ESPN’s Jay Bilas has made his NCAA Tournament predictions.
His bracket looks exactly as you might expect, until the final game.
Here’s what Bilas says about Kentucky’s games, which end with an Elite Eight loss to North Carolina:
No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats vs. No. 15 Abilene Christian Wildcats: Abilene Christian is good on defense, forcing turnovers and not allowing transition opportunities. But these Wildcats have not played the Kentucky Wildcats. Jaren Lewis and Payten Ricks lead the team in scoring, but you can expect Kentucky to overwhelm Abilene Christian in its first game ever in the NCAA tournament.
Wofford Terriers vs. Kentucky Wildcats: Wofford can shoot it, but Kentucky can guard well and should impose its will against a team that could be the tournament darling. P.J. Washington has become one of the best and most dynamic big men in the country since January. Ashton Hagans is one of the best defenders in the country; Tyler Herro can shoot it; and Keldon Johnson is a lottery pick. Kentucky will end the Wofford ride.
Houston Cougars vs. Kentucky Wildcats: Kentucky has too much talent for Houston, and too much depth. I expect Kentucky to win this game and move on to the Elite Eight.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Kentucky Wildcats: These teams played earlier this season, and Kentucky won. In the NCAA rematch, I favor the Tar Heels, although the Wildcats have the better and bigger frontcourt. The key to beating North Carolina is to make the Heels into a half-court team and take away transition opportunities. Kentucky can do that. Still, Carolina will move on to the Final Four.
Believe it or not, he has North Carolina beating Duke in the championship game:
Duke Blue Devils vs. North Carolina Tar Heels: These rivals meet in the NCAA tournament for the first time ever. North Carolina had a shot in the air to beat Duke in the ACC semifinals, but it didn’t fall. If Coby White gets another chance to win at the buzzer, he makes it this time. UNC wins.
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