The NCAA Tournament’s Round of 64 tips off midday Thursday, and there willl be 32 games across two days to get March Madness into full swing. Syracuse opens up play against Baylor on Thursday night.

Our beat writers discussed a few bracket-related topics ahead of Thursday’s play.

1. How far will Syracuse go in the NCAA Tournament?

Charlie DiSturco: I think this is the popular opinion, but Syracuse will defeat Baylor in the Round of 64 before falling to No. 1 seed Gonzaga the following game. Gonzaga will provide an interesting matchup for Syracuse, as they were only able to defeat Washington and its 2-3 zone by two at home. Now on a neutral court just over a week removed from being shut down by Saint Mary’s in the conference tournament, and I think SU has a real chance at an upset. But the Bulldogs are so balanced offensively and defensively, that I’d expect them to down the Orange come the Round of 32.  

Matthew Gutierrez: Over their past four NCAA Tournaments, the Syracuse Orange are 12-4. Past success doesn’t equate to future success, but this team reminds me a little bit of the 2016 Final Four team. Just a little. Frank Howard’s absence could hurt, especially if SU plays Saturday against No. 1 seed Gonzaga, though I think this team is capable of advancing to the second weekend.

Billy Heyen: I’ve got Syracuse beating Baylor in the Round of 64. But then I don’t see a great way that the Orange could get by No. 1-seed Gonzaga in the second round. The Bulldogs not only tore through a weaker conference, but they also beat teams like Duke and Washington in the nonconference, and there really isn’t anything they do poorly. Syracuse’s only chance would be slowing the game down against a fast-paced Gonzaga, but even that probably wouldn’t make a difference.

2. Of the 64 teams left in this year’s bracket, what is your biggest sleeper team for a deep run?

C.D.: I think Iowa State is an extremely well-built team for March and could make a run to the Final Four. I myself have them going to the Elite Eight. One of the lesser-seeded teams that I have making a run is UC Irvine. The Anteaters are the No. 1 team at defending 2-point field goals and have not lost since Jan. 16. Kansas State is without its star Dean Wade and is vulnerable in the Round of 64. Add on a potential matchup with Wisconsin or Oregon, and I think UC Irvine has a solid shot at making the Sweet 16, if not further.

M.G.: Yale is possible. So is Washington, though a matchup with North Carolina would be difficult. I’ll also say Villanova. Which is funny because they have won two out of the past three national titles. But I wouldn’t count them out.

B.H.: No. 14-seed Yale has what looks to me a pretty easy path to two wins and a spot in the Sweet 16. The Bulldogs are led by NBA prospect Miye Oni and speedy point guard Alex Copeland, and they face an LSU team missing its head coach in the first round. If Yale gets by the Tigers, it’s most likely a meeting with No. 6-seed Maryland in the second round. Copeland matches up well with Anthony Cowan, and if Yale could limit Bruno Fernando on the glass that could be a second-straight win.

3. Who will make the Final Four, and which team will win it all?

C.D.: Duke, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida State. As for which team could win it all, I’m rolling with the Tar Heels. They are the most well-built team that can shoot the ball extremely well, crash the offensive glass and more. Cam Johnson, Coby White and Luke Maye are all stars and that’s just the tip of the iceberg for UNC.

M.G.: Duke, Virginia, North Carolina and Michigan. I could see any one of those four winning the title, having seen three of the four teams in person and the other a little bit during the regular season. They all score, defend and handle close games well.

B.H.: I’ve got a Final Four that resembles the last four of the ACC tournament: Duke, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida State. UNC will beat UVA in their semifinal and the Blue Devils will get by FSU in theirs. That’ll set up what could be the one the most-hyped championship games, a Duke against North Carolina matchup. And I’ve got Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett and the Blue Devils being too good for the Tar Heels.

Published on March 21, 2019 at 11:42 am