2011 Sweet 16 Southwest Region Odds, Predictions and Free Picks – NCAA Tournament Betting Preview: For most bettors, this region is probably being referred to as a bracket killer. No. 1 Kansas made it through to the Sweet 16, but the Jayhawks will be joined be three underdogs teams that pulled upset in every round thus far. The setup of the bracket ensures that at least one double-digit seed will be moving on to the Elite Eight, and if a Cinderella team is going to make the Final Four, it is probably going to come from this region.
2011 Southwest Region Matchup Previews
No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 12 Richmond: The Jayhawks haven’t been dominant, but they have been good enough to make it to the Sweet 16. Their guards have struggled as a unit thus far, but the Morris twins have been more the capable of carrying the load. Richmond caught a break with Louisville going down in the second round, but give the Spiders credit for getting by Vanderbilt and taking care of a Morehead State team that the Cardinals couldn’t finish off.
On paper this game looks like a complete mismatch. Kansas has NBA-caliber prospects up and down their roster, while Richmond has a bunch of guys that a majority of basketball fans have never heard of. That being said, the Spiders play solid team basketball. They don’t turn the ball over and shoot a respectable percentage.
The problem the Spiders have is that they haven’t played a team with offensive firepower or athleticism of Kansas. Richmond doesn’t have anyone that can handle the Morris twins in the paint, and even if the Jayhawk guards continue to struggle, the Spiders would have to catch fire to even have a chance. Kansas is bigger, faster and tournament tested. Richmond is overmatched in this one.
2011 Southwest Region Sweet 16 Projected Winner: Kansas
No. 10 Florida State vs. No. 11 VCU: After winning a close opening round game, the Seminoles eliminated No. 2 seed Notre Dame with relative ease to reach the Sweet 16. Easy wins have been the theme of the tournament for VCU, who have made their run to the Sweet 16 look like a walk in the park despite having to compete in an opening round game just to be one of the final 64 teams. The Rams sent No. 6 Georgetown and No. 3 Purdue home with 18-point defeats to set up a meeting with FSU.
Senior Jamie Skeen and junior Bradford Burgess have led a VCU offensive attack that has appeared unstoppable thus far, and the Rams simply overwhelmed Purdue with a 94-point outburst. Their offense is firing on all cylinders right now and is showing no signs of slowing down, but the Seminoles will try to do just that. Led by Chris Singleton, defense has been the calling card of FSU all season. The complete shutdown of the high-powered Notre Dame offense was proof that the Seminoles defense is the real deal.
This game pits strength against strength, and the team that can set the pace is going to have the upper hand. Singleton is the most talented player on the court for either team, but top to bottom, the Rams are firing on all cylinders. VCU should be able to make enough shots to force FSU to play from behind, and that’s not what the Seminoles are built for.
2011 Southwest Region Sweet 16 Projected Winner: VCU
2011 Southwest Region Favorite to Make the Final Four
Kansas: The seas have parted for the Jayhawks thanks to a string of upsets in this region, and there is no reason that Kansas shouldn’t steamroll into Final Four. They are by far the most talented team remaining in the region, and there is no answer for the Morris twins among the three remaining opponents. That being said, the Jayhawks haven’t exactly been playing their best basketball in March, and there is always a chance that overconfidence could play a role considering they are now they heavy favorites. It is up to Bill Self to make sure his team stays focused because the Jayhawks have been handed a golden opportunity.
2011 Southwest Region Sleeper to Make a Run
VCU: They were supposed to be too slow for USC, they weren’t supposed to be able to handle a Big East team like Georgetown, and they certainly weren’t supposed to be able to handle an athletic team with the size of Purdue. Not only to the Rams beat all three teams, they blew them out. The setup of the tournament allows for certain teams to get hot and make a run, and that is exactly what VCU is doing.
2011 Southwest Region Team in the Most Trouble
Richmond: If the Spiders were playing FSU or VCU, they would have a fighting chance. Unfortunately, they are going up against the mighty Jayhawks. Winning the A-10 tournament and knocking of Vanderbilt were impressive, but Kansas is another level of competition. An upset would mean a nice payoff for bettors, but sometimes Goliath wins.
2011 NCAA Tournament Odds Championship – Southwest Region
Odds to win the 2011 Southwest Region
Kansas -265
Florida State +425
VA Commonwealth +685
Richmond +1215
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