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March Madness 2016 Predictions: Expect The Worst In This Year’s Tourney

By Keith Rivas

Mar 14, 2016; Dayton, OH, USA; General view of team chairs on the court bearing the March Madness logo during a practice day before the First Four of the NCAA men
Mar 14, 2016; Dayton, OH, USA; General view of team chairs on the court bearing the March Madness logo during a practice day before the First Four of the NCAA men /
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Final Four Freakshow

Jan 24, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; USC Trojans guard Katin Reinhardt (5) looks down at the end of a game against the Oregon State Beavers at Gill Coliseum. The Beavers won 85-70. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; USC Trojans guard Katin Reinhardt (5) looks down at the end of a game against the Oregon State Beavers at Gill Coliseum. The Beavers won 85-70. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

Rivas: Believe it or not, this could be the year that the USC Trojans finally earn the right and respect of being a good college basketball team. Looking back in recent memory, the Trojans have failed to impress in this area of collegiate sports time and time again, with UCLA usually taking all the talk of the town. This year is different, though, as they’ll have to get through teams like North Carolina and Kentucky unless they are otherwise removed — and that won’t be easy. This is really the craziest prediction of the whole tournament, but with the season they’ve given us it’s worth a shot.

But even if they make it, I think Michigan State will have their way — but even then, it’s a step up for the program.

Taylor: UConn is one of those teams that every March you have to look out for. They have some experience and they’re packed with tons of March magic. First it was Kemba walker than it was shabazz Napiar and this time it’s Daniel Hamilton and Jaylen Adams. Coach Kevin Ollie will get the best out of UConn’s back court and the last time that happened they won the NCAA tournament. Look out for this team to upset Kansas in the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament. Mark my words.

Warnock: Duke will make it to the Final Four this year in a run that is impressive while at the same time repetitive. I think they have one of the easier sections of the bracket, with their toughest opponent — realistically — being the Oklahoma Sooners. They do give a lot of points on the defensive end of the ball, but with the lucky breaks they’ve gotten this year, expect a buzzer-beater to get them past the Elite 8 — but not past Kansas in the Final Four. Amile Jefferson won’t be playing, but his presence would be what would help Duke against a team like Kansas. His 6’9” frame is going to be difficult to replace, especially with the size that the Kansas Jayhawks bring to the table — and in the end, the depth of the Jayhawks will drive Duke out for good.

Next: 2016 NCAA Championship Predictions

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