March Madness previews: East Regional | South Regional | Midwest Regional | West Regional
Is it possible for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament to be considered an underdog in its own region?
Michigan State's basketball team just might fall into that dubious category this season.
The Spartans (27-7) earned the last of four No. 1 seeds based on their Big Ten tournament championship victory against Ohio State on Sunday. Their reward for achieving such a feat? A trip in the first two rounds of the West Region to play in Columbus, Ohio. A first matchup with 16th-seeded Long Island seems fairly easy, but then a second game against either Memphis or Saint Louis could be trouble.
Talk about rotten luck.
If that scenario wasn't unfavorable enough for the top seed, the overall draw certainly is. The possibility exists that Michigan State could play No. 8 Memphis, No. 4 Louisville and No. 2 Missouri — all teams that won conference tournament championships — just to reach the Final Four. Missouri, in particular, could give the Spartans serious trouble in the regional final because of its sheer athleticism.
Michigan State certainly showed some toughness to win three games in the Big Ten tournament without forward Branden Dawson, who is lost for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee. His replacement in the starting lineup, Brandon Wood, scored a season-high 21 points in the title game against Ohio State. The Spartans also benefit from having forward Draymond Green, the Big Ten Player of the Year, as the team's unquestioned leader.
But it won't be easy for Michigan State to reach a third Final Four in four seasons under coach Tom Izzo. Even as the No. 1 seed, the Spartans might have to do it as a surprising underdog.
Best first-round matchup: No. 6 Murray State vs. No. 11 Colorado State: Considering the Racers (30-1) are the only Division I team with just one loss, they probably feel a bit disrespected by being handed a No. 6 seed. They'll need to get past that slight in a hurry because Colorado State (20-11) can play, having already beaten New Mexico, San Diego State and UNLV in conference play. These two teams from non-power conferences have a chance to show up the big boys if they can get past this tough first game.
Best potential matchup: No. 2 Missouri vs. No. 3 Marquette: The possibility looms for a special Sweet 16 game because both talented teams like to zoom around the court. Missouri ranks sixth in the country in points per game at 80.3. Marquette isn't too far behind at 75.9. If these two clash, expect them to light up the scoreboard.
Upset alert: No. 13 Davidson over No. 4 Louisville: The Wildcats have developed a reputation as giant killers in recent years, most famous for advancing to the Elite Eight in 2008. While none of the current players were a part of that team, Davidson has shown it can win big games this season. The Wildcats stunned Kansas 80-74 on Dec. 19 in Kansas City, Mo. Davidson is a program accustomed to success and has finished with a winning record every year since 2001.
Potential Cinderella: No. 12 Long Beach State: In the 27 years since the NCAA tournament expanded to 64 teams, an astounding 36 No. 12 seeds have defeated a No. 5 seed. The 49ers could continue that trend with a senior-laden group that has a record of 79-51 together. Win that first game against No. 5 New Mexico and anything is possible for Long Beach State in the NCAA tournament.
Players to watch:
Draymond Green, 6-7, Senior, F, Michigan State: One of the most dynamic players in college basketball, Green is on pace to become the first player from a power-six conference to average at least 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists in a season since Tim Duncan accomplished the feat in 1996-97.
Marcus Denmon, 6-3, Senior, G, Missouri: The Tigers possess a slew of talented guards, but Denmon, the team's leading scorer at 17.6 points per game, is by far the most dangerous.
Jae Crowder, 6-6, Senior, F, Marquette: Two years ago, Crowder helped Howard College to a junior college national championship, and his versatility — which helped earn him Big East Player of the Year honors — could be the difference maker in guiding Marquette to a possible title.
Isaiah Canaan, 6-0, Junior, G, Murray State: Canaan, a Bob Cousy Award finalist for best point guard in the country, is one of the most entertaining players to watch in the sport. He has made at least five 3-pointers in a game eight times this season, and when he gets hot from long range, there is no stopping him.
Casper Ware, 5-10, Senior, G, Long Beach State: Ware has waited his entire college career to showcase his immense talents on the big stage of the NCAA tournament, and the diminutive guard made sure Long Beach State would get there this time, scoring 33 points to help the 49ers win the Big West tournament championship game.
Bracket buzz: Only one team in the entire West Region has the opportunity to play in the same state as its university, and it isn't any of the top-four seeds. Murray State, the No. 6 seed, plays in Louisville, Ky., roughly 250 miles from campus in Murray, Ky. Racers fans should show up in droves to make the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament feel like a couple of home games.
Prediction: Missouri's guard play lends itself to making a serious run in the NCAA tournament because there are too many weapons to stop all at once. The Tigers have never been to a Final Four in program history, but this may very well be the best team they've ever had in Columbia, Mo. While it won't be easy to get past likely opponents Marquette and Michigan State, Missouri maintains the edge and should reach that elusive Final Four. The Tigers cruised to a title in the Big 12 tournament and could have been given a No. 1 seed instead of Michigan State.
March Madness previews: East Regional | South Regional | Midwest Regional | West Regional
