NCAA South Region

The NCAA South Region.

1--Duke has the best chance to win this region.  I think they will be in the finals against Kansas.  They have 3 outstanding scoring options and are getting good play inside.  In other words: they are peeking at the right time.  They have been absent from the final four for a while and this is the year they return.

2--Villanova is the only thing standing in the way of Duke making it to the final four.  I really don't see anyone having much of a chance outside of these two.  Villanova has a proven winner and competitor in Scottie Reynolds.  As long as he is on your team, you have a chance to win any game. 

3--Notre Dame has the next best chance to win this region.  I think in order to win during the tournament, you have to play tough teams during the year.  And being in the Big East allows you to play #3 seed or above on a daily basis.  This team knows Villanova and could beat them.  But I don't think they will.  Notre Dame vs Duke would be a classic match up.

4--Lousiville is the only other team I see winning in this region.  They have proven they can beat anybody. ANYBODY.  But they haven't proven they can win consistently against anybody.  They are capable of beating the #1 team in the nation tonight and then losing the next.

Louisville California is going to be a very fun first round game. California has been gaining momentum heading into the tournament. I think this game is a toss up. The winner will play Duke.  California will have no chance in beating Duke, while the Cardinals can.

I really like Texas A&M as a sweet 16. However, for my first weekend cinderella it's Siena.  I think they can beat Purdue and possibly advance to the sweet 16.  I think it's an upset if Purdue wins.

Notre Dame is playing good. But so is Old Dominion. This is a nice first round upset. But, don't go crazy picking them.  If you had to pick one.  This may be the one that pulls you ahead in brackets.  But, it would be an upset. The winner plays Baylor.  I think Baylor has the good this year to be a sweet 16.

Richmond vs St Mary's is going to be a good one.  I give the nod to Richmond.  Many people are picking them to upset Villanova in round 2.  Don't!  I think Villanova is the second best 2 seed.

If I had 16 votes to cast in this region for who is going to the final four, here is how it would break down:

Duke--8

Villanova--6

Notre Dame--1

Louisvillle--1