No upset here: UConn rolls to another title

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Much like the Big Ten race this season, the NCAA Tournament appears to be a one-team show.

Connecticut, the No. 1 overall seed and winners of 71 straight games, is the prohibitive favorite to win its second straight national championship. The Huskies dominated the competition throughout the season, winning their games by an average of almost 35 points.

Although UConn is the overwhelming favorite, that doesn’t take away from what should otherwise be a very fun, competitive tournament.

Dayton Region

Winner UConn — The Huskies are beyond a shadow of a doubt the most dominant team in college basketball, men’s or women’s. Ohio State is the only team that is even going to possibly give UConn a game. The thing is, I have doubts that Ohio State can even make it to the Elite Eight to meet UConn. That team has been notoriously flaky in the NCAA Tournament, and with the way the team has played at times this season, getting upset is a real possibility. Even if Ohio State makes it, the Huskies beat them by 10. If it’s anybody else, make it 25.

Sleeper Middle Tennessee State — The Raiders gave MSU a run in the first round last season before falling late. This season, they enter as a 10-seed and play Mississippi State in the first round with a likely clash with Ohio State in the second round.

Memphis Region

Winner Tennessee — The Lady Vols are going to be determined after stunningly being dropped in the first round last season. Tennessee will make it through the first weekend with no problems but might run into trouble if Baylor makes it to the Sweet 16 to play them.

Sleeper Fresno State — Although the Bulldogs play Baylor, being so close to home in a tournament situation can be very helpful.

Sacramento Region

Winner Texas A&M — The No. 2-seed Aggies made a big impression winning the Big 12 Tournament, beating both Nebraska and Oklahoma. Xavier will give them a run for their money in the Sweet 16, but it’ll come down to a rematch with Oklahoma State in the Elite Eight (that’s right, the Cowgirls will beat Stanford in the Sweet 16) to see who goes to the Final Four.

Sleeper Iowa — The Hawkeyes went from being on the bubble to being a No. 8 seed with their performance in the Big Ten Tournament. They’ll give Stanford a run.

Kansas City Region

Winner MSU — This probably is a homer pick, but I’m having a hard time reasoning against it. Nebraska easily is the weakest No. 1 seed. MSU has proven it has what it takes to beat Notre Dame, the No. 2 seed. The Spartans’ first-round game against Bowling Green is the game that is the most worrisome. MSU can beat Kentucky and can beat Nebraska. It’s proven to be able to play with the big teams. MSU certainly will make it to Kansas City and has a very good chance of going to San Antonio.

Sleeper Bowling Green — Yes, I realize it makes little sense to pick MSU to win the region then have its first round opponent as the sleeper, but the Falcons are the livest dog in this region. If the Falcons get past MSU, they’ll ride that momentum to the Sweet 16.

Final Four

UConn vs. Tennessee — The legendary battle of coaches manifests itself once again: Geno Auriemma against Pat Summitt. The experienced and tested Huskies will be much too much for the young Lady Vols and will beat them convincingly.

Texas A&M vs. MSU — The Aggies will be near home turf in San Antonio. It’ll come down to inside play and Texas A&M’s Danielle Adams will be too much for the Spartans.

National championship

UConn vs. Texas A&M — Again, UConn will be just too much for their opponents, jumping out to an early lead and putting away the Aggies.

Matt Bishop is the State News women’s basketball reporter. He can be reached at bishop20@msu.edu

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