Continuing our version of Bracketology with our own “bracketologists” here at 3SIB, we observe the South Region.  Some traditional powers find themselves in this bracket and then there are some of the “flashy” teams of this NCAA season in there as well.  So here we go.

1. Memphis vs. 16. Texas-Arli-doesn’t really matter. 

Memphis rolls.  End of Story.

After much deliberation and hesitation everyone of our bracketologistscame to a consensus of Memphis.

8.  Miss St. vs. 9. Oregon

An interesting match-up to say the least.  I’m going with the SEC because I can.  Jarvis Varnado, Jamont Gordon, Charles Rhodes and company are just too good for Oregon.  My pick, obviously: Miss. St.

Everyone else copies me and picks Miss St. as well.

5.  Michigan St. vs. 12. Temple

The classic making of a 5-12 upset?  No.  Spartans are arse kickers, Owls hoot.  You get the picture.  Michigan St. wins.

Everyone takes Michigan St.

4. Pittsburgh vs. 13. Oral Roberts

Oral what?  That alone tells me to pick Pitt. 

TideFanInTN was obviously smoking something and picked Oral Roberts.

GhostofNeyland and Volstothewall obviously had more sense and agreed with me:  Pitt.

6. Marquette vs. 11. Kentucky

One of the better first round match-ups in my opinion.  However, without Patrick Patterson I don’t think Kentucky stands a chance.  My pick:  Marquette

TideFanInTN sticks to his “Go SEC” attitude and takes Kentucky.

Once again GhostofNeyland and Volstothewall take Marquette.

3. Stanford vs. 14. Cornell

Because Stanford has a long tradition of really good big guys who happen to have a twin that plays too, I’m going with them.  It’s a battle of the brains really and a game I probably could care less about, but Stanford is going to win.

Everyone agrees:  Stanford

7. Miami vs. 10. St. Mary’s

A surprise 7 seed in my opinion, Miami is a team I know nothing about.  For that reason I’m going pick the upset and say St. Mary’s.  I’ve seen St. Mary’s in action and they can hoop.  St. Mary’s wins.

TideFanInTN: Miami

Volstothewall: Miami

GhostofNeyland: Miami

2. Texas vs. 15. Austin Peay

Texas has tremendous guard play and an experienced coach.  AJ Abrams and company roll.  Texas wins.

Everyone: Texas

SECOND ROUND:

1. Memphis vs. 8. Miss. St.

Call me crazy but I don’t think Memphis has what it takes.  Too many close calls to far worse teams for me.  I think Miss. St. takes care of them as the first 1 seed eliminated.  In case you haven’t watched Miss. St. at all this year, hear is a tidbit.  They are really, really good.  Led by Jamont Gordon, who is probably the best driver to the rim in college basketball, Miss. St. matches up evenly with Memphis.  Miss. St. advances.

TideFanInTN: Memphis

GhostofNeyland: Miss St.

Volstothewall:  Miss St.

4. Pittsburgh vs. 5. Michigan St.

I like what Pitt has done this year.  Knocking off Georgetown in the Big East Tourney was a real confidence booster.  I think that momentum carries over and Pitt wins.

TideFanInTN: Michigan St.

GhostofNeyland: Pittsburgh

Volstothewall: Pittsburgh

3. Stanford vs. 6. Marquette

Stanford too good inside.  The Lopez twins will take this one over.  I like Marquette and I like Dominic James, but he hasn’t had quite the season he had hoped for.  Marquette played well down the stretch, but I believe their attempt at making a run for the title ends in the second round.  Stanford wins. 

TideFanInTN: Still feeling his SEC Pride takes Kentucky over Stanford.

GhostofNeyland: Stanford

Volstothewall:  Marquette

2. Texas vs. 10. St. Mary’s

I believe that this game will actually be closer than many think.  I know St. Mary’s plays late at night and most don’t stay up to watch them, but these guys play very well together and can shoot.  However, Texas has too much talent, too much experience, and too much depth for St. Mary’s.  I’m going with the logical choice and picking Texas, but not by much. 

Everyone:  Texas

SWEET 16:

4. Pittsburgh vs. 8. Miss. St.

I believe this game has everything a basketball fan wants in a game.  There is going to be a lot of running up and down the floor or fast pace basketball, and there are also going to be a lot of half-court sets.  This game is one of those that will likely need extra minutes to decide a winner.  By now, Miss. St. just seems emotionally drained from their big wins over Memphis and Oregon.  I’m taking Pittsburgh to win this one.

TideFanInTN: takes Memphis over Michigan St.

GhostofNeyland: Pittsburgh

Volstothewall: Pittsburgh

2. Texas vs. 3. Stanford

As expected, a 2 vs. 3 seed turns into an instant classic.  Two different styles of play but both prove to be effective.  This one comes down to the wire but a buzzer beater by Abrams wins it for Texas. 

Everyone: Texas

ELITE 8:

2. Texas vs. 4. Pittsburgh

I’m going out on a limb here and taking Pittsburgh.  I really like the way these guys finished the season and I believe that they will carry their momentum even further by advancing to the Final Four.  Led by Levance Fields, Pittsburgh is able to tame the Longhorns and advance. 

Everyone else: Texas

So there is how we here at 3SIB see the South Region finishing.  I final recap:

Capstone King - Pittsburgh - South Region Champs

TideFanInTN - Texas - South Region Champs

GhostofNeyland - Texas - South Region Champs

Volstothewall - Texas - South Region Champs

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