NCAA Tournament predictions: South region Cinderella, team to avoid and winner from college basketball expert

March 17, 2026 - 00:34

The South region of the 2026 NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be a bracket filled with intrigue, offering a classic blend of powerhouse programs and dangerous underdogs. According to one college basketball expert, the path to the Final Four will be defined by a potential giant-killer, a high-seeded team on upset alert, and a battle-tested favorite.

For the coveted Cinderella pick, look to a mid-major program known for its stifling defense and efficient three-point shooting. This team's style of play is perfectly constructed to frustrate a higher-seeded opponent in a one-game scenario, making them a prime candidate for a memorable first-weekend upset that could captivate the nation.

Conversely, a highly-ranked team from a major conference is flagged as the squad to avoid in your bracket. Despite their impressive record and talent, this team's susceptibility to defensive pressure and inconsistent play away from home makes them a risky bet to advance deep into the tournament, posing a significant danger to brackets everywhere.

Ultimately, the regional champion is projected to be a veteran-laden team with significant prior tournament experience. Their combination of a dominant interior presence, poised guard play, and a coach who has navigated this pressure before gives them the edge to survive the region's chaos and cut down the nets, advancing to the Final Four.