March Madness predictions: Can you beat our expert’s bracket?

The NCAA Tournament isn’t just about cheering on your favorite team, learning about future NBA players or avoiding any real work during the afternoon games.

It’s also about chirping to friends, family and co-workers about your infallible bracket picks.

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Now you can add college basketball beat writers to that list. Ben Steele covers Marquette men’s basketball and, with the Golden Eagles not playing in March Madness this season, his only focus is not embarrassing himself with his predictions.

Expert predictions: Marquette beat writer makes NCAA Tournament picks

More: Marquette basketball is back, and reporter Ben Steele will bring you the inside stories

Sign up for USA TODAY’s Bracket Challenge, presented by AutoZone, and test your knowledge against our experts. You will have a chance to win up to $40,000 in prizes and a shot at a $1 million perfect bracket.

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What are your Final Four picks?

Michigan State, Houston, Arizona and Tennessee.

If there is a common thread among those teams, it’s that they all boast strong defenses. All four are in the top 15 of KenPom.com’s defensive-efficiency rankings. Offense can come and go under the bright lights of the NCAA Tournament, but a stout defense always gives you a chance.

Who is your pick to win NCAA Tournament?

Houston.

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This is a narrative choice more than anything, with Kelvin Sampson being such a good coach for so long but never winning the final game. The Cougars came frustratingly close last season against Florida. This time, the Cougars have a dynamic bucket-getter in freshman guard Kingston Flemings to complement Sampson’s always-stingy defense. That makes the difference in Sampson getting his first title.

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Publish date : 2026-03-16 02:25:00

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