NCAA Bracket 2019: Midwest Region Predictions, Upsets, Picks, Players to Watch

North Carolina was 2-0 against Duke without Zion and 0-1 against Duke Zion Williamson. Can they get through to the Final Four and give us this matchup for the 4th time this year?

The Teams

#1 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. #16 Iona Gaels

#2 Kentucky Wildcats vs. #15 Abilene Christian Wildcats

#3 Houston Cougars vs. #14 Georgia State Panthers

#4 Kansas Jayhawks vs. #13 Northeastern Huskies

#5 Auburn Tigers vs. #12 New Mexico State Aggies

#6 Iowa State Cyclones vs. #11 Ohio State Buckeyes

#7 Wofford Terriers vs. #10 Seton Hall Pirates

#8 Utah State Aggies vs. #9 Washington Huskies

Key Questions Answered

Who wins the West Region?

I think this is the region that is most open. UNC and Kentucky have very similar profiles, Auburn isn’t quite as good defensively but they are dangerous offensively. Houston is the opposite, with really good defense and a very deep team. I’m rooting for Houston to come out of this one. But really I think that 6 of the top 7 seeds in this region could all come out of those one (sorry Kansas).

Who has the best mascot in the region?

This is a really boring region of mascots, so many cats and dogs. Seton Hall wins this on by default. ARRRGGGH

Who are the players to watch?

Coby White is super fun to watch. He has great hair and he is just incredibly fast. He’s a top 5 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft and should be a joy to watch in this tournament.

Fletcher Magee takes a TON of threes and makes 42% of them, he may be the kind of guy

Who wins the #5 vs. #12 matchup?

Auburn wins and this one isn’t going to be a particularly great game.

Who is the Guaranteed Upset Special?

I think this region sees it’s upsets in the second round. First round is going to go to all lower seeds.