Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: 2018 Hall of Fame Tip-Off preview and predictions

By Tristan Freeman

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Michigan Wolverines Head Basketball Coach John Beilein shouts out instructions during the second half of the game against the Holy Cross Crusaders at Crisler Center on November 10, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Holy Cross Crusaders 56-37. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Michigan Wolverines Head Basketball Coach John Beilein shouts out instructions during the second half of the game against the Holy Cross Crusaders at Crisler Center on November 10, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Holy Cross Crusaders 56-37. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTESVILLE , VA – NOVEMBER 11: Terry Nolan Jr. #1 of the George Washington Colonials takes a jump shot over Braxton Key #2 of the Virginia Cavaliers during a college basketball game at the John Paul Jones Arena on November 11, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE , VA – NOVEMBER 11: Terry Nolan Jr. #1 of the George Washington Colonials takes a jump shot over Braxton Key #2 of the Virginia Cavaliers during a college basketball game at the John Paul Jones Arena on November 11, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Naismith Bracket (Results and stats as of 11/13)

George Washington (0-3)

There’s a legit possibility that the losses to both Siena and Stony Brook to open the season weren’t upsets, as the Colonials have been depleted after multiple transfers and early departures. With five players scoring between 9.0-13.0 ppg, GW uses a balanced approach on offense. The key player is forward Arnaldo Toro, who averages nearly a double-double so far this season.

Michigan (2-0)

Scoring under 120 points combined against Norfolk State and Holy Cross is a bit concerning for the Wolverines offense but the defense has been special, only allowing 81 total points. Charles Matthews averaging 15 ppg isn’t a surprise but freshman Ignas Brazdeikis has played very well early. The forward is averaging 15.5 ppg to lead the team. The team needs to shoot better but could have one of the best defenses in all of college basketball this season.

Providence (1-1)

A tough loss to Wichita State in a high-scoring bout dampens the impressive performance that freshman guard AJ Reeves put up. He’s averaging 24 ppg so far to join All-Conference candidate Alpha Diallo (21.5 ppg and 10.5 rpg). The Friars need to improve their defense, as well as continue to bring back forward Emmitt Holt, who’s played very little so far.

South Carolina (1-1)

The frontcourt of the Gamecocks has been underwhelming so far, with Chris Silva, Maik Kotsar and Felipe Haase not providing the necessary production. However, freshmen Keyshawn Bryant and AJ Lawson have been fantastic, combining to average 31 ppg and 8.5 apg in the first two games. Assuming the overall production balances out between the frontcourt and the backcourt, South Carolina will be a thorn in the side of SEC teams.

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