Bracket Breakdown

NCAA Basketball Betting Lines

03/18/2010 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Being a member of the selection committee for the NCAA Tournament is a thankless job that always comes with harsh criticism. This year is no different. While there were no real egregious omissions (perhaps Mississippi State), the committee's seeding procedures have to be called to task.

If it is how a team finishes the season as opposed to how it starts the campaign that is most important, than there is really no justification for Villanova - which began the year on fire but faltered big time down the stretch - receiving a two-seed. On the flip side, not far from the Villanova campus, the Temple Owls, who won the Atlantic 10 regular and tournament titles and beat Villanova head-to-head, had to be disappointed when learning of their five-seed.

The Wildcats were handed a gift in the South Region (although it remains to be seen if they can capitalize on it), while the Owls have their work cut out for them in the East.

Here is a breakdown of what to expect in all the regions, as the tournament unfolds.

EAST: The Kentucky Wildcats earned a top-seed and rightfully so. John Calipari's squad is oozing with talent, and there is little doubt that on the biggest stage there is, youngsters like John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins will shine. UK's half of the bracket features potential matchups with Texas, Temple and or Wisconsin. None of those teams have the talent that Kentucky does and the Wildcats should work their way into the Elite Eight with little to no trouble. The bottom of the region is anchored by two-seed West Virginia. Bob Huggins' Mountaineers are a solid squad at both ends of the floor and have a flair for the dramatic, shown in their run to the Big East Tournament crown. The biggest challenge in the bottom of the East may come from New Mexico. The Lobos earned top-10 status this season, but still may be a little underrated across the country. Other teams down low that could make some noise are Missouri, Washington and Marquette. However, a Kentucky/West Virginia showdown is likely, with the edge going to the team from Lexington.

SOUTH: The Duke Blue Devils may be the weakest top-seed in this event, but Mike Krzyzewski's squad did win 29 games this year, capturing a share of the ACC regular season title and then winning the ACC Tournament. OK, the ACC isn't up to its lofty standards this season, but Duke is still a favorite to get out of the region. The Blue Devils' half of the bracket lacks any real pitfalls. Coach K's team gets Arkansas-Pine Bluff out of the gate, followed by potential challenges in California or Louisville. Texas A&M is another dangerous tournament team, while the winner of the Purdue/Siena matchup could present a problem. The Boilermakers are not at full strength, while the 13th- seeded Saints (27 wins) have a chance to be this year's Cinderella squad. The bottom of the bracket features two-seed Villanova, but three-seed Baylor is the popular pick to face off against Duke for the right to go to Indianapolis. The Bears have dynamic scoring options highlighted by star guard LaceDarius Dunn. Notre Dame caught fire down the stretch to earn entrance to the Big Dance, but may not get past its first-round showdown with Old Dominion. 'Nova will probably get past its first two opponents thanks to a favorable seeding, but Baylor will end the Wildcats' bid at a second straight Final Four appearance, setting up an Elite Eight matchup with Duke. The Blue Devils may not be able to match Baylor's energy, as Scott Drew's squad packs its bags for Indianapolis.

MIDWEST: Kansas is the top team in the country and certainly earned that status, running away with the Big 12 championship yet again. However, the selection committee did the Jayhawks no favors with perhaps the toughest field among the four regions. The Midwest is full of obstacles for KU, which should get tested in its half of the bracket, highlighted by a potential showdown with Michigan State in the Sweet 16. There are a number of teams that could emerge in the bottom half of the region to challenge Kansas for a spot in the Final Four. Ohio State boasts perhaps the best player in the country in Evan Turner, and the Buckeyes certainly have the resume (27 wins, Big Ten champs) to give Kansas a run for its money. However, Ohio State will not walk over anyone, with Tennessee, Georgetown and Oklahoma State making up a formidable bottom half of the bracket. The Vols are one of two teams to top Kansas this year, with the Cowboys being the other. The Hoyas are a physical team that can play with anyone and possess a rugged center in Greg Monroe that can dominate in the middle. Still, Kansas is definitely tournament-tested, and possesses one of the game's top leaders in Sherron Collins. The Jayhawks will likely punch their ticket to the Final Four, although it won't come easy.

WEST: Syracuse gets the top spot in the West and despite bowing out in the Big East Tournament, the Orange remain the favorite to advance to the Final Four. An Elite Eight appearance shouldn't be much of a problem, as Jim Boeheim's squad is simply better than the rest of the field in its half of the bracket, with or without the services of big man Arinze Onuaku (injured leg). A real Cinderella could come in the form of Murray State. The Racers posted 30 wins this year and could make some noise early on. The bottom half of the bracket features two-seed Kansas State. The Wildcats had a highly successful season (26 wins) and of their seven losses overall, three came to top-ranked Kansas, including in the Big 12 Tournament title game. With dynamic guard play, Frank Martin's squad has a chance to go far. BYU looms large in second-round play and that showdown (providing the Cougars get past Florida) may just make Jimmer Fredette a household name. BYU's explosive leader is among the nation's top scorers and can carry the Cougars in this event. Pittsburgh, Minnesota and Xavier all have the ability to win a couple of games, but none are likely to advance beyond that. In the end, look for the Orange and Wildcats to square off in the Elite Eight, and that is where the potential absence of Onuaku will cost Syracuse.

When the dust clears. the Final Four will resemble the Big 12 Tournament, with three of the team's representing that conference. Two one-seeds advance in Kansas and Kentucky, while the other two come in the form of two-seed Kansas State and three-seed Baylor.

John Calipari and Bill Self coached against one another in the NCAA Championship game just two years ago and that one ended with Self and the Jayhawks earning a memorable 75-68 overtime decision over Memphis. Self is likely to get the win again this year. as Kansas' explosive playmakers and veteran leadership will trump Kentucky's youthful talent base.