Welcome to Part 2 of our ReCover 3 Bracket Breakdown series. After locking in our South Region picks, we’re heading west for a loaded region featuring title contenders, dangerous mid-majors, and one of our favorite sleeper squads.
As always, we’re using our proven 3-step model: Data-driven research 📊, trends analysis 📈, and AI insights 🤖.
We also pulled insights from dozens of trusted sources — analysts, betting experts, and bracket pros — and blended it all with our own bracket. The result? Our most curated, confident picks for every game in the West.
Let’s dive in.
1st Round
(1) Florida over (16) Norfolk State – This one was never in doubt. Florida has the guard play, defense, and offensive balance to cruise past Norfolk State.
(8) UConn over (9) Oklahoma – Tough matchup, but UConn’s experience and tournament coaching edge gave them the nod. Oklahoma’s inconsistency was the difference.
(5) Memphis over (12) Colorado State – Memphis was a bit under-seeded, and they came in hungry. Their athleticism and defensive pressure wore down Colorado State.
(4) Maryland over (13) Grand Canyon – Maryland’s physicality and rebounding advantage gave them control in this one. Grand Canyon couldn’t find enough offense in the halfcourt.
(11) Drake over (6) Missouri – Our favorite upset pick in the region. Drake’s guards are the real deal, and Missouri struggled to get stops late in games all season.
(3) Texas Tech over (14) UNCW – The Red Raiders were too deep and too disciplined defensively. UNCW kept it close early, but faded in the second half.
(7) Kansas over (10) Arkansas – This one was a coin flip, but Kansas’s frontcourt gave them the edge. Arkansas had trouble defending without fouling.
(15) St. John’s over (2) Omaha – The Johnnies have momentum and swagger — and Omaha just wasn’t ready for their athleticism. St. John’s ran away with this one.
2nd Round
(1) Florida over (8) UConn – Florida’s pace and depth gave UConn trouble. The Gators attacked mismatches and made UConn’s defense scramble all night.
(4) Maryland over (5) Memphis – This was a grind-it-out battle, but Maryland’s edge on the glass and second-chance points helped them survive a tough Memphis team.
(3) Texas Tech over (11) Drake – Drake gave them a scare, but Texas Tech’s elite on-ball defense wore them down in the final 10 minutes.
(15) St. John’s over (7) Kansas – Another St. John’s upset. Their speed and spacing opened things up, and Kansas didn’t have enough outside shooting to keep up.
Sweet 16
(1) Florida over (4) Maryland – Maryland made it tough, but Florida’s defense clamped down in the second half and created transition buckets to pull away.
(3) Texas Tech over (15) St. John’s – The Red Raiders finally slowed down the St. John’s run. Their physicality and rebounding made the difference.
Elite 8
(1) Florida over (3) Texas Tech – Texas Tech’s defense kept them in it, but Florida’s guard play and ball movement were elite. The Gators closed strong to punch their ticket to the Final Four.
Final Four Pick: Florida
Florida moves on to the Final Four after a dominant regional run, then defeats Michigan State in the semifinal before claiming the National Championship with a win over Duke.
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📍 Missed the other region breakdowns? We got you covered!
➡️ South Region
➡️ West Region
➡️ East Region
➡️ Midwest Region
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