent State
Pick: Indiana
There will be a lot of people hopping to pick Kent State for many reasons. Indiana was one and done to St. Mary's last season, the Big Ten laid a dud last year overall first weekend and Kent State will have nothing to lose like most. But Trayce Jackson-Davis is going to have a good tournament I feel and will get by just barely to the round of 32.
No.6 Iowa State vs No.11 Pitt/ Miss St.
Pick: ISU
I hope this doesn't come back to haunt me. There always seems to be a first four team that makes it past the first game. 2018 Syracuse made it all the way to the Sweet 16, 11 Seed Notre Dame was the team last year getting by Rutgers to make the round of 32. Pitt and Miss St. just don't fit that mold for me. Iowa State has taken down Baylor twice and has dealt with the loaded 10 teams in the Big 12. Cyclones get it done.
No.3 Xavier vs No.14 Kennesaw State
Pick: Xavier
Having a strong season in the Big East and having and led by Nunge and company. Xavier handled Crighton in the Big East tournament before falling to Marquette in the final. We will see how far they can go but I have Xavier getting it done.
No,7 Texas A&M vs No.10 Penn State
Pick: Penn State
I think that the Nittany Lions can surprise some people and take down a A&M team that some felt deserved the 6 line. But they find themselves paired with Penn State and their "Booty Ball" as Illinois would like to put it.
No.2 Texas vs No.15 Colgate
Pick: Texas
Losing your head coach in the middle of the season is never ideal. But this Longhorn squad has made the best and may have their coach past an interim tag. What Rodney Terry has been able to do is impressive and has a chance to make it better with a deep run in this year's tourney. Opening with what I think is the most intriguing 2 vs 15 game will be close. But the Longhorns find a way to keep Colgate off the three-point line. After their 20-point blowout in the Big 12 title game, I like Texas.