NCAA Basketball: Previewing the 2017 PK80 Motion Bracket

Matchups in the First Round

Duke vs. Portland State

This is probably the worst first-round matchup. It would be extremely fun if Portland State were to hang around with Duke, but that doesn’t seem likely to happen. Duke should be able to impose their will on Portland State and come away with a win that allows Coach K to tinker with his rotations a bit to see what works and what doesn’t in a game setting. Advantage: Duke.

Butler vs. Texas

This seems to be the best first-round matchup in this bracket on paper. Both of these teams look like potential tournament teams and seem to be pretty evenly matched. Texas will have the advantage on the interior with Mo Bamba, but Butler has the tools to beat them from outside or through a hot shooting night from Kelan Martin. This one could go either way, but I think that Butler’s senior leadership and early season tests will have them better prepared for this game. Advantage: Butler.

Florida vs. Stanford

Stanford has the star player to possibly pull off the upset here in Reid Travis. He is a 20 points per game scorer and could erupt against Florida. However, Florida is one of the premier defensive teams in the country and should be able to shut down the Cardinal’s offensive attack. The Gators also have solid contributors on the offensive end to come away with a solid victory. Advantage: Florida.

Ohio State vs. Gonzaga

At the moment, Ohio State is in a rebuilding phase of their program while Gonzaga is just reloading. The Buckeyes are in their first year with a new head coach and their roster looks much different from what it looked like last season. Gonzaga, on the other hand, returns enough players and a top head coach to be a top-25 team in the country. This one should be easy for the Bulldogs. Advantage: Gonzaga.