Liam Durbin, the Tribune’s horse racing handicapper, unleashed his computer program on the NCAA tournament last week, and well, there was some stumbling out of the gate. The Midwest regional? The horses should have stayed in the stable: 3-5 in the first round, 0-for-the second round. That’s what happens when you have Wisconsin over Arizona in the regional final. Solid trips through the West and South (6-2 in first round, 3-1 in second) helped, as North Carolina, Ohio State and Kansas held form. The final tally: 20 first-round winners, half the Sweet 16 and just 3 of his Elite 8 still alive. Well, Durbin gets a fresh shot, giving his computer the Sweet 16 and all that fresh information that 48 games in four days creates.
KEY:
SPEED: Team’s ability to score consistently
CLASS: Strength of schedule
FORM: Team’s ability to win
CONNECTIONS: Intangibles
The team with the advantage in each of Durbin’s four factors is highlighted
SWEET 16
ELITE 8
FINAL 4
CHAMPIONSHIP: Kansas 82 UNC 88
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See microfilm for complete graphic.
