The south region is led by the 28-4 North Carolina Tarheels. The rest of the field includes Oklahoma (2), Syracuse (3), Gonzaga (4), Illinois (5), Arizona St. (6), Clemson (7), LSU (8), Butler (9), Michigan (10), Temple (11), Western Kentucky (12), Akron (13), Stephen F. Austin (14), Morgan St. (15), Radford (16).
Best Matchup of the Region. LSU vs. Butler. Both teams finished the season with 26 wins although LSU limped to the finish line, losing 3 of their last 4 and getting bounced from the SEC tournament in their second game to Mississippi State. Butler lost in their conference final to Cleveland St., but had a 4 game win streak prior to the loss. The Bulldogs are led by three young talents, Shelvin Mack, Gordon Hayward and Matt Howard, who have accounted for 42.6% of Butler's offense for the year.
Biggest Lock. North Carolina vs. Radford. A 16 seed has never won a game in the NCAA tournament so don't expect the Highlanders to shock the nation. The Tarheels are a well coached team and Roy Williams will have his team firing on all cylinders.
Most Boring Matchup. Clemson vs. Michigan. The 8th place team from the Big Ten and the 5th place team from the ACC makes for a matchup that makes me yawn. I expect Clemson to walk all over Michigan even after losing 4 of their last 5.
Pac-10 Teams in the Region. Just Arizona St in this one. ASU played well in the Pac-10 tournament to finish the season and they probably raised their seed in the tournament because of it. Their only loss in the tournament came to USC who happens to be on a miracle run right now.
The Sun Devils are not a lock to win the first round as they received a matchup against the Temple Owls who are very hot coming into the tournament. They're currently on a 5 game tear including a win against the Xavier Musketeers, who wrapped up a #4 seed in the East region. The Sun Devils will need a strong showing from the Pac-10 player of the year, James Harden, in order to get through the first week and make the sweet sixteen.