It's back. The most exciting three weeks of upsets, gambling and (for some) sports-related drinking...It's the NCAA Tournament. And as is par for the course this time of year, Inside's "Big Dance Breakdown" examines each region in a futile effort to pick all 63 games correctly.
Atlanta Regional
Favorite: Duke. As usual, the Blue Devils are in the thick of the title race. Led by All-Americans J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams, Duke has the tools to beat anybody. Their real weakness will be in finding an effective third scoring option. If Josh McRoberts can fill that role, the Blue Devils may be on their way to the Final Four.
Sleeper: LSU. The low-post combo of Glen Davis and Tyrus Thomas is as good as any in the tournament. Meanwhile, Tasmin and Darrel Mitchell provide much of the perimeter scoring for the Tigers. LSU's only looming problem is Thomas's ankle sprain. If he's not full-strength, then all bets are off. If he's good to go, watch out.
Upset: Texas A&M over Syracuse. Although 'Cuse is hot right now, conference tournament play is not a surefire indicator of tournament results. The Aggies have been almost as hot as the Orange, and they are more than capable of pulling off the upset.
Pick: LSU.
Minneapolis Region
Favorite: Villanova. Allan Ray looked sharp in practice on Tuesday after returning from a nasty eye injury, which means that opponents will continue to struggle with Villanova's three- and four-guard lineups. 'Nova may struggle against big teams, and will need solid play from Will Sheridan, Jason Fraser and Dante Cunningham to advance.
Sleeper: Florida. Not much of a sleeper, but the Gators get to play their first two games close to home, followed by a likely pairing against either Ohio State or Georgetown, two teams against which they match up well. This could be the year that the Gators snap their streak of early tournament exits.
Upset:Wisconsin-Milwaukee over Oklahoma. The Sooners have been inconsistent all year, especially away from home. The Panthers, on the other hand, repeated as Horizon League champs and return four starters from the team that made a run to the Sweet 16 a year ago.
Pick: Villanova.
Washington, D.C. Region
Favorite: Connecticut. The Huskies are the most talented team in the field. They can score from anywhere, are solid at all five positions, play good defense, and have a dependable bench. The only question is whether they will fall asleep at the wheel on their road to the title, as they have shown stretches of lackadaisical play against inferior opponents this season. The championship is theirs to lose.
Sleeper: Michigan State. The Spartans have three talented scoring options and a tremendous amount of tournament experience on their side. They also play their first weekend of games fairly close to home in Dayton, Ohio, and have history on their side, as coach Tom Izzo has led his team to the Elite Eight or beyond five times since 1999. Bet against him at your own risk.
Upset: Utah State over Washington. Two years after getting snubbed badly by the committee, the Aggies arguably didn't deserve their bid this time around. They have a chance to prove their worth against a team that has proved beatable throughout the season.
Pick: Connecticut.
Oakland Region
Favorite: UCLA. The Bruins will play their first four games in California, which is a big advantage. Two great guards in Jordan Farmar and Aaron Afflalo anchor the Bruins' backcourt. Their frontcourt men are not superb, but provide a solid complement to their guard play. The Bruins play defense as well as any team, and they have not been derailed by injuries.
Sleeper: Kansas. They can match up with Memphis' athleticism and youth and have improved as the season has progressed. They could make a deep run after last year's shocking first-round exit.
Upset: San Diego State over Indiana. Indiana's Robert Vaden is questionable for this game. Without him, this pick is easier. Even if he's good to go, don't give up on the Aztecs, led by Marcus Slaughter and Brandon Heath as well as former Michigan coach Steve Fisher.
Pick: UCLA.
Final Four: LSU over UCLA, Connecticut over Villanova.
National Championship: Connecticut over LSU.
Follow these picks at your own risk. From what I've heard, flipping a coin and throwing darts at team names while blindfolded tend to work just as well when you're predicting March Madness outcomes. Favorite color, number, team and/or team name are also suitable options. Enjoy and good luck!
