UCLA - This strikes me as a must win tournament for UCLA to elevate their status as a legitimate contender this season. They have the best player in the tournament, Lonzo Ball, and it is in their backyard. I think they get it done this weekend. The Pac-12 could really use this as a whole for the Conference RPI as well.
Texas A&M - I am not exactly sold on the Aggies. I would be surprised if they lost to Northridge, but can certainly see VTech or the Lobos beating them in the Semifinals.
Dayton - Flyers are scrappy and hungry after the loss to Saint Mary's last week. They will be in three battles in this tournament as long as they win the opener. I see them winning that and the 3rd place game over....
New Mexico - Predicting an upset over the Hokies in Round 1, despite the fact that I believe the Hokies are in my field of 68 right now. I am thinking New Mexico will be more amped for this game in Titan Gym.
Virginia Tech - The loss to the Lobos will wake them up and they will bounce back to beat Northridge and Nebraska.
Nebraska - Mystery team coming in undefeated. I see them battling Dayton and falling short in round 1.
Portland - Don't sleep on the Pilots. They come in undefeated and ready to prove themselves. But I see them falling short in the first two games.
Cal State Northridge - The Matadors are also a tough out with solid overall talent. But again, someone has to finish 8th.
