March Madness - West Region

The West region features the Connecticut Huskies, one of the popular preseason picks to win the national title. It also features the yearly wild card in the Tournament, the Memphis Tigers. The Tigers once again steamrolled through Conference USA, but again people are wondering how legit they are. Last year they proved they were by getting to the championship game, can Tyreke Evans take this team on his back?

Best Game

#4 Washington (25-8) vs. #13 Mississippi State (23-12)

For whatever reason, maybe it's my East coast bias, I have had a hard time buying into the Huskies this year. Then, when I have been ready to jump on board, they go and lay an egg like they did in the Pac-10 Tournament. Mississippi State comes into the NCAA Tournament riding a wave of momentum from their SEC Tournament run. The Bulldogs are playing with house money, as if they hadn't won the SEC Tournament they would be playing in the NIT right now. The Bulldogs will have a tough time keeping up with Huskies guard Isaiah Thomas and he will prove to be the difference.

Player to Watch

Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez

Sure you could watch Vasquez for his flashy play, his scoring ability, and his penchant for turning the ball over. However, most interesting is his mysterious red face. Some games his face becomes completely red, making it look like he was burned, other games it doesn't become red at all. Truly fascination. One more thing, screw Maryland.

Lowest Seed to Make It Through the Weekend

#4 Washington

I expect only one or two upsets in this region in the first weekend. I am hedging my bets on the Huskies beating Purdue on round two, knowing them, they will likely disappoint.

Best Potential Game

#7 California vs. #2 Memphis

Memphis hasn't had a real challenge since early February when they defeated Gonzaga. I think Memphis is good but don't think they are anywhere near as good as they were last season. Guary Tyreke Evans has lived up the hype and they still have bruising forward Robert Dozier from last year's team. The Golden Bears have guards capable of matching up with Evans, both Jerome Randle and Patrick Christopher are very dangerous. This game would be highly entertaining.

Predictions

First Round

#1 Connecticut over #16 Chattanooga

#8 BYU over #9 Texas A & M

#5 Purdue over #12 Northern Iowa

#4 Washington over #13 Mississippi State

#11 Utah State over #6 Marquette

#3 Missouri over #14 Cornell

#7 California over #10 Maryland

#2 Memphis over #15 Cal State Northridge

Second Round

#1 Connecticut over #8 BYU

#4 Washington over #5 Purdue

#3 Missouri over #11 Utah State

#2 Memphis over #7 California