2022 NCAA Tournament: Key questions and storylines for South Region

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 12: (L-R) Dalen Terry #4, Justin Kier #5, Kerr Kriisa #25, Bennedict Mathurin #0, Pelle Larsson #3, Azuolas Tubelis #10 and Adama Bal #2 of the Arizona Wildcats pose with the championship trophy and a ceremonial NCAA tournament ticket with a team sticker on it after the team's 84-76 victory over the UCLA Bruins to win the Pac-12 Conference basketball tournament championship game at T-Mobile Arena on March 12, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

5 of 5

NCAA Tournament Tennessee Volunteers Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

5. What is your Finals prediction for this region?

Clarry

I see a showdown of Arizona and Tennesee. The Wildcats and Volunteers have the defense and pieces to withstand a bunch of different styles of opponents and frankly don’t face many challenges until the Sweet 16. I will take Tennessee’s cast over a small rotation for a very good Villanova, but that should be a spectacular game as well if we see it.

Rosenberg

Ultimately, I think the Elite 8 will turn out to be Houston and Villanova. I believe in adversity and Houston’s shown that all this season ever since losing Marcus Sasser in December. With a chip on their shoulders, I feel like Houston will overcome Arizona and meet Villanova for an Elite 8 grudge match.

Watson

Arizona vs. Tennessee. Arizona has been my pick to win the National Championship since December. Kerr Kriisa’s injury is concerning, but this team still has enough firepower to make the Elite Eight even if he does not play or isn’t healthy. Tennessee is wildly under-seeded as the team with the second most Quadrant 1 wins in the country and winners of the SEC Championship.

They have beaten Auburn, Arkansas, and Kentucky (x2). Most importantly, they beat Arizona in Knoxville back in December. I like the Volunteers to make it to the Final Four out of the South Region with Kerr Kriisa either out or below 100%.

Next. Top 10 Round of 64 upsets to pick. dark

McCormack

I am going with Tennessee vs Illinois to meet up in the Elite 8 with the winner to get to the Final Four. Tennessee is able to upset Villanova in the Sweet 16, and Illinois gets some revenge and busts a lot of brackets out there knocking off Arizona in a rematch after meeting up already in December. Haven’t decided yet who I have winning between Tennessee and Illinois.

Home/NCAA Basketball News