Predicting the Ncaa Tournament correctly is practically impossible. But that doesn't mean we can't analyze and try to select the teams that we believe will win each round. For an analysis of the East region, please check out this link. In this article, we'll take a look at the West Region.
Favorites: Gonzaga and Arizona
The two favorites in this region are Gonzaga and Arizona. Gonzaga enters the NCAA tournament with just one loss and is ranked first in the KenPomeroy ratings. Because they have never made the tournament before, college basketball fans will doubt their ability to get to the Final Four.
Don't be fooled. Gonzaga is one of the most efficient teams in the country and they'll show that off in the tournament.
On the other side of the bracket, Arizona has quickly become the fan favorite Final Four pick. Arizona plays an excellent brand of offensive basketball paired with a solid defensive style. They were missing Allonzo Trier for part of the season, but are rolling on all cylinders. A matchup between these two heavyweights in the Elite 8 would be really fun.
Darkhorse: St. Mary's
Gonzaga isn't the only solid WCC team in this region. The Gaels also play in a very efficient manner and don't turn the ball over much. This year has been one of St. Mary's best ever, as they rose to their highest ranking in school history at one point during the year.
St. Mary's struggled to beat a really tough Gonzaga team during the season, but that doesn't mean they won't be dangerous in the NCAA tournament. Their hot shooting could be trouble for both VCU in the first round and Arizona in the second round if the team gets hot from deep.
Upset Pick: Xavier.
The trendy pick in the West Region seems to be Florida Gulf Coast.
The team might dunk more than the 15 seed that Upset Georgetown, but it has nowhere near the same amount of talent. Those looking for an upset pick should instead turn to Xavier, a team that was ranked in the top 15 earlier in the season. Xavier might have limped to the finish line, but they did just enough at the end of the year to get into the tournament.
Chris Mack is an excellent coach with NCAA tournament experience and he knows how to win.
On the other side, Maryland has struggled a bit this season. They were great on the road, but played in a weak Big 10 and almost lost to a really bad Georgetown team. In addition, this team is young and inexperienced, making an upset in this 11 vs. 6 tournament game even more likely.
