Gonzaga a sleeper but Xavier the pick
Best Round of 64 matchup: Texas A&M vs. Providence. This game presents a classic contrast of lineups and styles. The Aggies usually start three frontcourt players who stand 6-9, 220 pounds; 6-10, 240; and 6-10, 265. They also start a freshman at guard. The Friars usually start three guards — two of whom are seniors — and forward Rodney Bullock, who averages more than four three-point attempts per game. Texas A&M outrebounds opponents by nearly six a game; Providence basically breaks even. Providence is coming off a run to the Big East Conference tournament final that included a win vs. Xavier, the West Region’s No. 1 seed. Texas A&M won its final three regular-season games then failed to make the Southeastern Conference quarterfinals.
Potential upset: Ohio State better be careful against 12th-seeded South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits were in the tournament in 2016 and 2017, so they know the drill. They shoot 40% from three-point range (and 43% of their field goal attempts this season have been threes). They also shoot 76% from the free throw line. In addition, with 6-9, 250-pound junior forward Mike Daum, they have the kind of singular talent who can tip a game. The two-time Summit League player of the year, he averages 23.8 points and 10.4 rebounds and shoots 42% from three-point range and nearly 86% from the foul line. South Dakota State has the ability to spread out opponents, make threes, then start going to the basket. The Buckeyes will be well-advised to get ahead early. If they have to chase the game — well, you know the deal with chasing Jackrabbits.
The sleeper: Can last season’s national runner-up really be considered a sleeper? Well, Gonzaga is a No. 4 seed, and nobody is talking about how this team really is the best one Mark Few has ever had. Heck, few people east of the Cascades who aren’t serious college hoops junkies can even name one of the Zags. So here’s a little help: Johnathan Williams, Killian Tillie and Rui Hachimura are formidable up front, and Silas Melson and Josh Perkins give Gonzaga a starting backcourt comprising a senior and a redshirt junior. This is an actual West Coast team in the West Region that will be playing at Western sites.
The winner: In the spirit of Gonzaga’s breakthrough last season, the pick is Xavier. Rugged and led by senior guard Trevon Bluiett, the Musketeers got to the Elite Eight as a No. 11 seed last season before losing to the top-seeded Zags in the West Region final. Plus — get this — according to the bio of assistant coach Luke Murray: “His father, Bill, is an Emmy and Golden Globe winning comedian and actor.”