SOUTHWEST REGION PREDICTIONS – 2011 NCAA Tournament Free Picks & Sleepers
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Arguably, the Southwest Region is the easiest bracket to handicap in March Madness this year. The offensively potent Kansas Jayhawks, ranked second in the nation, seem head and shoulders above their competition. Can anyone else challenge them?
SOUTH WEST BRACKET – THE ELITE
(1) Kansas Jayhawks
Odds to win Southwest Region: +115
:: KU Betting Stats
There are just so many reasons to like Kansas. The Jayhawks have a powerhouse tandem in Marcus and Markieff Morris. Those two are a big reason why this team makes more than half the shots it takes. Kansas leads the nation in field-goal percentage. Combine their hot shooting with the sting of last year’s disappointing second-round loss to Northern Iowa and you have a team with a chance to win it all.
THE CONTENDERS
(2) Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Odds to win Southwest Region: +345
:: Irish Betting Stats
As any college hoops betting fan knows, it pays to come out of the Big East, as it prepares you for almost anything in the NCAA tournament. Ben Hansbrough is a dominant player who seems to inspire the guys around him. He could lead the Irish to a deep run – if they can find a way to contain Kansas’ shooting.
(3) Purdue Boilermakers
Odds to win Southwest Region: +445
:: Purdue Betting Stats
I actually like Purdue better than Notre Dame as a Southwest contender. The Boilermakers were one of two teams to beat No. 1 Ohio State this season and they did it without Robbie Hummel. It’s true that Purdue enters the tournament with some ugly results, including a loss to Iowa and a beating from Michigan State. But that probably gives them better value. JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore bring a great combination of talent and experience to the tourney.
(4) Louisville Cardinals
Odds to win Southwest Region: +545
:: L-Ville Betting Stats
Louisville got far less hype than several other Big East teams this season, including Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, UConn and Syracuse. But the Cards raised some eyebrows when they beat Notre Dame in the Big East tournament. Their guard play is outstanding thanks to Preston Knowles and Peyton Siva but this isn’t the most complete team in the Southwest.
THE SLEEPER
(11) USC Trojans
Odds to win Southwest Region: +1615 (picking “field”)
:: USC Betting Stats
Note the absence of Georgetown from the sleeper section. The Hoyas are a common bust pick since Chris Wright broke his hand.
My fave sleeper is USC. Technically, USC isn’t even fully part of the NCAA Tournament yet. It has to win the play-in against VCU. I think it can handle VCU easily enough, however. After that, USC would play ripe-for-the-upset Georgetown. We could have a Cinderella on our hands.
THE PICK
If I’ve already picked top seeds Ohio State and Pittsburgh to emerge from their regions, I have to pick Kansas here, as they have an easier path. I can see Purdue making life difficult along the way, however.
Southwest Region Free Pick: Kansas +115
