West Region Predictions
Regional predictions: Midwest | West | East | South | Final Four/Championship
SEMIFINALS
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1. Kansas vs. 4. Southern Illinois
Bill Self won’t face the same animosity that he would have against the Illinois program he left four years ago, but Self’s exit led to Bruce Weber’s departure from Southern Illinois, which … ah, Chris Lowery’s Salukis are awfully good, too. Every shot will be contested.
Winner: Kansas
3. Pittsburgh vs. 2. UCLA
For nine years at Northern Arizona and Pitt, Jamie Dixon twisted his neck to see around Ben Howland’s crazy little defensive coaching stance. The apprentice-master theme is up for the third time in this tournament (Crean-Izzo; Matta-Miller), and the master has won every time.
Winner: UCLA
FINAL
1. Kansas vs. 2. UCLA
Two of college basketball’s most storied programs emerge from the NCAA tournament’s Blueblood Division (along with Duke, Kentucky and Indiana), with the Bruins’ 16th and the Jayhawks’ 13th Final Four appearances on the line. The better-balanced ballclub will prevail.
Winner: Kansas
