NCAA Bracket 2012: How Far Will Remaining Double-Digit Seeds Go?
Now that the first weekend is over, nobody is overlooking the three remaining double-digit seeds. So we're going to find out how good they really are. They are now fully on the radar of teams everywhere, so let's see what to expect from all three teams.
Xavier, No. 10 South Region
The fact is that the Musketeers have had a lot of help along the way. They beat a Notre Dame team that experienced a second-half collapse and then got the benefit of playing a 15 seed in the second round.
That isn't going to continue in the Sweet 16. Baylor has found its form after a tough second half of the regular season, and that's going to continue for one more round.
Xavier is just not as good in any way as Baylor is. The nature of being a higher seed is that you're probably not as complete, but they don't have a strength to exploit, which is an essential part of an upset. It's been a nice run for Xavier, but it's coming to an end on Friday.
North Carolina State, No. 11 Midwest Region
Their game against Kansas is an upset waiting to happen, and it will happen. Kansas is just playing flat basketball right now. I know that they're still alive, which is all that matters, but I am not seeing anything about the Jayhawks to make me think that they have staying power.
On the other hand, the Wolf Pack are hot. They move the ball around well, score more than enough to pull the upset and play different styles well enough to pull this one off.
They will do just that, ending another Kansas season far earlier than their ranking would suggest that it should end. We also know that the Wolf Pack can play with the team that they'll face in the Elite Eight (more on that later). So, don't expect their run to end until the Final Four, as NC State will win the Midwest Region.
Ohio, No. 13 Midwest Region
The Bobcats have done a nice job staying alive, but they are facing a different level of opponent now. Michigan and South Florida are good teams, but they don't possess the overall depth of North Carolina, who will down them in the Sweet 16.
Kendall Marshall and John Henson's health will cost the Tar Heels in the next round, but they won't have a problem getting through Ohio. Harrison Barnes and Tyler Zeller will be too much for the Bobcats to handle. There won't be much doubt in this one.
Check the NCAA Website for an up-to-date bracket and schedule.
