NCAA Tournament Preview: Midwest Region 2009

Logan on 03 19, 2009

March Madness 2009 First Round Locks:

When looking at the first round match-ups featured in the Midwest Region (played in Indianapolis), you obviously have to feel comfortable with Louisville and Michigan State’s ability to beat their opponents, the play-in game winner and Robert Morris respectively. Other than that, this region really fails to produce any match-ups that aren’t at least a little intriguing if you enjoy the first round upset. However, although Cleveland State has some appeal in terms of upset appeal, I will throw in Wake Forest into my “locks” list as well simply because they have the speed to match up with Cleveland State, and aside from that, they are just a more talented team in general.

March Madness 2009 Upset Alerts:

Certainly a lot of potential here for a Cinderella story, something every NCAA Basketball fan has to enjoy even if it does mess up your entire bracket at your place of employment (which is always won by some female who just fills out a bracket based on who’s uniforms look more appealing).

5 Utah vs. 12 Arizona

In the annual tradition of a number 12 seed upending a number 5 seed, this one is my favorite. Arizona, led by 6’7” Junior Forward Chase Budinger, the Wildcats provide a very difficult match-up for Utah. Arizona swept both Oregon and Oregon State during conference play. Other notable wins include Gonzaga, Washington, USC and UCLA. Arizona should be well rested and ready to give Utah fits in round one.

6 West Virginia vs. 11 Dayton

Dayton managed to win 26 games during the course of the 2008-2009 season. Their most notable win came against Marquette University on November 29th, a game they won by 14 points. Led by Sophomore forward Chris Wright’s 12.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, Dayton comes into the tournament playing good basketball, something West Virginia needs to respect if they want to avoid this potential upset.

March Madness 2009 Player to Watch:

Ohio State’s Evan Turner is an exception talent, the kind of talent that has the potential to carry his team similar to the way Stephen Curry did for Davidson in last year’s tournament. Turner averaged around 17 points and 4 rebounds per game and has the ability to just take a game over himself. If you’re looking for evidence of this, look no further than the semifinal game of the Big Ten Tournament this year against a tremendous defensive team in Michigan State. Turner, held scoreless in a close first half, scored 18 points in the final twenty minutes insuring an Ohio State victory. If Ohio State makes any noise in this tournament it will surely be based on what Turner does for them.

March Madness 2009 Overall Outlook:

Louisville comes in as heavy favorites to reach the final four. They have potentially the easiest road to Detroit of all the number 1 seeds. Wake Forest is a team that has some potential to reach Detroit, but I still like Louisville. Michigan State as a number two seed lacks size, and just doesn’t play consistent enough basketball to be considered a threat to reach the Final Four, the Spartans could certainly be bounced by the winner of the Boston College/USC game. Look for a Louisville vs. Kansas final in this region with Louisville punching their ticket to Detroit.

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