how did we end up in the West

Notes: The bracket nobody wanted to be placed in due to geography and the lack of competitive college basketball in this region (but beware the WAC!). Not sure there is a team that can beat Syracuse here, but the Orange can have problems on offense, specifically turnovers, at times, so matchups with Florida St and Murray St could actually pose big problems. A few possible sleepers here is Cuse slips up, specifically in the bottom half of the bracket where I think Kansas St and Pitt are very overrated. I see a BYU-Xavier matchup in Salt Lake City and that will be quite a battle despite the seeding. If BYU can lose at home to a very similar New Mexico team, I like the X-men's chances of maybe crashing the Final 4. Coach Chris Mack could be a sleeping giant as he has been a 10 year assistant under Skip Prosser and Sean Miller, two great coaches, and had this team at the top of a tough A-10 conference. Most likely upset is Murray St over Vandy, and Murray St could go to the Sweet 16 to face Cuse. Look out for North Texas over Kansas State as biggest upset of tournament.

The Pick: Syracuse. If they show up they should win, but again problems on offense could be their undoing in games against Florida St or Murray St.

The Darkhorse: Xavier. One of the most underrated, underseeded teams in the tournament.

First Round Previews

Syracuse vs Vermont
Loss of Onuaku could really hurt the Orange offense. Yes they have Joseph and Jackson but if Vermont can get in the paint they can draw fouls (#5 FTA/FGA) and would be interesting to see how deep Cuse’s bench is with the big guys if there is any foul trouble. Still, not sure Blakley and Maurice Joseph can score enough to make 16 over 1 happen, but can definitely hang around. Lean under as Vermont should slow pace and Cuse has trouble scoring in half court. Line Estimate: Cuse -16, O/U 146

Gonzaga vs Florida St
FEAR THE SPEAR! Not sure Gonzaga has the defense to expose Florida St’s offensive and turnover woes. Zags are going to have a hell of a time scoring on this defense, something they have seen since…Wake Forest. Zags have been downhill since Maui, not sure they stop that in New York. Line Estimate: Fla St -1.

Butler vs UTEP
Great matchup, but tough for half court minded Butler against a more athletic UTEP squad that prefers an up and down pace. However, Butler more experienced and shown ability to survive the do-or-die pressure, something UTEP didn’t really see until Sunday against Houston (where they melted down). Strong experience and coaching edge, along with ability for Butler to draw fouls (UTEP defensive weakness) should see a Butler victory over the popular upset pick, UTEP. Line Estimate: Butler -4

Vanderbilt vs Murray St
This is a brutal matchup for an underrated Dores squad. Murray St can force turnovers and crashes the offensive boards, two things Vanderbilt has not done well. Will be a popular upset pick, but doesn’t look good for Vandy. Line Estimate: Murray St +6

Xavier vs Minnesota
Two underrated squads but Gophers not impressive on road or neutral sites til beating impotent and reeling Purdue and Michigan St teams to earn a bid. Xavier 3 pt defense strong enough to contain a Minn offense that can be very stagnant and frustrated at times. Atlantic 10 underrated, look for Muskateers to surprise. Line Estimate: Xavier -3

Pittsburgh vs Oakland
Oakland one of the worst 14 seeds I’ve seen so overrated Panthers get a break. Unlikely to cover a large number but not worth time, under may be worth a shot as Pitt is no stranger to terrible shooting. Not out of the question to see some Cindarella potential in Oakland as senior Jonathan Jones is a little guy America could come to love, and a young Pitt team with an ugly non-conference performance is capable of blowing one. Line Estimate: Oakland +12

BYU vs Florida
BYU should have its way with a leaky Florida defense in this one, but it’s the defense that has always let BYU down in the tournament. Fredrette could carry them far into this bracket, but the defense is still shaky. Unlikely they lose to a NIT Florida team. Line Estimate: BYU -6

Kansas St vs North Texas
North Texas can grab defensive rebounds and get to the free throw line, yes, Kansas State may be in a world of trouble. Not much of a believer in Clemente and Pullen who, while very talented, can lose their heads in a similar fashion to coach Frank Martin (not a good combination in tournament time IMO). North Texas very overmatched but fear the upset potential here as the Sun Belt champ has stepped of lately and the game in Oklahoma City is very neutral.