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Join Tournament Challenge Now! Click Here
Welcome to the 2009 Tournament Challenge!
Who's your lock? Your upset? Your Cinderella? Click or drag the team names below to advance them through the bracket. Fill out the tiebreaker score for the winning and losing teams and click the Submit button to enter your bracket into the system. Good luck!
How to Play:
1
Pick your bracket
2
Click on matchup icon to compare who is the better team
3
Click on submit button to submit your bracket
Louisville
(28-5)
(28-5)
- Seed: 1
- Conference: Big East
- Conf. Record: 16-2
- AP Rank: 5
- PPG: 73.9
- Opp. PPG: 61.6
- Vs. Top 25: 7-1
- Last 12 Games: 11-1
- Notable Results: Pittsburgh (W by 6), UConn (L by 17), @Villanova (W by 1)
- Louisville is in the top five in blocks, thanks to Rick Pitino's fierce zone-pressure defense and the inside presence of Earl Clark and Samardo Samuels. If they hold you under 60 points, which they probably will, you're not likely to leave the court with a smile.
TBD
(0-0)
(0-0)
- Seed: 16
- Conference:
- Conf. Record:
- AP Rank:
- PPG:
- Opp. PPG:
- Vs. Top 25:
- Last 12 Games:
- Notable Results: Coming soon
- Coming soon
Ohio St
(22-10)
(22-10)
- Seed: 8
- Conference: Big Ten
- Conf. Record: 10-8
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 66.6
- Opp. PPG: 61.6
- Vs. Top 25: 3-6
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: @Michigan St (W/L/L), West Virginia (L by 28), Illinois (lost twice)
- Everything runs through Evan Turner, the Bucks' do-it-all performer. They are among the nation's leaders in field goal percentage, but are not built for high-scoring affairs. The tandem of Dallas Lauderdale and B.J. Mullens discourage opponents from entering the lane.
Siena
(26-7)
(26-7)
- Seed: 9
- Conference: MAAC
- Conf. Record: 16-2
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 77.6
- Opp. PPG: 70.0
- Vs. Top 25: 0-4
- Last 12 Games: 10-2
- Notable Results: @Pittsburgh (L by 13), @Kansas (L by 7), Oklahoma St. (L by 9)
- Almost the entire core is back from last season's team, which blew out Vandy in the first round. The Saints feature a talented, up-tempo attack, which thrives off turnovers. They are efficient in the halfcourt D as well, and have the ability to win at least one game again.
Utah
(24-9)
(24-9)
- Seed: 5
- Conference: MWC
- Conf. Record: 12-4
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 71.2
- Opp. PPG: 63.9
- Vs. Top 25: 0-2
- Last 12 Games: 10-2
- Notable Results: Gonzaga (W by 1), @Oklahoma (L by 18), @Utah St. (L by 2)
- Seven-footer Luke Nevill is a force inside for the Utes. Everything revolves around him. Utah can knock down shots, too, featuring three players shooting better than 40 percent from 3-point land. However, they don't force many turnovers at all.
Arizona
(19-13)
(19-13)
- Seed: 12
- Conference: Pac-10
- Conf. Record: 9-9
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 72.1
- Opp. PPG: 68.4
- Vs. Top 25: 2-1
- Last 12 Games: 7-5
- Notable Results: @Kansas (W by 17), Ariz St. (lost 3 times), Washington (W/L), UCLA (W/L)
- The Wildcats are another team that lives and dies by the 3-pointer. Chase Budinger and Nic Wise are deadly from deep, and in a run-and-gun game, this team has few rivals. But ask them to play halfcourt defense, and it's hard to watch. Plus, without bench depth, every foul hurts.
Wake Forest
(24-6)
(24-6)
- Seed: 4
- Conference: ACC
- Conf. Record: 11-5
- AP Rank: 8
- PPG: 81.3
- Opp. PPG: 70.3
- Vs. Top 25: 3-1
- Last 12 Games: 7-5
- Notable Results: Duke (W/L), N. Carolina (W by 3), Florida St. (W by 23)
- The young Deacons blossomed sooner than expected, led by cold-blooded Jeff Teague. Wake is a transition team that doesn't shoot well from outside, but they're terrific perimeter defenders. Thoroughbreds like this sometimes suffer tournament hiccups, but boy they're athletic.
Clev St
(25-10)
(25-10)
- Seed: 13
- Conference: Horizon
- Conf. Record: 12-6
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 66.1
- Opp. PPG: 58.9
- Vs. Top 25: 2-4
- Last 12 Games: 10-2
- Notable Results: @Syracuse (W by 3), Butler (W/L/L), @Washington (L by 15)
- The Vikings aren't a strong shooting team but are tough and aggressive defensively. Cedric Jackson stuffs the stat sheet and sets the tone for CSU at both ends, while J'Nathan Bullock and Norris Cole provide scoring. Teams who struggle in the halfcourt won't like playing CSU.
West Virginia
(23-11)
(23-11)
- Seed: 6
- Conference: Big East
- Conf. Record: 10-8
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 72.3
- Opp. PPG: 61.6
- Vs. Top 25: 2-7
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: Pittsburgh (W/L/L), Louisville (lost twice), Villanova (W by 21)
- Alex Ruoff and Da'Sean Butler take care of the offensive end of things for the Mountaineers, but the key to their success will be the ability of Devin Ebanks to win the rebounding battles down low. Plus, when the team switches to the 1-3-1 zone, unfamiliar foes will blanch.
Dayton
(26-7)
(26-7)
- Seed: 11
- Conference: A 10
- Conf. Record: 11-5
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 67.5
- Opp. PPG: 61.5
- Vs. Top 25: 1-1
- Last 12 Games: 7-5
- Notable Results: Xavier (W/L), Marquette (W by 14), @Creighton (L by 18)
- The Flyers had to regroup after losing Rob Lowery for the season on Feb. 11. London Warren has filled in admirably, but the team has been just over .500 since then. Chris Wright and Marcus Johnson will have to elevate their games to compensate for the loss.
Kansas
(25-7)
(25-7)
- Seed: 3
- Conference: Big 12
- Conf. Record: 14-2
- AP Rank: 11
- PPG: 77.1
- Opp. PPG: 65.8
- Vs. Top 25: 6-3
- Last 12 Games: 9-3
- Notable Results: @Oklahoma (W by 9), @Michigan St. (L by 13), Syracuse (L in OT)
- The defending champs lost four starters, but they reloaded and are legit. Sherron Collins gives the Jayhawks an experienced point man, and Cole Aldrich has been a revelation on the boards and scoring inside. Kansas will struggle most against hot-shooting, 3-point-heavy teams.
N Dakota St
(26-6)
(26-6)
- Seed: 14
- Conference: Summit
- Conf. Record: 16-2
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 80.7
- Opp. PPG: 68.5
- Vs. Top 25: 0-0
- Last 12 Games: 11-1
- Notable Results: @Minnesota (L by 14), @USC (L by 4)
- Featuring four senior starters, the Bison have been among the best in the nation in field-goal and 3-point percentages all season. Defense is not a strong suit, though. Ben Woodside runs the show and can score with the best of 'em. Up front, Brett Winkelman is a fine complement.
Boston Coll
(22-11)
(22-11)
- Seed: 7
- Conference: ACC
- Conf. Record: 9-7
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 74.9
- Opp. PPG: 70.4
- Vs. Top 25: 3-4
- Last 12 Games: 7-5
- Notable Results: @N. Carolina (W by 7), Duke (W/L), Wake Forest (lost twice)
- As you'd expect from a good young team, BC can beat anyone but is prone to lapses in concentration. Tyrese Rice is the only senior, and while he has sacrificed points to make Al Skinner's flex offense work, he can make a big shot. But the callow don't usually last long in March.
USC
(21-12)
(21-12)
- Seed: 10
- Conference: Pac-10
- Conf. Record: 9-9
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 68.3
- Opp. PPG: 63.4
- Vs. Top 25: 0-4
- Last 12 Games: 6-6
- Notable Results: @Oklahoma (L by 1), Missouri (L by 11), Washington (lost twice)
- A 1-6 February looked to have sealed the Trojans' fate, but a huge turnaround, led by Taj Gibson, DeMar DeRozan and Dwight Lewis was just enough to get USC into the dance. The run in the Pac-10 tournament showed this team's potential, but the lack of any bench makes us nervous.
Michigan St
(26-6)
(26-6)
- Seed: 2
- Conference: Big Ten
- Conf. Record: 15-3
- AP Rank: 7
- PPG: 71.9
- Opp. PPG: 62.9
- Vs. Top 25: 5-2
- Last 12 Games: 9-3
- Notable Results: N. Carolina (L by 35), Kansas (W by 13), Oklahoma St. (W by 15)
- The best rebounding team in the nation is also getting healthy at the right time. The Spartans are pretty young, but deep, and are tough to take down if they're shooting it well. Kalin Lucas is a blur at point guard and freshman Delvon Roe has come on strong in the past month.
R Morris
(24-10)
(24-10)
- Seed: 15
- Conference: NEC
- Conf. Record: 15-3
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 70.7
- Opp. PPG: 65.0
- Vs. Top 25: 0-2
- Last 12 Games: 9-3
- Notable Results: @Pittsburgh (L by 20), @Xavier (L by 21), @Miami (FL) (L by 8)
- Jeremy Chappell can do a bit of everything, and Jimmy Langhurst is a deadeye shooter from long range, but Rob Robinson is the team's only interior threat. The Colonials are committed defensively, but troubles with turnovers, and an inferior talent level, spells one-and-done.
Connecticut
(27-4)
(27-4)
- Seed: 1
- Conference: Big East
- Conf. Record: 15-3
- AP Rank: 3
- PPG: 77.3
- Opp. PPG: 63.9
- Vs. Top 25: 4-3
- Last 12 Games: 9-3
- Notable Results: Pittsburgh (lost twice), @Louisville (W by 17), Villanova (W by 6)
- Losing Jerome Dyson certainly put a huge dent in the Huskies' depth, and A.J. Price might have some trouble being essentially the sole outside shooting threat. However, having Hasheem Thabeet (2nd nationally with 4.5 blocks per game) in the paint solves a myriad of problems.
UT-Chatt
(18-16)
(18-16)
- Seed: 16
- Conference: Southern
- Conf. Record: 11-9
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 76.7
- Opp. PPG: 76.0
- Vs. Top 25: 0-3
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: Memphis (L by 12), @Missouri (L by 28), @ Tennessee (L by 39)
- The Mocs went 4-10 to begin the year but finished strong (11-4) and mopped up the SoCon tourney after Davidson lost. Stephen McDowell made the second-most 3-pointers in the country, but Chattanooga gives up the 3 at an alarming rate. A tourney win would be a shock.
BYU
(25-7)
(25-7)
- Seed: 8
- Conference: MWC
- Conf. Record: 12-4
- AP Rank: 25
- PPG: 77.4
- Opp. PPG: 64.7
- Vs. Top 25: 2-2
- Last 12 Games: 10-2
- Notable Results: Wake Forest (L by 7), Utah (W/L), Arizona St. (L by 1), Utah St. (W by 5)
- The Cougars are normally a good-shooting team, although they enter the tournament in a little bit of a funk. Most of the scoring comes outside the paint from the trio of Lee Cummard, Jimmer Fredette and Jonathan Tavernari. A team with athletic wings could provide trouble.
Texas A&M;
(23-9)
(23-9)
- Seed: 9
- Conference: Big 12
- Conf. Record: 9-7
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 71.7
- Opp. PPG: 66.3
- Vs. Top 25: 2-4
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: Oklahoma (lost twice), LSU (W by 11), Missouri (W by 10)
- A&M; made its bones playing half-court, dominating the boards, and getting to the line. They've got enough size to bang with anyone, and they usually won't be run out of the gym. But they're not excellent from the field, and struggle against teams with high shooting percentages.
Purdue
(25-9)
(25-9)
- Seed: 5
- Conference: Big Ten
- Conf. Record: 11-7
- AP Rank: 24
- PPG: 69.3
- Opp. PPG: 59.1
- Vs. Top 25: 2-5
- Last 12 Games: 7-5
- Notable Results: Duke (L by 16), Oklahoma (L in OT), Michigan St. (W/L)
- Robbie Hummel's back seems fine, which makes Purdue a tough team to beat for any opponent. JaJuan Johnson provides a shot-blocking presence down low for the balanced Boilermakers. Purdue has not met expectations this season, but are rounding into shape at the right time.
N Iowa
(23-10)
(23-10)
- Seed: 12
- Conference: MVC
- Conf. Record: 14-4
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 68.8
- Opp. PPG: 64.5
- Vs. Top 25: 0-1
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: Marquette (L by 30), @Siena (L by 6), Creighton (W/L)
- So many weapons! The outside shooting of Ali Farokhmanesh and the inside presence of 7-foot-1 shot-blocker Jordan Eglseder balance nicely with the scoring touch of Adam Koch and Kwadzo Ahelegbe. Plus, they make their free throws. Woe be the team that draws the Panthers.
Washington
(25-8)
(25-8)
- Seed: 4
- Conference: Pac-10
- Conf. Record: 14-4
- AP Rank: 13
- PPG: 78.9
- Opp. PPG: 69.6
- Vs. Top 25: 1-1
- Last 12 Games: 9-3
- Notable Results: Kansas (L by 19), Oklahoma St. (W by 18), Arizona St. (W/W/L)
- Top-10 rebounder Jon Brockman combines with the tandem of Justin Dentmon and Isaiah Thomas to lead the Pac-10's highest-scoring offense into the NCAA tournament. You'd better make your shots against this group. The Huskies allow their opponents few second chances.
Miss St
(23-12)
(23-12)
- Seed: 13
- Conference: SEC
- Conf. Record: 9-7
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 74.8
- Opp. PPG: 68.8
- Vs. Top 25: 0-1
- Last 12 Games: 7-5
- Notable Results: Tennessee (W/W/L), LSU (W/L/L), W. Kentucky (W by 28)
- The Bulldogs were the SEC's top 3-point-shooting team this season, but ironically their biggest weakness may be defending hot-shooting guards. Still, it's really the SEC's single-season blocks leader, Jarvis Varnado, whose physical play makes MSU go. They're good when he's on.
Marquette
(24-9)
(24-9)
- Seed: 6
- Conference: Big East
- Conf. Record: 12-6
- AP Rank: 21
- PPG: 78.8
- Opp. PPG: 69.4
- Vs. Top 25: 2-7
- Last 12 Games: 5-7
- Notable Results: Villanova (W/L/L), @Pittsburgh (L by 15), @Louisville (L by 4)
- This team simply hasn't been the same since Dominic James broke his foot. They give 100 percent effort on the court, and Jerel McNeal is a treat to watch, but the Golden Eagles are small, leaving the back door so wide open it's hard to see them making a deep run.
Utah St
(30-4)
(30-4)
- Seed: 11
- Conference: WAC
- Conf. Record: 14-2
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 72.8
- Opp. PPG: 62.0
- Vs. Top 25: 1-0
- Last 12 Games: 9-3
- Notable Results: Utah (W by 2), BYU (L by 5), @Saint Mary's (L by 11)
- Gary Wilkinson is one of the better interior players you've never heard of. This team shoots and rebounds well, and limits mistakes. Tyler Newbold and Jared Quayle are the reasons the Aggies are top five in assist-to-turnover rate. A definite upset candidate.
Missouri
(28-6)
(28-6)
- Seed: 3
- Conference: Big 12
- Conf. Record: 12-4
- AP Rank: 14
- PPG: 81.1
- Opp. PPG: 66.4
- Vs. Top 25: 4-3
- Last 12 Games: 10-2
- Notable Results: Oklahoma (W by 9), Kansas (W/L), Oklahoma St. (won twice)
- The Tigers are big, deep and quick, with two go-to seniors: DeMarre Carroll and Leo Lyons. Play helter-skelter with them and you're in trouble. But Mizzou loses focus on the defensive glass, gets in foul trouble and misses free throws. Sound fundamentals can beat them.
Cornell
(21-9)
(21-9)
- Seed: 14
- Conference: Ivy
- Conf. Record: 11-3
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 74.0
- Opp. PPG: 64.3
- Vs. Top 25: 0-2
- Last 12 Games: 9-3
- Notable Results: @Syracuse (L by 10), @Siena (L by 18), @Minnesota (L by 17)
- Behind junior guards Ryan Wittman and Louis Dale, the Big Red won 20 games in consecutive seasons for the first time in 110 years. They're not tiny but also aren't rugged; they shoot the 3 well, but not often. They play man-to-man defense, so an athletic team should stomp them.
California
(22-10)
(22-10)
- Seed: 7
- Conference: Pac-10
- Conf. Record: 11-7
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 75.0
- Opp. PPG: 68.3
- Vs. Top 25: 3-2
- Last 12 Games: 6-6
- Notable Results: Washington (won twice), @Utah (W by 3), @Missouri (L by 27)
- Thanks to the sharpshooting trio of Jerome Randle, Theo Robertson and Patrick Christopher, Cal leads the nation in 3-point shooting. But without any senior leadership, it's hard to see this team making a deep run, especially since their effort on defense can be spotty.
Maryland
(20-13)
(20-13)
- Seed: 10
- Conference: ACC
- Conf. Record: 7-9
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 71.4
- Opp. PPG: 68.4
- Vs. Top 25: 3-6
- Last 12 Games: 6-6
- Notable Results: N. Carolina (W/L), Duke (lost three times), Michigan St. (W by 18)
- Despite a 7-9 ACC record, the Terps made the Dance thanks to Greivis Vasquez, a do-everything point guard who turned in some of 2009's best performances but who also sometimes disappears. Maryland plays a halfcourt game and can catch fire, but they're too small for a deep run.
Memphis
(31-3)
(31-3)
- Seed: 2
- Conference: C-USA
- Conf. Record: 16-0
- AP Rank: 4
- PPG: 74.0
- Opp. PPG: 56.8
- Vs. Top 25: 1-2
- Last 12 Games: 12-0
- Notable Results: Syracuse (L by 7), @Tennessee (W by 2), @Gonzaga (W by 18)
- The Tigers haven't lost since Christmas, and are a better team since freshman Tyreke Evans took over at the point. Memphis boasts the nation's best field-goal-percentage defense. Less star power than last year, but free throws aren't a bugaboo anymore, either.
CS Northridge
(17-13)
(17-13)
- Seed: 15
- Conference: Big West
- Conf. Record: 11-5
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 73.7
- Opp. PPG: 69.9
- Vs. Top 25: 0-0
- Last 12 Games: 9-3
- Notable Results: @UCLA (L by 18), @San Diego St. (L by 16), @New Mexico (L by 11)
- Northridge survived a crazy season that saw their leading scorer suspended for theft and their point guard injured in a car accident. This is a kamikaze team who'll make someone's life miserable with pressure, though they're likely to be overmatched against great athletes.
Pittsburgh
(28-4)
(28-4)
- Seed: 1
- Conference: Big East
- Conf. Record: 15-3
- AP Rank: 2
- PPG: 77.9
- Opp. PPG: 64.0
- Vs. Top 25: 7-3
- Last 12 Games: 10-2
- Notable Results: UConn (won twice), @Louisville (L by 6), @Florida St. (W by 8)
- DeJuan Blair is a monster, top-five in the country with 12 rebounds per game, and Levance Fields distributes the ball better than just about anyone in college hoops today. Then there's Sam Young, averaging close to 19 points a game. This team is as balanced as they come.
E Tenn St
(23-10)
(23-10)
- Seed: 16
- Conference: A-Sun
- Conf. Record: 14-6
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 78.6
- Opp. PPG: 70.0
- Vs. Top 25: 0-0
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: Temple (L by 14), @Bradley (L by 13), Hofstra (L by 1)
- The Bucs are led by the three-headed monster of Kevin Tiggs, Courtney Pigram and Mike Smith, who have scored 69 percent of the team's points. Pigram can be dynamic when he's on, but his shot is streaky. ETSU likes a fast tempo, so a deliberate opponent could be problematic.
Oklahoma St
(22-11)
(22-11)
- Seed: 8
- Conference: Big 12
- Conf. Record: 9-7
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 81.1
- Opp. PPG: 74.2
- Vs. Top 25: 2-7
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: Oklahoma (W/L/L), @Kansas (L by 11), Michigan St. (L by 15)
- Byron Eaton can dish it, and James Anderson can fill it. The Cowboys push the pace, and if only offense mattered, OSU would be deadly. But they're smallish and don't get after it enough in man-to-man, meaning they get caught up in shootouts. Size and tough D are their downfalls.
Tennessee
(21-12)
(21-12)
- Seed: 9
- Conference: SEC
- Conf. Record: 10-6
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 78.4
- Opp. PPG: 72.3
- Vs. Top 25: 1-2
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: @Kansas (L by 7), Gonzaga (lost twice), Memphis (L by 2)
- Of Bruce Pearl's four UT teams, this one runs the least. It's also not the defensive force you're used to seeing. Young, big and deep, the Vols thrive when Tyler Smith slashes and Wayne Chism pounds. But they take poor shots, miss free throws and often lose defensive focus.
Florida St
(25-9)
(25-9)
- Seed: 5
- Conference: ACC
- Conf. Record: 10-6
- AP Rank: 22
- PPG: 68.6
- Opp. PPG: 65.0
- Vs. Top 25: 1-5
- Last 12 Games: 9-3
- Notable Results: Duke (lost three times), N. Carolina (W/L), Pittsburgh (L by 8)
- Toney Douglas isn't overly athletic, but he's a dagger-wielding shooter and a killer on defense, and he willed the Noles into this tournament. FSU plays great defense overall but can be hurt on the glass and is prone to high-turnover duds. Big, aggressive teams bother them.
Wisconsin
(19-12)
(19-12)
- Seed: 12
- Conference: Big Ten
- Conf. Record: 10-8
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 64.3
- Opp. PPG: 59.0
- Vs. Top 25: 1-5
- Last 12 Games: 7-5
- Notable Results: UConn (L by 19), @Michigan St. (L by 11), @Marquette (L by 3)
- Unlike past Wisconsin teams, this group wasn't as successful knocking off opponents with superior talent. The Badgers lack a go-to scoring option, but do a good job of limiting turnovers, which keeps them in most games. A threat to win a game, but anything more would be gravy.
Xavier
(25-7)
(25-7)
- Seed: 4
- Conference: A 10
- Conf. Record: 12-4
- AP Rank: 19
- PPG: 72.3
- Opp. PPG: 62.4
- Vs. Top 25: 2-2
- Last 12 Games: 7-5
- Notable Results: Memphis (W by 5), Missouri (W by 4), Duke (L by 18), @LSU (W by 10)
- They're a decent outside shooting team with B.J. Raymond and Brad Redford (top-10 in 3-point accuracy), but they have a young backcourt (Dante Jackson, Terrell Holloway) that can make mistakes under pressure. Up-tempo teams who dictate the game pace can beat Xavier.
Portland St
(23-9)
(23-9)
- Seed: 13
- Conference: Big Sky
- Conf. Record: 11-5
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 73.8
- Opp. PPG: 68.2
- Vs. Top 25: 0-1
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: @Gonzaga (W by 7), @Washington (L by 1), @Baylor (L by 13)
- Don't be fooled by the diminutive size of guard Jeremiah Dominguez. The 5-foot-6 senior can make shots from anywhere on the floor, be it from downtown or a surprise drive into the paint. They may lack the size to compete with most schools, but if the 3s fall, who knows?
UCLA
(25-8)
(25-8)
- Seed: 6
- Conference: Pac-10
- Conf. Record: 13-5
- AP Rank: 15
- PPG: 76.0
- Opp. PPG: 63.2
- Vs. Top 25: 1-1
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: Washington (W/L), Arizona St. (lost twice), Michigan (L by 3)
- The best field-goal-shooting team in the nation also shoots better than 40 percent from 3-point range. Give Darren Collison the ball with a late lead and he'll find Josh Shipp or Alfred Aboya for an open shot or bury you from the free-throw line. The Bruins will be a tough out.
VCU
(24-9)
(24-9)
- Seed: 11
- Conference: CAA
- Conf. Record: 14-4
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 72.0
- Opp. PPG: 63.3
- Vs. Top 25: 0-1
- Last 12 Games: 9-3
- Notable Results: Oklahoma (L by 11), New Mexico (W by 12), @Rhode Island (L by 6)
- Remember VCU's upset of Duke in 2007? This team is different. Eric Maynor, a senior point guard, is the only holdover from '07; everyone else is a baby. This year's Rams aren't as good on offense but are stingier on defense, thanks to big Larry Sanders. Watch out, VCU can hang.
Villanova
(26-7)
(26-7)
- Seed: 3
- Conference: Big East
- Conf. Record: 13-5
- AP Rank: 10
- PPG: 76.5
- Opp. PPG: 67.0
- Vs. Top 25: 3-4
- Last 12 Games: 9-3
- Notable Results: Pittsburgh (W by 10), @UConn (L by 6), Syracuse (won twice)
- Nova has a very balanced unit, led by Scottie Reynolds and Dante Cunningham. The team knows how to move the ball around the perimeter and wait for the right shot, and rarely loses the turnover battle. They might lack height, but not heart, and are seemingly immune to pressure.
American
(24-7)
(24-7)
- Seed: 14
- Conference: Patriot
- Conf. Record: 13-1
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 64.4
- Opp. PPG: 58.4
- Vs. Top 25: 0-1
- Last 12 Games: 12-0
- Notable Results: @Oklahoma (L by 29), @Maryland (L by 16), @ Georgetown (L by 24)
- American isn't to be taken lightly, ranking in the top 10 in scoring defense. Three-point specialist Garrison Carr leads an all-senior starting five that has won 19 of 20 games, and won't be intimidated by the competition. They could hang tough with any seed they face.
Texas
(22-11)
(22-11)
- Seed: 7
- Conference: Big 12
- Conf. Record: 9-7
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 72.3
- Opp. PPG: 65.4
- Vs. Top 25: 3-5
- Last 12 Games: 7-5
- Notable Results: Oklahoma (W/L), Michigan St. (L by 4), Villanova (W by 9)
- They have size and talent, but the 'Horns are missing glue. Varez Ward hasn't soothed the loss of D.J. Augustin at the point, and A.J. Abrams has been inconsistent as a result. Texas plays nice D but goes through awful shooting droughts which make them vulnerable to anyone.
Minnesota
(22-10)
(22-10)
- Seed: 10
- Conference: Big Ten
- Conf. Record: 9-9
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 66.4
- Opp. PPG: 61.1
- Vs. Top 25: 2-5
- Last 12 Games: 5-7
- Notable Results: Louisville (W by 6), Michigan St. (lost three times), Illinois (W/L)
- The Gophers won't win any beauty contests, but they defend well enough to keep them in most games. They force a bunch of turnovers, but have turnover problems of their own. Who will score, though? Ten different players have scored at least 17 in a game this season.
Duke
(28-6)
(28-6)
- Seed: 2
- Conference: ACC
- Conf. Record: 11-5
- AP Rank: 9
- PPG: 78.0
- Opp. PPG: 65.6
- Vs. Top 25: 5-3
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: UNC (lost twice), Wake Forest (W/L), Florida St. (won three times)
- Once freshman Elliot Williams joined the starting rotation in mid-February and Jon Scheyer took over the point, things clicked for Duke. Now the Blue Devils don't turn the ball over, and they defend the 3 better. Great guard play can still fell them, but who can't it fell?
Binghamton
(23-8)
(23-8)
- Seed: 15
- Conference: Am. East
- Conf. Record: 13-3
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 70.2
- Opp. PPG: 66.7
- Vs. Top 25: 0-0
- Last 12 Games: 11-1
- Notable Results: Vermont (won twice)
- The Bearcats were the subject of a New York Times investigative piece, but that didn't stop them from winning the America East and making their first Big Dance. Small and very scrappy, this team can create defensive on-court chaos, too, though big-time size should subdue them.
UNC
(28-4)
(28-4)
- Seed: 1
- Conference: ACC
- Conf. Record: 13-3
- AP Rank: 1
- PPG: 90.1
- Opp. PPG: 72.7
- Vs. Top 25: 4-2
- Last 12 Games: 10-2
- Notable Results: Duke (won twice), Michigan St. (W by 35), @Florida St. (W/L)
- The preseason No. 1 sometimes looked indifferent on defense throughout '09, but three losses can hardly be considered a disappointing season, and the Heels are still the favorite to win it all. They can score on anyone, but beware if they draw an efficient offensive opponent.
Radford
(21-11)
(21-11)
- Seed: 16
- Conference: Big South
- Conf. Record: 15-3
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 76.0
- Opp. PPG: 70.9
- Vs. Top 25: 0-2
- Last 12 Games: 11-1
- Notable Results: @Wake Forest (L by 22), @West Virginia (L by 35)
- Art Parakhouski is a solid rebounder and provides a strong inside presence. There's no bench to speak of here, though, so any foul trouble will effectively cripple their chance of an upset. Still, if senior Kenny Thomas can get hot from 3-point land, anything is possible.
LSU
(26-7)
(26-7)
- Seed: 8
- Conference: SEC
- Conf. Record: 13-3
- AP Rank: 20
- PPG: 74.9
- Opp. PPG: 65.4
- Vs. Top 25: 1-2
- Last 12 Games: 9-3
- Notable Results: @Utah (L by 30), Xavier (L by 10), @Tennessee (W by 6)
- Marcus Thornton is an unheralded gunner who can also drive, and coach Trent Johnson has succeeded in getting the Tigers to play defense this season. LSU held up well in the weak SEC but hasn't done much out of conference. Still, Thornton makes them scary if they're close late.
Butler
(26-5)
(26-5)
- Seed: 9
- Conference: Horizon
- Conf. Record: 15-3
- AP Rank: 16
- PPG: 67.6
- Opp. PPG: 57.3
- Vs. Top 25: 1-0
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: @Xavier (W by 9), Cleveland St. (W/W/L), @Ohio St. (L by 3)
- Matt Howard is one of the most unheralded big men around, and Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack don't play like the freshmen they are. Butler is patient offensively and tough defensively, just like past versions who have caused trouble in March. Four players have at least 30 3s.
Illinois
(24-9)
(24-9)
- Seed: 5
- Conference: Big Ten
- Conf. Record: 11-7
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 64.6
- Opp. PPG: 56.6
- Vs. Top 25: 3-3
- Last 12 Games: 7-5
- Notable Results: Michigan St. (lost twice), Missouri (W by 16), Purdue (won twice)
- Chester Frazier's injury really hurts on both sides of the ball. The Illini don't win pretty, but they are very unselfish and hold opponents under 40 percent shooting. Mike Davis and Mike Tisdale made huge strides as sophomores, and their play will be key to Illinois' success.
W Kentucky
(24-8)
(24-8)
- Seed: 12
- Conference: Sun Belt
- Conf. Record: 15-3
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 71.7
- Opp. PPG: 66.3
- Vs. Top 25: 1-1
- Last 12 Games: 11-1
- Notable Results: Louisville (W by 14), Florida St. (L by 13)
- The Hilltoppers rely primarily on the outside shooting of Orlando Mendez-Valdez and A.J. Slaughter, but when they do go inside, Jeremy Evans doesn't miss too many baskets, and he's also solid defensively. Hey, this team was able to beat Louisville. Don't underestimate them.
Gonzaga
(26-5)
(26-5)
- Seed: 4
- Conference: WCC
- Conf. Record: 14-0
- AP Rank: 12
- PPG: 78.9
- Opp. PPG: 61.2
- Vs. Top 25: 3-3
- Last 12 Games: 11-1
- Notable Results: UConn (L in OT), Memphis (L by 18), Tennessee (won twice)
- Everyone on this team can bury the 3, and the quick hands on defense help make this one of the most potent offenses in the country. Plus, Austin Daye and Josh Heytvelt can contain the height of the opposition. This is a potential Final Four squad.
Akron
(23-12)
(23-12)
- Seed: 13
- Conference: MAC
- Conf. Record: 10-6
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 66.8
- Opp. PPG: 59.8
- Vs. Top 25: 0-1
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: @Pittsburgh (L by 19), Dayton (L by 4), @ VCU (L by 4)
- Akron is a perimeter-oriented team that shoots a poor percentage. But the Zips are tough-minded, and their defensive pressure forces a ton of turnovers. It's been 23 years since Akron last danced, but it won't last long if they run into a big, physical opponent.
Arizona St
(24-9)
(24-9)
- Seed: 6
- Conference: Pac-10
- Conf. Record: 11-7
- AP Rank: 23
- PPG: 69.5
- Opp. PPG: 60.0
- Vs. Top 25: 1-2
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: UCLA (won twice), Washington (W/L/L), California (W/L)
- Arizona State is in the top 20 in scoring defense, quite a testament considering the firepower in the Pac-10. James Harden is a top-20 scorer who always manages to find his shot. This is a young team that can beat anyone but tends to play to the level of the competition.
Temple
(22-11)
(22-11)
- Seed: 11
- Conference: A 10
- Conf. Record: 11-5
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 68.9
- Opp. PPG: 63.3
- Vs. Top 25: 2-3
- Last 12 Games: 10-2
- Notable Results: @Kansas (L by 12), @Villanova (L by 17), Xavier (W/L), Clemson (L by 4)
- Temple, in the top 30 in assists, moves the ball very well, but the final resting place for nearly all those passes is in the hands of Dionte Christmas (19.2 ppg). If the Owls have any chance of advancing, they'll need somebody else to step up as a second scoring option.
Syracuse
(26-9)
(26-9)
- Seed: 3
- Conference: Big East
- Conf. Record: 11-7
- AP Rank: 18
- PPG: 81.0
- Opp. PPG: 72.2
- Vs. Top 25: 5-6
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: @Pittsburgh (L by 18), @Memphis (W by 7), UConn (W/L)
- Jonny Flynn leads this unselfish offense that is ranked in the top 10 in scoring. Five different Orange players average double-digit scoring, and the 2-3 zone D gives opposing teams fits. The glaring weakness? Arinze Onuaku's awful 30 percent free-throw shooting.
S F Austin
(24-7)
(24-7)
- Seed: 14
- Conference: Southland
- Conf. Record: 13-3
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 66.2
- Opp. PPG: 56.0
- Vs. Top 25: 0-0
- Last 12 Games: 10-2
- Notable Results: @Texas A&M; (L by 7), North Dakota St. (W in 3 OT)
- Defense is a constant for the Lumberjacks, who boast nice size for a small program. They'll slow you down and challenge all shots. On offense, they need Josh Alexander to make outside shots, so opponents can't focus on center Matt Kingsley. If that happens, they're dangerous.
Clemson
(23-8)
(23-8)
- Seed: 7
- Conference: ACC
- Conf. Record: 9-7
- AP Rank: 17
- PPG: 78.9
- Opp. PPG: 68.2
- Vs. Top 25: 2-5
- Last 12 Games: 6-6
- Notable Results: Duke (W by 27), @N. Carolina (L by 24), Wake Forest (lost twice)
- Clemson went 14-0 out of conference but just 9-7 in the ACC, and only a home roasting of Duke stands out. Trevor Booker makes the Tigers tick from the post; when he's focused, they're dangerous. But too often it's easy for big teams to dominate the glass and score inside.
Michigan
(20-13)
(20-13)
- Seed: 10
- Conference: Big Ten
- Conf. Record: 9-9
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 67.1
- Opp. PPG: 63.0
- Vs. Top 25: 3-6
- Last 12 Games: 6-6
- Notable Results: Duke (W by 8), @UConn (L by 8), UCLA (W by 3)
- Manny Harris is a dynamic player, and DeShawn Sims makes for a solid 1-2 punch. But after that, it's anyone's guess on a given night. Sims is the only major contributor shooting better than 42 percent, which is why Michigan has been so inconsistent all season.
Oklahoma
(27-5)
(27-5)
- Seed: 2
- Conference: Big 12
- Conf. Record: 13-3
- AP Rank: 6
- PPG: 79.1
- Opp. PPG: 67.8
- Vs. Top 25: 4-3
- Last 12 Games: 8-4
- Notable Results: Kansas (L by 9), @Missouri (L by 9), Oklahoma St (W/W/L)
- Blake Griffin is dominant, and without him, the Sooners lost consecutive games in February. Willie Warren is the key. He's arguably the NCAA's best freshman scorer, has spectacular range and can create off the dribble. Tough but athletic, there's no style Oklahoma can't play.
Morgan St
(23-11)
(23-11)
- Seed: 15
- Conference: MEAC
- Conf. Record: 13-3
- AP Rank: NR
- PPG: 67.0
- Opp. PPG: 61.7
- Vs. Top 25: 0-2
- Last 12 Games: 11-1
- Notable Results: Utah (L by 29), @Washington (L by 14), @Maryland (W by 1)
- Nothing against the MEAC Champs, but it's hard to take a team that beat something called William Jessup by only two points seriously. Jermaine Bolden is a solid assists man, and Reggie Holmes can get hot from outside, but this team can't compete with the top dogs.
No Team
- Seed:N/A
- Conference:N/A
- Conf. rec:N/A
- AP:N/A
- PPG:N/A
- OPP PPG:N/A
- VS. Top 25:N/A
- Last 12 Games: N/A
- Notable Results:
N/A - N/A
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