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NCAA Basketball: 2018 MGM Main Event preview and predictions

By Jason Burgess

GAINESVILLE, FL - JANUARY 19: Head coach Ben Howland of the Mississippi State Bulldogs gestures during the game against the Florida Gators at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on January 19, 2016 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - JANUARY 19: Head coach Ben Howland of the Mississippi State Bulldogs gestures during the game against the Florida Gators at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on January 19, 2016 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /
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Heavyweight Bracket

Arizona State (4-0)

The Arizona State Sun Devils and head coach Bobby Hurley have gotten off to a 4-0 start heading into the event, led by freshman guard Luguentz Dort. The 6-4 Dort has led the team in scoring in three of the four games, averaging 21.7 points and 7.7 rebounds. Also off to a good start is senior forward Zylan Cheatham. The 6-8 Cheatham is averaging a double-double with 13.3 points and 10 rebounds, he is also second on the team in assists with 3.3. Over their last three games, the Sun Devils have scored 90.6 points per game while giving up just 68, we’ll see if those numbers hold up against stiffer competition.

Mississippi State (3-0)

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are also rolling, off to a 3-0 start, with wins over Austin Peay, Hartford, and Long Beach State. Ben Howland’s squad has been led by the Weatherspoon guards. Senior Quinndary and sophomore Nick have combined to average 31 points and four assists over the first three games. Guard Tyson Carter and Forward Aric Holman are also averaging double figures with 14.3 and 10.7 respectively and junior guard Lamar Peters is dishing out five assists per game. The trip to Las Vegas will be the Bulldogs first time leaving Starkville this season, let’s see how they hold up outside their friendly confines.

Saint Mary’s (3-0)

Saint Mary’s will be like everyone else in the WCC, chasing Gonzaga, but Randy Bennett’s team is off to a quick 3-0 start, including a victory over New Mexico State in their last game. Junior guard Jordan Ford has been dominant for the Gaels. The 6-1 California native is leading the team in points (28.7) and assists (4.3) over the first three games. Sophomore forward Malik Fitts has also made an immediate impact for the Gaels after sitting out last season after transferring from South Florida. The 6-8 Fitts is averaging 16.0 points and 8.7 rebounds thus far.

Utah State (4-0)

The Utah State Aggies and first-year head coach Craig Smith are also undefeated and in convincing fashion. They defeated Montana State by 20 points on opening night and followed that up with a 27-point win over Hartford. The last two times out they beat Mississippi Valley State and Utah Valley respectively. Junior guard Sam Merrill began his season with a 37-point effort and has been the Aggies’ go-to-guy in the first four games, averaging 20.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and four assists. Senior forward Dwayne Brown, Jr, has also gotten off to good start for Utah State. The 6-6 Brown is averaging 12.3 points and 4.8 rebounds through four games.

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