In the West region, there are ironically a bunch of teams that aren’t in the West. But, the top-seeded team is the best team on this side of the country, and they are out to show their worth to the nation. While they are doubted due to the mid-major conference they play in, the Gonzaga Bulldogs are eager to get back to the national title game. However, 17 other teams have something to say about that. Let’s take a look at the West region, in-depth.
What to Expect from the West Region
An Upset
If the bracket were all-chalk, what fun would it be to fill out? A great first-round matchup between Markus Howard and Ja Morant will definitely bring excitement, as well as NBA scouts. In a previous article, I had questioned whether or not Morant would shine in the NBA due to lack of quad-one matchups. Now, he gets his chance. If he does shine, even if the Racers come up short, look for his stock to rise dramatically. The Racers and Golden Eagles look poised to go on a tournament run.
Also, watch out for Florida and the winner of Arizona State-St. Johns. These teams are facing tough tests in Nevada and Buffalo respectively, but either could make runs if they defeated perhaps under-seeded teams.
A Three-Seed or Lower Making Noise
Just after mentioning they could go down; Nevada and Buffalo have excellent chances of making noise. C.J. Massinburg has led the Bulls to a 31-3 record, the best the MAC has ever seen. In his senior season, he wants to make noise in this tournament. Texas Tech, however, can stand in their way.
Caleb Martin, like Massinburg, has had a similar effect. The Wolf Pack have won 29 games, and don’t wish to go down easily to a Florida team that’s lost 15. If they advance, the champions of the Mountain West will have to face the “Champions of the West”, Michigan Wolverines. If they get past Montana.
Will the Regional Be Chalk?
So far, looking at this bracket, it looks probable. Terance Mann and Florida State beat Virginia and advanced to the ACC title game. FSU has a deep bench. This can trouble Murray State or Marquette in the second round and can trouble Gonzaga in the Sweet 16. However, half the original question is answered. One and Four make the Sweet 16.
As for Two and Three, they are tougher roads for reasons already mentioned. Michigan could play Nevada, Texas Tech can play Buffalo. If this is the case, a split of those games for Two and Three are in the works. Both could go down, both could advance, but with Charles Matthews back in the mix, Michigan looks good. If one goes down, it’s Texas Tech.
A Great Regional Final
Right now, Wolverines fans are excited as their team looks to be in an easier bracket than Michigan State. However, this can be debunked in three words. Gonzaga. Beat. Duke. They also did it on a neutral floor in Maui. The Zags may have lost in the WCC final, but they are looking to take it out on this region. Rui Hachimura, Josh Perkins, and Brandon Clarke will be testing Ignas Brazdeikis, Matthews, Zavier Simpson and Michigan in an amazing regional final game. If both teams advance this far, expect a classic, and one of the players listed will have to have the game of their lives to advance.
If Gonzaga advances, a rematch with Duke would be spectacular. Another rematch between Michigan and Michigan State would also be excellent. However, as the bracket unfolds, we’ll see how these teams shape up. It’s March Madness, Baby!
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