March Madness Begins with West Virginia, Louisville, a Mid-Major Battle & a Pennsylvania Showdown

Let’s get started in chronological order:

EAST REGIONAL- #5 West Virginia vs. #12 Clemson (CBS, 12:15)

I highlighted Clemson here for their previous matchup with UAB. The selection committee did them no favors by having them play late Tuesday night, then turn and travel for the first game of the “first” round.

West Virginia is a gritty team, but not always explosive. Joe Mazzula isn’t a very good outside shooter, but battles. The Mountaineers are one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the country, and also do a good job of closing down and defending the outside shot. Of course, Clemson just played another team (though not nearly as good) that was also good at defending the three, and Clemson successfully avoided that by getting the ball inside.

Pomeroy has these teams even, despite the difference in seed, as Clemson underachieved a little in beating the big names (which in turn is why their RPI was lower). It should be a battle inside between Kevin Jones and John Grant for West Virginia, and Jerai Grant (that last name sound familiar?) and Devin Booker for Clemson.

The Pick: Man, I don’t know how Clemson will respond, but I think this one is going to be a defensive slugfest. Why not? Clemson in the “upset”. I have a feeling the 12’s are going to give the 5’s all they want this year, even moreso than normal.

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL- #8 Butler vs. #9 Old Dominion (TruTV, 12:40)

We’ve already profiled both Old Dominion and Butler, two mid-majors that can throw a scare in any team. Butler, as you know, was in the title game last year. I thought they would be seeded slightly lower, while ODU came in about where I expected. Matt Howard of Butler will have his hands full against Frank Hassell and company, and the best offensive rebounding team in the country.

The Pick: Another razor thin close matchup, I’ll go with Old Dominion to knock out Butler.

SOUTHWEST REGIONAL- #4 Louisville vs. #13 Morehead State (TBS, 1:40)

The Pick: I’m used to crazy outcomes in the Western games involving #4 and #5 seeds (I know, I know, it’s technically Southwest, but this is at elevation in Denver), but I don’t see it here. I’ll be watching Faried, but I don’t think he has enough help. Rooting for the upset, but going with Louisville.

WEST REGIONAL – #7 Temple vs. #10 Penn State (TNT, 2:10)

Two Pennsylvania teams get to play in the Desert in Tucson, in the West regional. Temple plays a ball control offense, limits turnovers, and we know that Penn State is capable of a 36-33 game. I would not expect an up and down shootout. They are led by Ramone Moore on the outside and Lavoy Allen in the middle. They will try to stop Penn State iron man Talor Battle, who has carried the Nittany Lions into the tournament after coming up big in Indianapolis. Penn State is a veteran squad with four senior starters even though this is their first appearance as a group.

The Pick: the third virtual dead heat among these early games according to Pomeroy’s ratings, I’ll take Penn State in a close low scoring affair.

[photo via Getty]