Breaking Down the Bracket

It's that time of year again, the time to shirk work, school, relationships, whatever and fill out your NCAA bracket. Here's a region by region breakdown of the bracket including a stone cold lock* for champion. (*Results may vary)

South Region:

Top Dog: Kentucky. The Wildcats ended the season at 32-2 and the #1 team in the nation. They will be the favorite for many people as the brackets are filled out. The Wildcats are led by stud freshman Anthony Davis who averages 14.3 points per game and 10.0 rebounds per game. The 'Cats must be careful, however, as they have stumbled in tournaments past despite being arguably the most talented team in the field.

Underdog To Consider: Wichita State. The Shockers won the always competitive Missouri Valley Conference and won non-conference games against tournament teams Colorado, UNLV, Creighton, and Davidson. The quality wins, coupled with the knee injury to Indiana's Verdel Jones III, equals a potential Sweet 16 run.

Team To Avoid: VCU. The 2011 Cinderella story VCU Rams are not the team they were last year. The Rams have one starter left from last year's Final Four team and won't replicate that success. If you pick them you're just kidding yourself.

Winner: Baylor. Despite the team's offensive uniforms during the Big 12 tournament, the Bears offer a solid pick as a 3 seed. Baylor's great percentage from the floor (47%, 30th in the nation) and a tough conference schedule that's left them battle tested, the Bears have the ability to knock off the regions top 2 seeds Duke and Kentucky.


West Region


Top Dog: Michigan State. The Spartans look primed for another Final Four run after winning a share of the Big Ten regular season title and then winning the conference tournament. Plus head coach Tom Izzo knows how to win in March. One would be very foolish to bet against the Spartans.

Underdogs To Consider: UVA and Murray State. Two teams that both had an argument for better seeding and two teams that have the tools to pull off upsets. UVA is led by senior Mike Scott who can take over a game (18.1 ppg, 8.4 rpg) and the Cavs also play a suffocating zone defense that can shut down nearly any offense in the country. On the flip side; Murray State is the mid-major darling of the season, finishing with the  best record in Division I (30-1) and have the ability to run by teams behind guard Isiah Canaan (19.2 ppg, 3.7 apg). The Racers have a winnable path to the Sweet Sixteen and if they match their highest level from the regular season, perhaps even further.

Team To Avoid: Louisville. Coming in a bit over seeded after a run to the Big East Tournament Championship, the Cardinals are not the team they appear to be. Perpetual underachievers, (remember Morehead State?) and after a mere 10-8 in conference, color me unimpressed. They'll beat Davidson (who no longer has Steph Curry, which I imagine some people will forget) but beyond that I wouldn't put too much stock into them.

Winner: Michigan State.  Like I said, one would be very foolish to bet against the Spartans, especially as a #1 seed. The Spartans also don't face a team that will give them any issues until the Elite 8. Take the Spartans.




East Region


Top Dog: Syracuse. The Orange won the toughest conference in college basketball and are the #2 team in the nation. They are led by a balanced attack, with 6 players averaging at least 8 points per game and have the numerous players who have the potential to take over a game.

Underdog to Consider: Gonzaga. The Bulldogs are another team that always seems to perform well in March, and that is a credit to head coach Mark Few, who has taken the Bulldogs to the Big Dance in each of his 13 years at the helm and he has reached the Sweet Sixteen in three of those seasons. Gonzaga starts off with a very winnable game against WVU and Ohio State has been exposed before.

Team to Avoid: Wisconsin. The Badgers finished fourth in the highly competitive Big Ten, the Badgers garnered a 4 seed. The road is not very east however, as likely second round opponent will be Vanderbilt who is very talented and could easily knock off the Badgers. The Badgers also lost both games to Iowa (who went 17-16 this season), a team that utilized a more up tempo style, a fact that can come back to haunt the Badgers come Round Two.

Winner: Syracuse The Orange are just too talented and too well coached to not win this region. Look for them to also challenge for the national title.






Midwest Region

Top Dog: North Carolina. The Tar Heels are one of the best teams in the country, and every player on the team is exceptionally talented. The Heels must be careful not to get too overconfident, or they will find themselves sitting at home early in the tournament. If they can keep their focus they will be tough to stop.


Underdog To Consider: San Diego State. The Aztecs won both the regular season and post season WAC tournament and are led by sophomore guard Jamaal Franklin (17.2 ppg, 7.9 rpg) who has the capability to dominate a game by himself. First round opponent NC State is certainly susceptible to this style of play, as is potential second round opponent Georgetown.

Team to Avoid: Georgetown. The Hoyas were playing their best basketball in November as they almost knocked off Kansas, but as of late the Hoyas have been stumbling, including a loss to Pittsburgh and a blowout loss to Seton Hall. Georgetown also never seems to get up enough to consistently win tournament games and they seem to lose focus come the Big Dance.

Winner: Kansas. The Jayhawks are hitting their stride at the right time. They have risen from a top 15 team to a legitimate title contender. Led by Thomas Robinson (17.9 ppg, 11.8 rpg) and Tyshawn Taylor (17.3 ppg, 4.8 apg), Kansas is built for a long tournament run and so are there potential matchups.


Final Four
Baylor vs. Michigan State: I give the edge to the Spartans, who will reap the benefits of an easier run to the Final Four

Syracuse vs. Kansas: The Jayhawks' balanced attack and ability to win on the road (yes, I know New Orleans is a neutral site, you get what I'm saying) and Syracuse's overemphasis on youth, give the edge to Kansas.

Championship:


Kansas vs. Michigan State: In a battle of traditional powerhouses that will offer an outstanding game, I give the edge to the Jayhawks. Robinson can dominate the low block and Thomas is one of the best passer's in the nation. Michigan State won't be able to keep up and Lawrence will be celebrating yet another Jayhawk title.