Wednesday, March 16, 2011

NCAA Basketball: Southeast Region Breakdown


March Madness is here and it really is the most exciting time of the year. Nothing rivals seeing an underdog make a run through the NCAA Tournament or seeing a team win in dramatic fashion on an incredible buzzer-beater.

Here is my take on the Southeast Region: 

Southeast Region -- 

Overseeded: Michigan State
I am not buying that the Spartans even deserve to be in this field with how poorly they have played throughout the season. Michigan State seems like a better fit for one of those “First Four” games than it is as a 10 seed. Maybe Tom Izzo will work some magic and coax another Final Four run out of this crew. I wouldn't bet my house on it though.

Underseeded: Old Dominion
The Monarchs are trapped a couple seeds too low in the 8/9 game against Butler. They have a physical frontcourt and a good enough defense to go toe-to-toe with most teams. If Old Dominion gets past the Bulldogs, it is certainly more than capable of knocking off top seeded Pittsburgh.

Darkhorse: Gonzaga
It is weird to classify the Zags as a darkhorse. But things are actually favorable for the 11 seed to reach the Sweet 16. They face a St. John's team without one of its best players in D.J. Kennedy and could play a BYU team missing starting center Brandon Davies. If there is one thing Gonzaga is good at doing, it is embracing an underdog role.

Region winner: Florida
True, the SEC is not as strong as in seasons past. But the Gators did win the regular season crown. They have a balanced team – led by do-everything senior Chandler Parsons. Being a 2 seed in the weakest region should open the door for a return to the Final Four.

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