March Madness 2010 - West Region

The West Region is the most boring region in the NCAA Tournament. No team really pops out to me, except of course, the #1 seed Syracuse Orange. The Orange were a huge surprise this season, winning the Big East regular season crown by 2 games. However, they enter the NCAA Tournament on a 2-game losing streak and will likely be without F Arinze Onuaku for at least the first weekend of the tournament. Even without him I think the Orange will be fine to make it through this weekend.

Best Game

#4 Vanderbilt vs. #13 Murray State

Probably seems like an odd choice but Murray State and their 30-4 record can't be overlooked. Sure, they didn't really play anyone good to amass such an impressive record but they score a lot of points. The Commodores also score a lot of points, but give up close to 70 a game. This one could reach the 80 or 90 point mark.

Player to Watch

Syracuse forward Wes Johnson

Johnson has been talked about as a National Player of the Year with the likes of Turner and Wall. Johnson averaged 16 points per game and is even a threat from outside, hitting 40% of his three point shots. He will have to shoulder more of the load with Onuaku out but that shouldn't be a problem.

Lowest Seed to Make It Through the Weekend

#13 Murray State

I like Murray State to upset Vanderbilt in a shootout, then take out #12 seed UTEP in a battle of Cinderellas. Amazingly enough the Racers have five players that average 10 points a game, and that leads the team! They can beat you from all parts of the court, and are a team to watch out for.

Best Potential Game

#10 Florida vs. #2 Kansas State

This region is devoid of any real exciting games, so this one kind of wins by default. The Gators are back in the NCAA Tournament after a two-year absence, while the Wildcats were in contention for a one seed just a few weeks ago. Florida has sharpshooter Chandler Parsons, while the Wildcats have exceptional guards in Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente.

Predictions

First Round

#1 Syracuse over #16 Vermont

#9 Florida State over #8 Gonzaga

#12 UTEP over #5 Butler

#13 Murray State over #4 Vanderbilt

#6 Xavier over #11 Minnesota

#3 Pittsburgh over #14 Oakland

#10 Florida over #7 BYU

#2 Kansas State over #15 North Texas

Second Round

#1 Syracuse over #9 Florida State

#13 Murray State over #12 UTEP

#6 Xavier over #3 Pittsburgh

#2 Kansas State over #10 Florida