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Marching Through the Madness: Midwest Region
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Add Feedback | Send this Article | Published 3/21/03


Graphic By: Matt Witherow

First Round
Kentucky vs. IUPUI
Sure IUPUI has the best initials in the tournament, but Kentucky has the best team. The Wildcats will be sending IUPUI back home to Indiana, Purdue, or wherever the hell they're from.

Oregon vs. Utah
The Ducks are better than the number eight seed they got tagged with, and the Force is strong with the two Luke's on their squad. Ducks will prove how mighty they are in the first round.

Wisconsin vs. Weber St.
This is the upset game of the Midwest region. Wisconsin is ranked in the nation's top five in fewest fouls and turnovers, but Weber St. has two seniors and three juniors in the starting lineup. They also have three seniors coming off the bench. Look out for Jermaine Boyette. He's quite a player.

Dayton vs. Tulsa
Tulsa is not an easy team to get past, but Dayton is too good of a team to go out in the first round. Former RU coach Oliver Purnell will have the Flyers ready to play.

Missouri vs. Southern Illinois
I feel bad for both teams. SIU made it to the Sweet 16 while Missouri danced its way to the Elite Eight. Both teams are better than what they are seeded. Quin Snyder will have his Tigers ready, while the Salukis will have to wait one more year.

Marquette vs. Holy Cross
Holy Cross, a team that RU beat by 15 last year, the same year they almost upset first seed Kansas, has a very good chance against Marquette. I think Golden Eagle guard Dwyane Wade can't be stopped, so Marquette will advance.  

Indiana vs. Alabama
The Hoosiers played through a 2-7 stretch; Alabama dropped horribly after their first ranking during Christmas, but both teams still have at-large bids.  The Hoosiers will pull out a victory because of last year's tournament experience.

Pitt vs. Wagner
Wagner won't have the same luck that Coach Whittenburg had in the '83 NCAA Championship, because Pitt's guards are just too good.

Second Round
Kentucky vs. Oregon
The Wildcats decided to forego on cutting down the nets after winning the SEC championship and plan on doing it at the Midwest Regional Final and national championship game.  The Duck stops here.

Dayton vs. Weber St.
Weber St. had a great but short run in '99 upsetting UNC before losing closely to Florida.  The Wildcats will upset Wisconsin before losing closely to Dayton.  Boyette is good, but Dayton's guards are better.

Missouri vs. Marquette
If Marquette makes it past the first round, this could be a great match-up. Missouri has a great balance of talent, and if they play as a team, they can stop Wade.

Pitt vs. Indiana
I feel strongly that Pitt might be the only team in the Midwest bracket that could even play with Kentucky.  They'll just have to get past Indiana first, which I think will happen. [an error occurred while processing this directive]

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