March Madness officially begins with the First Four on Tuesday, with the next two days helping to determine which four programs advance to the first round. Luckily, we have some good First Four matchups to enjoy this year.
Let's take a look at our March Madness predictions for the First Four.
(16) UMBC Retrievers vs. (16) Howard Bison
Eight years after the UMBC Retrievers men's basketball team stunned us forever by defeating No. 16 seed No. 1-seeded Virginia 74-54, they are back to try to deliver another Cinderella story. Of course, the program is very different several years later with fifth-year coach Jim Ferry and a new roster. The Retrievers also faced a tough test against a Howard Bison program that went 11–1 in their last 12 games with a +19.7 point differential. However, UMBC is currently riding a 12-game winning streak, and during that time they have shot 47.7 percent from the field while averaging nearly 80 points per game. We're giving the edge to a Retrievers team that has a little more scoring and playmaking depth. Heading into UMBC facing Michigan, millions are hoping we'll see the 16-seed beat the No. 1 seed again.
- Prediction: UMBC 74, Howard 69
(11) Texas Longhorns vs. (11) NC State Wolfpack
After helping McNeese reach March Madness in consecutive years, coach Will Wade is on the verge of doing it again in his first season with the NC State Wolfpack. Wade's program could be facing the Texas Longhorns at just the right time. The Longhorns finished 1–5 in the SEC, allowing 85.7 ppg and shooting 50.8 percent from the field, all the while barely winning the rebounding battle (180–177). Dellin Swain, the SEC Newcomer of the Year and an All-SEC Second Team selection, has played an average of nearly 37 minutes per game during that span, and he has been able to average over 20 points with double-digit rebounds and five assists along with multiple steals. However, NC State is very well coached, and we think Wade will prepare them to exploit the Longhorns' defensive weaknesses. NC State advances to face BYU.
- Prediction: NC State 82, Texas 77
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(11) SMU Mustangs vs. (11) Miami Redhawks
Did the Miami (OH) RedHawks deserve a run in March Madness after going undefeated in the regular season? Absolutely. 31 consecutive wins deserve recognition; This is a historic achievement that we don't get to see often. That said, losing immediately to a 17-15 UMass Minutemen team in the quarterfinals of the MAC Championship Tournament also served as a reminder of why so many doubted the Redhawks. Heading into the First Four, the SMU Mustangs are ranked 42nd in the KenPom rankings, while Miami (OH) is ranked 93rd. We expect guard Boopie Miller and the Mustangs to win comfortably, clinching a spot in the first round against Tennessee.
- Prediction: SMU 89, Miami (Ohio) 75
(16) Prairie View AM Panthers vs. (16) Lehigh Mountain Hawks
Lehigh returns to the tournament for the first time since 2012, following an 18–16 season that ended with a dominant win over Boston University to win the Patriot League title. The win means a First Four matchup against Prairie View A&M, which won the SWAC Tournament after finishing just one game above .500 this season. In his second season with the program and coming off an outstanding Patriot League Tournament appearance, guard Nasir Whitlock would lead Lehigh to victory. Unfortunately for the program, the No. 1-seeded Florida Gators are waiting for them.
- Prediction: Lehigh 80, Prairie View A&M 68
