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| Midwest Regional Breakdown | |||||||
![]() Brandon Rush
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Jeff Goodman of FoxSports.com breaks down the Midwest Regional for the 2008 NCAA Basketball Tournament. | ||||||
OverviewKansas is going to have to prove it can win games in the halfcourt. The Jayhawks may meet UNLV in the second round and may have to get past either Georgetown or Wisconsin to get to the Final Four.The Hoyas and Bo Ryan's Badgers would be a methodical matchup in the Sweet 16. Everyone is going to talk about the Michael Beasley-O.J. Mayo matchup, but USC has a chance to go deep into this tournament if they can remain healthy. I think this is the region that could provide the most entertainment in terms of upsets and quality games.
Best first-round matchupNo. 6 USC vs. No. 11 Kansas State — It's the battle between the two most highly touted freshmen — Trojans guard O.J. Mayo and National Player of the Year candidate Michael Beasley of K-State. Best potential matchupNo. 7 Gonzaga vs. No. 2 Georgetown — This could be one of the best second-round matchups in the entire tournament. Don't be shocked if the Zags pull the upset over the Hoyas. Upset specialNo. 12 Villanova over No. 5 Clemson — If the Wildcats' guards are making shots, they can get past the Tigers. Cinderella?Cal State Fullerton — Bob Burton has some talent — including former Kent State transfer Scott Cutley. My pickKansas — The Jayhawks are loaded with talent and should be able to walk through the first two rounds before a potential test with Clemson. StorylinesThe first-round battle between the two most over-hyped freshmen in the
country — O.J. Mayo and Michael Beasley. Five Players to Watch
Best player you've never heard ofScott Cutley, Cal State Fullerton OverratedNo. 3 Wisconsin UnderratedNo. 11
Kansas State |
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