Each day here on the Blog leading up tot he start of the NCAA tournament (well the start of the now titled Second Round) we will break down a particular region. We're talking best games, sleepers, and other notable notes from the East, West, Southwest, and Southeast. Today we're breaking down the Southwest region. Click to see the West, Southeast and Southwest breakdowns.
Top Seeds: (1) Ohio State, (2) North Carolina, (3) Syracuse, (4) Kentucky
Analysis: First, let's be real here, the East is ridiculously loaded. The Big 10 regular season and tournament champ, the ACC regular season champ, and the SEC tourney champ are all among the top 4 seeds. UK was ranked in the top 20 all year and they are a four seed? Through in conference tourney champs, and dangerous teams, like Xavier and Washington and the winner of this region should just be crowned NCAA champs. It's likely the top seeds will hold for the first weekend and if that is the case the regional semis and finals will pit the Buckeyes against the Wildcats and the Tar Heels against the Orange.
Must Watch First Round Game: (6) Xavier v. (11) Marquette Friday TruTv 7:25 - I really want to see (8) George Mason v. (9) Villanova for so many reasons, but the winner of that is likely to lose in the next game (v. Ohio State). The winner of the Golden Eagles and the Musketeers could potentially reach the Sweet 16 and because it's the prelude to Syracuse's game, you know these two will play at least two overtimes.
Upset Pick: (12) Clemson v. (5) West Virginia Thursday CBS 12:15 - Here's my only real issue with the concept of the 'First Four.' The Tigers played Tuesday and crushed UAB and, despite getting into to Tampa at 4 in the morning Wednesday, they have confidence and are already one game experienced for the tourney. If fatigue is going to be an issue it would likely hit Clemson Saturday, not Thursday. I still think West Virginia is better and should win, but don't underestimate the value of playing an easy game on Tuesday for Clemson.
Darkhorse: (7) Washington - The Huskies ran the table in Los Angeles at the Pac 10 tournament last weekend for the second straight year. Last year's team used that momentum to reach the Sweet 16 and, although this Washington team isn't as good, I could see UW winning a game or two (or more) this season. With Isiah Thomas running the point for a team that can score quick the Huskies may be able to sneak up on the power teams in the East, including North Carolina.
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