2017 NCAA Tournament: Northwestern vs. Vanderbilt preview, prediction, TV schedule

The No. 8 seeded Northwestern Wildcats will take on the No. 9 seeded Vanderbilt Commodores in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament.

TV schedule: Thursday, March 16, 4:30 p.m. ET, TBS

Many incorrectly believe that the Vanderbilt Commodores did not deserve to make the 2016 NCAA Tournament due to their 15-loss season and lack of 20 wins. However, Vanderbilt had one of the toughest schedules in the country and finished the season on a seven-of-nine game run in which they beat three ranked teams, losing only to two tournament teams. The Selection Committee has shown favoritism to teams that became hot at the end of the season in the past, and this is the case with the Commodores.

Northwestern, on the other hand, faded a bit as the season wore on, just to come up with massive wins down the stretch to secure their place in the Big Dance. Their eight conference losses seem like far too many for a No. 8 seed, but the competitiveness of the Big Ten worked in their favor.

It is a bit ridiculous that the Selection Committee “coincidentally” placed the two academic-Power 5 schools in the same opening game, but this could be one of the better matchups of the first round. Both of these teams have shown that they have the ability to knock off top opponents and could easily be the surprise seeds to make the Elite Eight. Whoever wins this game is going to be dangerous, and Gonzaga should be wary.

Next: 5 most likely first round upsets

I do believe, however, that the Commodores will win this game. Trending upward towards the end of the season, their momentum will continue in the tournament, leading them to at least a second game. Northwestern’s dream trip to the tournament comes to an end in the first game to Bryce Drew and Co.

Prediction: Vanderbilt 72, Northwestern 64