2011 NCAA Bracket Picks: Southwest Region Odds, Predictions and Expert Bracketology

2011 NCAA Bracket Picks: Southwest Region Odds, Predictions and Expert Bracketology Projections: It can be argued that the Southwest Region of the NCAA Tournament 2011 Bracket has two No. 1 seeds. Kansas earned the top seed, but No. 2 seed Notre Dame was in the mix for a top seed on selection day. There are plenty of other quality teams from major conferences sprinkled throughout the region as well, which should lead to plenty of competitive games.

NCAA Soutwest Bracket Favorites to Make the Final Four

Kansas: With Morris twins causing havoc for opponents inside and an arsenal of quality guards manning the perimeter, it is tough to find many weaknesses with the Jayhawks. Of course the same could be said last season prior to Kansas being bounced in the second round by Northern Iowa. As long as they stay committed on the defensive end and are willing to share the ball, the Jayhawks have national title contender written all over them.

Notre Dame: Led by Ben Hansbrough, the Fighting Irish feature a lineup that averages almost nine 3-pointers a game. When they have hot shooting nights, there isn’t a defense around that can stop them. Notre Dame is a deep squad that had an excellent year in the highly-touted Big East. A lack of tournament experience is the only real knock on this team, but it could become an issue in a close game in crunch time.

NCAA Soutwest Bracket Upset Specials

Richmond over Vanderbilt: This game could come down to a shootout between Vanderbilt’s John Jenkins and Richmond’s Justin Harper. The Spiders tested themselves with their out of conference schedule, and they delivered wins against Wake Forest, Arizona State and Purdue. Vandy had some quality wins as well, but Richmond is the type of team that can control the tempo and get quality looks from the outside. As long as they are knocking down shots like they were during the A-10 Tournament, this a game the Spiders can win.

USC/VCU over Georgetown: Take your pick in the play-in game, but Georgetown has been awful since losing point guard Chris Wright. He is expected to make his return for the team’s first round game. Even if Wright does return, there is a good chance he will have to shake off some rust. Unfortunately for Georgetown, there is no tomorrow in NCAA Tournament. The Hoyas’ abysmal offense will come back to haunt them.  

NCAA Soutwest Bracket High Seed on Alert

Louisville: The emergence of Preston Knowles has solidified the Cardinals, but anyone that has seen them play this year knows they can have serious turnover issues at times. From bad loses to Drexel and Providence to a blowout loss to Kentucky, things can spiral for Louisville in a hurry when the ball is being thrown around. You can’t win come Tournament time if you don’t care of the ball, and the Cardinals could be knocked off at any point.

NCAA Bracket Southwest Region PREDICTION: #1 Seed Kansas Jayhawks

Vegas Favorites and Odds to win the 2011 Southwest Region
Get 2011 Southwest Region Odds on each individual game at BetUs Sportsbook
Kansas +125
UNLV +2050
Illinois +3050
Vanderbilt +2050
Louisville +545
Georgetown +1215
Purdue +445
Texas A&M +6050
Florida State +6050
Notre Dame +345
Any Other Team +1615