[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Marching Through the Madness: West Region
[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Add Feedback | Send this Article | Published 3/21/03


Graphic By: Matt Witherow

West
First Round
Arizona vs. Vermont
The Catamounts made it to the Big Dance for the first time in its 103-year existence.  Too bad they have to be stuck with Arizona.

Cincinnati vs. Gonzaga
I would like to see Boston College in the tournament rather than Gonzaga, but due to the 'Zags recent history in the NCAA tourney, they get a bid. After making an appearance in the sweet 16 two years in a row, I see the Bulldogs exiting the tournament in the first round for the second straight year in a row.

Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee
The Panthers feature an up-tempo style and love to press, but won't be able to stop Chris Thomas and the Irish.

Illinois vs. Western Kentucky
WKU would not be in this awful situation if they hadn't lost 7'1" Chris Marcus to an injury.  Now they're stuck with Illinois, who are playing their best.

Creighton vs. Central Michigan
It's quite interesting that Creighton, one of the most popular mid-majors in the past few years, gets a sixth seed and faces C. Michigan, a school that could become a popular mid-major team with a win over Creighton.  I don't see it happening, though.

Duke vs. Colorado St.
Duke could have been a two seed but finds itself sandwiched between Kansas, Illinois and Arizona.  They won't let the Rams ruin their streak of five straight Sweet 16 appearances.

Memphis vs. Arizona St.
These teams match up very well with Chris Massie highlighting Memphis' line up against ASU's Ike Diogu.  I just think with Calipari at the helm Memphis won't lose.

Kansas vs. Utah State
Just like Duke and Illinois, Kansas should be ranked as a better seed, but the Jayhawks should have no trouble with the Aggies.

Second Round
Arizona vs. Cincinnati
In the battle of the 'Cats, on paper it looks that the Bearcats have no chance.  Anything could happen if Huggins can get his team to shoot well.  I just think the Wildcats are too strong to be stopped so early.

Illinois vs. Notre Dame
Honestly, what happened to the Irish?  With Thomas, Danny Miller, Matt Carrol and Torin Francis, how could ND finish the season at 4-6?  If Notre Dame gets past UWM, the Irish will find a way to stop Brian Cook and Dee Brown.

Duke vs. Creighton
I like the fact that Duke played Butler earlier in the year.  However, after seeing how Butler and Creighton are on the mid-major level with a hungry and hot Blue Devil team, Coach K will advance to the Sweet 16.

Kansas v Memphis
In every region every year there is always a major upset.  This could be it. Kansas is a great team but hasn't had what it takes to win it all in the past few years.  Nothing changes this year as Memphis has beaten the likes of Louisville, Illinois, and Syracuse.  Memphis wins in a close one. [an error occurred while processing this directive]

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Responses:
Refresh frame to view latest entries.


[an error occurred while processing this directive]