Bracketbuster #1

12 Texas A&M v. 5 Syracuse

This matchup it tough to figure out. You have Syracuse, who before the Big East tournament was questionable as to whether they would even qualify for the tournament, turn into the hottest team in the country and win the conference tournament in arguably the toughest conference in the country.

Texas A&M is a team just waiting to make a big upset. They knocked off Texas late in the season and then nearly did it again the Big 12 tournament. They played in the Big 12, which is no pushover conference. So this isn't some mid-major team.

This is also the dreaded 5 v. 12 matchup. Every year there are always at least a couple 12 seeds that beat 5 seeds.

It all depends on which team Syracuse brings. Will they still be on fire a week later and continue their outstanding play, or will they revert to the mediocre team they were for the better part of the season? If they are as hot as they were in the Big East tournament, seriously consider them for knocking off Duke and going to the Final Four. If not, A&M pulls off one of the many first round upsets to come.

Verdict: Go with Syracuse. You have to like teams that are peaking right now and playing their best ball of the season heading right into the tournament. Gerry Macnamara is a great senior and his tournament experience will prove too much for the Aggies.