Midwest Regional Overview
The Midwest Regional has a few teams who have the talent to win it all. North Carolina, Kentucky and Kansas are all traditional powers who have been down this road many times before. And then you have some very talented teams like Wofford and Utah State who will be looking to break some brackets.
#1 North Carolina, #2 Kentucky, #3 Houston, #4 Kansas, #5 Auburn, #6 Iowa State, #7 Wofford, #8 Utah State, #9 Washington, #10 Seton Hall, #11 Ohio State, #12 New Mexico State, #13 Northeastern, #14 Georgia State, #15 Abilene Christian, #16 Iona
Who Can Win?
It is tough to look past the traditional powers North Carolina and Kentucky. Both have proven time and time again this season that they have the talent to reach the Final Four. However, do not look past Houston. The Cougars boast one of the best defenses in the country and have enough offensive firepower to beat anybody. Their road to the Elite Eight is tough though with Kentucky standing in the way and even a team like Iowa State can give them trouble.
Who Can Surprise?
Auburn is a hot team right now that could push North Carolina in the Sweet Sixteen. But Iowa State is a team that could surprise a lot of people. They have had some tough stretches this season, but are coming off a Big 12 tournament title. If they can carry that momentum into the NCAA Tournament, the Cyclones are a team that could make a very impressive run.
Who’s Hot?
With their SEC Tournament title, Auburn is one of the hottest teams in the country right now. They have won eight straight games and some of those were against very good teams. They have beaten Tennessee twice in that stretch, including a 20-point victory in the conference championship game. Auburn is a team that relies heavily on their outside shooting and one off day could end their NCAA Tournament, but at the moment an off day looks quite unlikely.
Who’s Cold?
Ohio State has lost four of their last five games and seven of their last ten. The schedule has been relatively difficult during that stretch, but the Buckeyes have also seen their offense struggle during many of those games. Players like C.J. Jackson and Luther Muhammad have disappeared at times and that cannot continue during the NCAA Tournament.
Upset Alert!
Most will see Kansas against Northeastern and immediately move Kansas into the next round. That could be a mistake though. This is a Northeastern team that will not beat themselves. They take care of the ball and have some very talented scorers, most notably Vasa Pusica and Jordan Roland. Their defense and lack of a shot blocking threat will give Kansas plenty of opportunities to score points. If the Jayhawks can use their size and quickness to attack the basket, they should win. If Kansas turns this game into a shooting contest though, Northeastern has the advantage.
What Possible Matchup is Interesting?
We may not have to wait long to see some really good matchups in the Midwest Region. Auburn and Kansas in the second round could be a very good game. The Tigers are playing very good basketball right now and have the shooters to knock off Kansas. On the other side of the bracket, Iowa State and Houston would be a fun game between the dynamic offense of the Cyclones and the shutdown defense of the Cougars.
Which Player Will Dominate?
Kentucky’s PJ Washington is poised for a big tournament. The sophomore forward averages 14.8 points and 7.5 rebounds and should get plenty of touches for a pretty inexperienced Kentucky squad. Coach John Calipari will want to feed his big man early and often and the Wildcats may go as far as Washington can take them.
