Puerto Rico Tip-Off Predictions

[SelectionSunday]

Quarterfinals
West Virginia over Davidson
Vanderbilt over Nebraska
North Carolina over Hofstra
Minnesota over Western Kentucky

Consolation -- 2nd Round
Nebraska over Davidson
Western Kentucky over Hofstra

Semifinals
Vanderbilt over West Virginia
North Carolina over Minnesota

Final Round
Hofstra over Davidson (7th)
Western Kentucky over Nebraska (5th)
Minnesota over West Virginia (3rd)
North Carolina over Vanderbilt (championship)

 

[Holy Man]

I would be satisfied with your predictions, Selection, but it would be nice to beat Weeping Roy and Harrison Barnes, too. He must be shown a lesson for spurning the Gophers! Your scenario gives us three quality games and two quality wins, which is great.

Let's get the Hilltoppers first.

 

[SelectionSunday]

Amen, Holy Man. I think the Gophers can win this tournament -- even without Devoe -- but I would be pleased with ANY two wins coming from the (1st round) winner's side of the bracket. Given we don't have Devoe, I think that should probably be the realistic expectation.

 

[Friend Of Tubby]

Absent Devoe

Quarterfinals
West Virginia over Davidson
Vanderbilt over Nebraska
North Carolina over Hofstra
Minnesota over Western Kentucky

Consolation -- 2nd Round
Nebraska over Davidson
Western Kentucky over Hofstra

Semifinals
Vanderbilt over West Virginia
North Carolina over Minnesota

Final Round
Hofstra over Davidson (7th)
Western Kentucky over Nebraska (5th)
Minnesota over West Virginia (3rd)
North Carolina over Vanderbilt (championship)

If Gophers L 1st game, I think they go 2-1.

If they W it, I think 1-2 may be outcome.

WITH Devoe, 2-1 or even 3-0 possible.

 

[Dr.Don]

My prediction is this: For each team, the sum of wins and losses will = 3. That is far as I will predict. But I have hope. Go Gophers!!!

 

[BarnBurner]

Amen, Holy Man. I think the Gophers can win this tournament -- even without Devoe -- but I would be pleased with ANY two wins coming from the (1st round) winner's side of the bracket. Given we don't have Devoe, I think that should probably be the realistic expectation.

Devoe, no Devoe. Shouldnt matter. Play with the team on the floor and the results that follow. Expectation should be wins with or without.

 

[SelectionSunday]

"Play with the team on the floor and the results that follow."

I agree with you there. However, unfortunately, I think it does (and will) matter that the Gophers might play UNC without arguably their best player. As long as the Gopher staff & players expect to win, that's all I'm concerned about. Doesn't matter what I expect.

 

[gopherbadgerman]

Will less than 2-1 be considered a poor showing?

 

[OSUfan]

I would not pick Vandy to beat WVU. WVU lost some good players, but they still were a lot better than Vandy last year (F4 vs. 1 & done). Vandy lost some good players, too (PF/C Ogilvy and PG Beal), and WVU dominated a respectable Oakland club (that went on the road and beat a quality Ohio U team in their next game). So I believe WVU over Vandy is the proper pick there. WVU vs. Carolina for the title most likely, and I'd pick WVU to win it. So perhaps two WVU tournament championships in a row with the Gophs in the field. Plus, watch out for Nebraska against Vandy - Huskers aren't the cakewalk that people seem to think.