The West region could be wide open. Michigan State is the #1 seed but their charge to the top this season was unexpected and they still have some doubters. However, Tom Izzo has had great success in the tournament in the past so people picking against the Spartans are doing so at their own risk. Missouri is another favorite and much like the Spartans little was expected of them this season. Marquette and Louisville represent the Big East, and both could do some damage. The Cardinals have had some Tournament failures in recent years but are riding the momentum of winning the Big East tournament. Sleepers to look out for are Long Beach State and Davidson.Best Game: #7 Florida vs. #10 Virginia
It's the Gators three point shot versus the Cavaliers suffocating defense. No one shot more three pointers than Florida, and their ability to win is predicated on how well they are hitting that shot. Leading the Gators three point barrage is guard Kenny Boynton who averaged 16 points per game and hit 43% of his threes. He went 0-4 from three against Kentucky in the SEC Tournament and that was the difference in the game. The other Gator guards to contend with are freshman Bradley Beal and senior Erving Walker. The Gators lack of size could lead to a big game for Cavaliers forward Mike Scott. Scott was first team all-ACC and he should have a huge game rebounding and scoring against Florida.
Player to Watch: Murray State guard Isaiah Canaan
You most likely have never heard of Isaiah Canaan, but if the Racers win a game or two this weekend, he will be the reason. Canaan averaged 19.2 points this season along with 3.7 assists. He is the reason that the Racers lost just one game this season and he was held to single digits in scoring just twice in 31 games. He is an electrifying player and is just a junior, so expect to really hear about him next season.
Best Potential Game: #2 Missouri vs. #7 Florida
This would be the track meet game. Both teams score a lot of points and both rely heavily on the play of their guards. Marcus Denmon, Kim English and Phil Pressey lead the Tigers attack, but the advantage for Missouri in this game would likely come from F Ricardo Ratliffe. The tempo in this game would be non-stop for two hours and a lot of fun to watch.
Lowest Seed to Make It Through Weekend: #4 Louisville
I am anticipating a lot of chalk in the West this weekend. I am nervous about picking Louisville to get to the Sweet Sixteen as they have burned me in epic fashion in past tournaments. That being said I think this region features a pretty clear disparity between the top four seeds and the rest. If Memphis didn't have to play Michigan State in the Third Round I would be tempted to pick them to go a little farther. Long Beach State will knock off New Mexico in Round one, but besides that, expect a lot of predictable results.
Predictions
First Round
#14 Iona over #14 BYU
Second Round
#1 Michigan State over #16 LIU Brooklyn
#8 Memphis over #9 Saint Louis
#12 Long Beach State over #5 New Mexico
#4 Louisville over #13 Davidson
#6 Murray State over #11 Colorado State
#3 Marquette over #14 Iona
#7 Florida over #10 Virginia
#2 Missouri over #15 Norfolk State
Third Round
#1 Michigan State over #8 Memphis
#4 Louisville over #12 Long Beach State
#3 Marquette over #6 Murray State
#2 Missouri over #7 Florida
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