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


Graphic By: Matt Witherow

South Region
First Round
Texas vs. UNCA
UNCA, who beat our beloved RU in the Big South Championship game, doesn't have a chance in this game.  UNCA coach Eddie Biedenbach said Sunday night he is good friends with Texas coach Rick Barnes and will ask him if the Longhorns would go easy on him.  Won't happen.

LSU vs. Purdue
These 8-9 games are great, aren't they?  So hard to predict.  I just think LSU is playing too well for Purdue.  Tigers rule.

UConn vs. BYU
 Despite the scheduling situation surrounding BYU, the Cougars need to stop worrying about when they play and start to concentrate on who they play: UConn.  BYU will need a prayer to stay close with the Huskies.

Stanford vs. San Diego
I wouldn't be surprised if San Diego pulls out an upset behind a strong preformance by center Jason Keep, but I think Stanford's Josh Childress won't be stopped and the Cardinal prevail in a close one.

Xavier vs. Troy St.
Troy St. has a balanced scoring attack, going deep into their bench, but their forwards can't match up with Sato and West.    

Maryland v UNC Wilmington
The defending national champions are glad they are in the South region. With an experienced lineup and what most analysts are saying a fairly easy bracket, the Terps must start off hot if they wish to repeat.  UNCW is no easy team led by guard Brent Blizzard, who averages 21 points a game.

Michigan State vs. Colorado
In what seems to be the best first round game of the South bracket, State holds the advantage of playing well on the road, while Colorado only won three on the road this year.  State coach Tom Izzo has much more experience than Colorado coach Ricardo Patton... but call me crazy; Colorado's players are good enough to void out all the MSU advantages and pull out a win.  

Florida vs. Sam Houston St.
Florida, who gets to play in friendly Tampa, should have no trouble with Sam Houston St. but must use this game as good practice as they will most definitely have a tough game with their second round opponent.

Second Round
Texas vs. LSU
The Tigers have been playing well recently despite their roller coaster season.  Even though Texas is a bit overrated, most people think they should squeak out a victory over LSU.  I don't think so.  LSU upsets the Longhorns.

Stanford vs. UConn
What a matchup this could be.  Stanford holds the Pac-10 best scoring defense but will be pitted against Big East first and second conference players Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon, respecively.  UConn pulls out the victory on the west coast.

Xavier vs. Maryland
If both teams get past their respected first round opponents, one of the two teams will make it to the Elite Eight, if not Final Four.  Despite Xavier having Soto and West, Gary Williams will not allow his Terps to exit early.   Behind big performances from Steve Blake and Drew Nicholas, and forwards Tahj Holden and Ryan Randle stepping up, Maryland keeps on dancing.

Florida vs. Colorado
If this game were to be held anywhere other than the state of Florida I can see Colorado or Michigan State upsetting Florida.  But it's not likely; Florida advances. [an error occurred while processing this directive]

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