NCAA Bracket 2012: Complete Guide to West Region

The 2012 NCAA tournament's West region was announced on Selection Sunday, complete with no-brainers and head-scratchers.

There was Michigan State, the No. 1 seed in the region. Then there was Iona, a team many didn't believe would make it in.

But such is the way of the selection committee, always full of surprises for everyone.

Here's a complete breakdown of the West region.

Opening-Round Schedule

No. 5 New Mexico vs No. 12 Long Beach State, March 15

No. 4 Louisville vs No. 13 Davidson, March 15

No. 6 Murray State vs No. 11 Colorado State, March 15

No. 3 Marquette vs No. 14 BYU/Iona, March 15

No. 1 Michigan State vs No. 16 LIU, March 16

No. 8 Memphis vs No. 9 SLU, March 16

No. 7 Florida vs No. 10 Virginia, March 16

No. 2 Missouri vs No. 15 Norfolk State, March 16

Best Matchup in Round of 64: No. 7 Florida vs No. 10 Virginia

This should be the most competitive matchup of the Round of 64, sporting two teams who have played top seeds close and ended their regular seasons in a similar manner.

Florida lost to No. 1 Kentucky by just three points on Saturday. Virginia has lost by three points to North Carolina, Florida State and NC State.

Both teams have endured late losses heading into March Madness, but both have played better than their records would indicate.

Three Stars to Watch

Draymond Green, Michigan State

He's averaging 16.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.5 steals for the West's No. 1 seed.

Enough said.

Evidenced by his stats, Green can score, rebound, pass, block and steal, and he's a big reason why the Spartans are a scary team heading into March Madness.

Jae Crowder, Marquette

Given extra playing time this season, Jae Crowder has blossomed in his senior season with the Golden Eagles.

Crowder is averaging 17.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 2.4 steals and had a big game against then-No. 11 Georgetown on March 3, posting 26 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, one block and five steals.

Brandon Davies, BYU

Brandon Davies has bounced back in a big way after being suspended last season for violating BYU's honor code.

In his junior season, he's averaging 15.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.4 steals.

He's gotten hot at just the right time, too.

Favorites on Upset Alert

Louisville

The fact of the matter is, Davidson scores a lot of points.The Wildcats averaged 78.4 points during the season, 12th in the nation.

They also beat then-No. 11 Kansas on Dec. 19.

Louisville obviously has a very good defense, so it's going to be interesting who will win the battle of offense vs defense. My money's on Louisville, but a high-scoring team like Davidson has the potential to surprise.

Florida

Florida is going to have a very close game on its hands against Virginia. Both teams have played top seeds tough, and Virginia has beaten Michigan.

Don't be surprised if this one goes down to the wire.

Cinderella Story Waiting to Happen

Davidson

I really do like Davidson's chances to be the team that comes out of nowhere to surprise the nation.

The one thing I don't like is that Davidson hasn't faced a ranked team since Kansas on Dec. 19, so there's the potential for them to be shocked by the quality of Louisville's defense.

But if the Wildcats keep fighting and scoring in bunches, led by De'Mon Brooks and Jake Cohen, who knows what can happen?

Dark Horse Teams Ready to Make a Run

Memphis

How Memphis is the No. 8 seed in the West region is beyond me.

This team does have eight losses on the season, but they've blown opponents out of the water down the stretch.

Will Barton is the star of this team, but the Tigers' chances really depend on point guard Joe Jackson, who has been up and down this season.

Jackson had 19 points and six assists against Marshall on Saturday in the C-USA Men's Championship.

New Mexico

The Mountain West Conference continues to get better, with teams like UNLV and San Diego State.

The Lobos lost to both of these teams the first time they faced them but beat each of them twice to close out the season, including a 68-59 victory in the MWC Championship against San Diego State.

They can score, rebound and move the ball around very well, averaging 16.4 assists, 10th in the nation.

A team that works well together always has the chance to topple a top seed.

Teams That will Crack Sweet 16

Michigan State

The No. 1 seed in the region and deservedly so. The Spartans have to get past LIU and the winner of Memphis and SLU to reach the Sweet 16. I don't see that being much of a problem.

New Mexico

I told you I liked New Mexico, right? The Lobos have to defeat Long Beach State and the winner of Louisville and Davidson. Regardless of who wins between Louisville and Davidson, I think the team that comes out of that matchup will be exhausted. Then the Lobos will strike.

Dream Matchup We'd Love to See: Michigan State vs Missouri

The No. 1-seeded team in the region against a team that can score with the best in the nation?

Count me in.

Missouri may not be a very good rebounding team, but the Tigers can flat-out score the basketball, averaging 80.3 points and shooting 50.3 percent from the floor (third in the nation).

Michigan State has faced elite scorers like North Carolina and Duke this season, both ending in losses. But Missouri isn't the same rebounding threat as a North Carolina or a Duke.

Who Will Earn Berth in Final Four

Michigan State vs Missouri

Projected Winner: Michigan State

Missouri's scoring always makes the team scary, as evidenced against Baylor in the Big 12 Championship on Saturday.

But I like Michigan State. The Spartans are a very good rebounding team, and they can also score the basketball. They also closed out the season with wins against Wisconsin and Ohio State.

Projected National Champion: Kentucky

Yes, this is the obvious choice, but I can't stray from the Wildcats this year.

The Wildcats did lose to Vanderbilt on Sunday in the SEC Tournament Championship, but they've been hands-down the best team in the country this season.

The one team I could see beating Kentucky was Syracuse, but the Orange just lost to Cincinnati and have had some close wins against unranked opponents. I'm not as hot about Syracuse as I used to be.

Kentucky ranks in the top 20 nationally in scoring average, rebounds per game and field goal percentage. Kentucky is also the most consistent team in college basketball.

It doesn't hurt having a head coach like John Calipari.

For your printable NCAA Bracket, click here.

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