NCAA Tournament Picks: 2016 Final Four, National Championship Predictions

Time is running out to fill out your brackets.

One of the least productive weeks of the year is upon us, as the NCAA Tournament is about to tip off. We know you’ve spent your week stressing over your March Madness picks, and we know you’ll probably need the “Boss Button” on Thursday and Friday.

So we figured we’d help out a little bit. As you make your last-minute predictions, allow NESN.com’s Mike Cole and Ricky Doyle to help as they make their Final Four and national championship selections.*

*If and when all of these teams are eliminated by the end of the first weekend, we’re really sorry.

FINAL FOUR

Mike’s picks
South Region winner: Kansas
West Region winner: Oklahoma
East Region winner: North Carolina
Midwest Region winner: Michigan State

North Carolina over Michigan State. The East Region is so difficult to predict, as you can make the case for at least three and as many as five teams coming out of that region. I’m sticking to my guns and taking Carolina. The Tar Heels have talent, depth and a coach. Pretty good this time of year. I think that — especially the depth — makes the difference in a national semifinal game over Michigan State. The Spartans probably should have been a No. 1 seed, and that chip should propel them through the Midwest region, but North Carolina will prove to be too much.

Oklahoma over Kansas. Because Oklahoma isn’t a top seed, it feels like they’ll be a little bit overlooked. But this is a team that won 11 games against tournament teams this season, and the majority of those came in the Big 12, arguably the most difficult conference in the country. Buddy Hield is a legit star, and he’ll be the backbone for a deep run. OU came so close to beating Kansas — losing two games by a combined seven points, including a triple-overtime thriller — and the third time will be the charm. Kansas has a relatively easy path to Houston, where Hield will make the difference, finally getting Oklahoma by the Jayhawks.

Ricky’s picks
South Region winner: Kansas
West Region winner: Oklahoma
East Region winner: Kentucky
Midwest Region winner: Michigan State

Michigan State over Kentucky. Never underestimate the Wildcats in March, especially with John Calipari in charge. They’re entering the tournament as a No. 4 seed, but there’s a lot to like about Kentucky, including its impressive guard play, which is spearheaded by Tyler Ulis (one of the best point guards in the country) and Jamal Murray (lights out from beyond the arc). Kentucky’s run will last longer than most expect — potential matchups with Indiana, North Carolina and Xavier make for a daunting road — and it’ll finally end in the Final Four, when Michigan State’s smooth offense will be too much for the Wildcats, who rank 72nd in adjusted defensive efficiency, according to KenPom.com.

Oklahoma over Kansas. Few teams are capable of tripping up the Jayhawks before they reach the Final Four. UConn always is a tough out. Cal has a couple of future NBA draft picks. Miami is well-coached. But I expect Kansas to survive the gauntlet, as Bill Self’s group is built for March — top 10 in adjusted offensive/defensive efficiency — and has looked like the best team in the country of late. My faith in the Sooners stems mostly from Hield’s potential to elevate Oklahoma to another level. OU also has a balanced squad and a fantastic three-man backcourt (Hield, Isaiah Cousins, Jordan Woodard) that absolutely is capable of taking down the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Mike: North Carolina over Oklahoma. After one of the craziest seasons in recent memory, maybe it’s fitting that North Carolina, the preseason No. 1, is left standing at season’s end. There’s just so much to like about this team, and the ACC Tournament showed the Heels are hitting their stride, especially on the defensive end of the floor. Marcus Paige gives UNC senior leadership, and he’ll get hot at the right time on the way to crafting the perfect ending to an impressive career.
Ricky: Michigan State over Oklahoma. The Spartans didn’t need any extra motivation. They’re always dangerous come March, in large because they’re coached by one of the best in Tom Izzo. But Michigan State is entering this year’s tournament with a huge chip on its shoulder after being screwed out of a No. 1 seed. That’s scary, given how talented MSU already is when all things are equal.