2016 NCAA Tournament: South Region Picks and Analysis

(1) Kansas vs. (16) Austin Peay

Kansas is possibly the most well rounded team in the tournament. No chance the Governors make history here by becoming the first 16-seed to beat a 1-seed.
Pick: Kansas

(8) Colorado vs. (9) UConn

The Buffaloes have the frontcourt; the Huskies have the backcourt. Josh Scott and company should have its way with UConn down low, but look for UConn's guards to overwhelm the Buffaloes and keep its magical March alive.
Pick: UConn

(5) Maryland vs. (12) South Dakota State

The Terps have Final Four talent with Melo Trimble, Diamond Stone and company, but they have never really put it together.  The Jackrabbits have a well-balanced attack with three scorers averaging more than 14 points per game, including the Summit League sixth man of the year in Mike Daum, a 6'9 freshmen with a skillset similar Mike Muscala. Look for Maryland to commit too many unforced turnovers while Jackrabbits offense flows its way passed the struggling Terps.
Pick: South Dakota State

(4) California vs. (13) Hawaii

You will quickly learn how exciting Hawaii is to watch thanks to Stefan Jankovic, Roderick Bobbitt and their suffocating defense. But Cal's Tyrone Wallace should handle the pressure and their bigs will likely prove too much for the Rainbow Warriors.
Pick: California

(6) Arizona vs. (11) Wichita State

Arizona at times has struggled to put the ball in the basket this year. The Cats will likely rely heavily on offensive put backs once again, but Wichita State proved it could handle the tall task of defending Vandy, and its three seven-footers, in the First Four matchup. Look for the tournament-tested guards in Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker to lift the Shockers past the Wildcats.
Pick: Wichita State

(3) Miami vs. (14) Buffalo

Many of the current Hurricanes were part of last year's team that was snubbed from the tournament. Comprised of mainly upperclassmen, look for Canes to come out with a chip on their shoulder. The poor Bobby Hurley-less Bulls just happen to be the unfortunate team trapped in the eye of the storm.
Pick: Miami

(7) Iowa vs. (10) Temple

The Hawkeyes were once a top-five team in the country, but now they find themselves streaking in the wrong direction.  Lucky for them, Temple has leaned heavily on the three-ball this season. Look for Iowa to clamp down on the perimeter while Peter Jok and Jarrod Uthoff shoulder the load on offense.
Pick: Iowa

(2) Villanova vs. (15) UNC-Asheville

The Wildcats have been a top-two seed each of the past two seasons, but could not reach the Sweet Sixteen either year. In 2014 it was to the eventual tournament champion UCONN and in 2015 it was to a red-hot, over-sized North Carolina State. As UNC-Ashville does not resemble either of those teams, Villanova should manage just fine.
Pick: Villanova

Second Round

(1) Kansas vs. (9) UConn

UConn has the guards to match up against Kansas but not the size. UConn's Amidah Brimah will likely get his fair share of blocks, but look for Kansas to dominate the glass and the paint and move on with ease.
Pick: Kansas

(12) South Dakota State vs. (4) California

South Dakota State's offense may be a well-oiled machine, but Cal's length and stout defense should leave the Jackrabbits looking for a bunny-hole to hop in. 
Pick: California

(11) Wichita State vs. (3) Miami

Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet will have carried the Shockers this far in the tournament, but Miami's lanky wings will be too much for the two guards to handle.
Pick: Miami

(7) Iowa vs. (2) Villanova

You may not trust Villanova, thanks to its recent tournament history, but do not forget Iowa has not had much tournament success lately either. Look for senior Ryan Arcidiacono to lead the Wildcats to the Sweet 16 for the first time in his career.
Pick: Villanova

Sweet Sixteen

(1) Kansas vs. (4) California

California's NBA-caliber freshmen Ivan Rabb and Jaylen Brown will need to show up in this one for the Golden Bears to have a chance. Both teams match up well in both the backcourt and frontcourt, meaning this one might come down to the final possession. If that is the case, have faith in Devonte Graham to answer the bell and close this one out for the Jayhawks.
Pick: Kansas

(3) Miami vs. (2) Villanova

The Hurricanes are certainly not giants, but with their gritty style-of play and length at each position look for the Canes to bully their way past the Wildcats, ending Ryan Arcidiacono's career.
Pick: Miami

Elite Eight

(1) Kansas vs. (3) Miami

Tonye Jekiri provides the Canes with a rim protector, but look for Perry Ellis to still attack the paint early and often. Due to Miami's lack of depth in the frontcourt, if Jekiri gets into foul trouble, it will be a long day for Miami defending the paint. 
Pick: Kansas