2011 Sweet 16 West Region Odds, Predictions and Free Picks – NCAA Tournament Betting Preview: This region was a dream for bettors that love to back the big dogs. Aside from a minor upset pulled by No. 5 Arizona over No. 4 Texas, the top seeds made it to the Sweet 16 unscathed. The defending champion Duke Blue Devils are still alive after a scare from Michigan, but the road back to the Final Four isn’t getting an easier.
2011 Sweet 16 West Region Matchup Previews
No. 1 Duke vs. No. 5 Arizona: Duke nearly coughed up a comfortable lead against Michigan, but Nolan Smith and company are still alive and looking to win back-to-back titles as expected. Arizona saw a similar lead evaporate against Texas, but Derrick Williams bailed out the Wildcats with an old-fashioned 3-point play in the closing seconds. Two teams with plenty of past tournament success will now play for a chance to go to the Elite Eight.
This is a classic battle of youth versus experience. Duke is a senior led team coming of a national title, while Arizona is a relatively unproven squad. The Wildcats Derrick Williams may be the best player on the court, at least according to NBA scouts, but there is little question that Duke is the more complete team.
The bottom line is that if the Blue Devils play at our near their potential, the Wildcats would have to play their best game of the year to advance to the next round. Duke has too many reliable weapons on offense, and the scare against Michigan should have them focused heading into this matchup.
2011 Sweet 16 West Region Projected Winner: Duke
No. 2 San Diego State vs. No. 3 Connecticut: Kemba Walker continues to carry the Huskies, and UCONN is one of the hottest teams in tournament entering this Sweet 16 matchup. Meanwhile, SDSU enters the game coming off a double overtime victory against Temple. While UCONN has won both of its games comfortably, SDSU has already been pushed to the brink. Whether or not the Aztecs have been worn down or motivated by the scare against the Owls will play a key role in the outcome of this game.
The Aztecs have lost just two games this season, losing to BYU twice during the regular season. It’s tough not to compare the Huskies setup to that of the Cougars. The UCONN offense is carried by a high-volume shooter in Walker just as Jimmer Fredette leads the BYU attack. Walker is at least on par with Fredette if not better, and he is surrounded by better talent. If SDSU couldn’t stop the Cougars, stopping the Huskies seems doubtful as well.
Tournament-tested coach Steve Fisher could be the wildcard for SDSU. His team is balanced on both ends of the court, and he will have a game plan that should at least keep the Aztecs close. If Kawhi Leonard or D.J. Gay can get hot or a few breaks go their way, anything can happen in March. That being said, the edge still goes to the Huskies.
2011 Sweet 16 West Region Projected Winner: Connecticut
2011 Sweet 16 West Region Favorite to Make the Final Four
Duke: Kyrie Irving’s return makes an already loaded team even more dangerous. Irving and Nolan Smith started to find a rhythm together in the second half against Michigan, and another week of practice should help the two stars iron out any remaining kinks. The Blue Devils experience, leadership, great guards and a serviceable bench. Not to mention the fact that the guy calling the shots has 900 wins as a head coach. Duke should return to the Final Four.
Sleeper to Make a Run
Connecticut: I am as surprised as anyone that Kemba Walker is showing no signs of fatigue from the Huskies grueling run through the Big East tournament. UCONN still lives and dies with Walker, but considering his hot streak stand at seven games and counting, you have to wonder if he can carry his team to the Final Four and beyond before he finally cools off. Walker is attacking the basket and getting to the foul line, and UCONN is going to be tough to derail unless Walker stumbles.
2011 Sweet 16 West Region Team in the Most Trouble
San Diego State: At the end of the day, the only thing that matters in March is whether or not you survive and live to fight another day. The Aztecs did just that against Temple, but the fact that they needed double overtime to dispatch the Owls is cause for concern. SDSU will be facing a top team from an elite conference for the first time in several months, and Steve Fisher’s squad won’t be around much longer if they play like they did against Temple.
2011 NCAA Tournament Betting Lines Championship – West Region
Odds to win the 2011 West Region
Duke -145
San Diego State +385
Connecticut +365
Arizona +1015
| Bet on March Madness with the Top-Rated NCAA Tournament Sportsbooks accepting bets online for 2011 NCAA Tournament action! Also be sure to get yourself registered to play in all the FREE NCAA Tournament 2011 Bracket Contest Challenges to find out how you can WIN tons of Contests and PRIZES with your 2011 March Madness Bracket Picks! |