2022 NCAA Tournament: Baylor, Kentucky and Purdue headlines East Region
(7) Murray State vs. (10) San Francisco
One of the most exciting yet infuriating opening-round games takes place in Indianapolis when No. 7 Murray State does battle with No. 10 San Francisco. It’s exciting because it is two of the best mid-major programs in the country but infuriating because they are pitted against one another. It would’ve been nice to see what they can do against other opponents.
The Murray State Racers are led by the trio of KJ Williams, Tevin Brown, and Justice Hill who average over 48 points per game. Murray State is one of the few teams in the country that rank in the top-40 in both offensive and defensive efficiency at KenPom which means the Racers are pests on both ends of the floor.
The Dons of San Francisco are one of the best defensive teams in the country when it comes to the three-point shot, allowing opponents to shoot just 26%. Offensively, lead the team in scoring and shoot 36% from deep and Yauhen Massalski averages nearly a double-double with a team-high 9.4 boards. This has the potential to be one of the better games of the first round. I think Murray State’s defense ends up being the key in this one and the Racers will move on.
Prediction: Murray State
(2) Kentucky vs. (15) St. Peter’s
The St. Peter’s Peacocks won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament and enter the Big Dance riding a seven-game winning streak. The Peacocks are a team that is offensively challenged, averaging just over 66 points per game and ranking 317th in two-point field goal percentage. Those numbers don’t bode well for Shaheen Holloway’s team when they face off against one of the tournament favorites in Kentucky.
Next. Top 10 Round of 64 upset picks. dark
The Wildcats have an advantage in just about every category in this one, the talent of Oscar Tshiebwe, Sahvir Wheeler, Kellan Grady, Keion Brooks, Jr., and the rest of the talented Kentucky roster should carry them to an easy opening-round win.
Prediction: Kentucky