NCAA Bracket 2011 Predictions: Breaking Down the Southwest Region

With all of the conference champions crowned, the NCAA selection committee made their selections for the 2011 NCAA Tournament.

Several months of effort have paid off for the 68 teams that will get the chance to participate in the Big Dance starting this week.

On paper there is never an easy path to the Final Four, but this is certainly the season for upsets and any one team can change the entire outlook of a bracket with a win.

With the slates wiped clean for teams heading to the tournament, 16 teams in the Southwest region will be looking to give the No. 1 seeded Kansas Jayhawks a run for their money as March Madness kicks into full swing.

No. 1 Seed: Kansas Jayhawks

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 12: The Kansas Jayhawks celebrate after defeating the Texas Longhorns 85-73 to win the 2011 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament championship game at Sprint Center on March 12, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by J

National Ranking: No. 2

Overall Record: 32-2

Notable Wins: No. 12 Memphis, No. 10 Texas

After a perfect 15-0 non-conference season, the Kansas Jayhawks handled the Big 12 Conference competition handily losing only twice en route to a conference championship and a 32-2 overall record.

Led by Junior forward Marcus Morris who has averaged over 17 points and seven rebounds per game this season, the Jayhawks will use their great shooting and ability to score from anywhere on the court to defeat opponents as the tournament progresses.

With strong competition from Notre Dame, Purdue and Louisville in the Southwest region, a strong team effort will be needed every step of the way if the Jayhawks hope to make a trip to Houston.

No. 2 Seed: Notre Dame

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NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 11: Tyrone Nash #1 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish drives to the basket against Gorgui Dieng #10 of the Louisville Cardinals during the semifinals of the 2011 Big East Men's Basketball Tournament presented by American Eagle Outfitter

National Ranking: No. 4

Overall Record: 26-6

Notable Wins: No. 2 Pitt, No. 15 Louisville, No. 16 UConn 

Having weathered the storm in a tough Big East conference this season, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are heading to the NCAA Tournament having won 12 of their last 14 games.

Assuming senior Ben Hansbrough (18.5 ppg) is able to continue to lead his Fighting Irish as he has throughout the season, the team should have no trouble moving to the Sweet Sixteen where they may face a tough test against No. 3 seeded Purdue.

No. 3 Seed: Purdue

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 11: E'Twaun Moore #33 of the Purdue Boilermakers attempts a shot in the first half against Mike Kebler #20 and Draymond Green #23 of the Michigan State Spartans during the quarterfinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tourna

National Ranking: No. 9

Overall Record: 25-7

Notable Wins: No. 10 Wisconsin, No. 3 Ohio State

Currently riding a two game losing streak, the Purdue Boilermakers will need to regain the form that earned them 25 wins this season if they hope to make it through the tough Southwest region.

Senior forward JaJuan Johnson has had a spectacular season and will need to continue his interior dominance as the Boilermakers appear poised to face a strong team in the Georgetown Hoyas, assuming they can avoid an opening game upset at the hands of St. Peters.

It wouldn't be at all surprising to see the Boilermakers face the Kansas Jayhawks for a place in the National Semifinals.

No. 4 Seed: Louisville

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NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 12: Peyton Siva #3 of the Louisville Cardinals tries to dribble past Roscoe Smith #22 of the Connecticut Huskies during the championship of the 2011 Big East Men's Basketball Tournament presented by American Eagle Outfitters at Madiso

National Ranking: No. 14

Overall Record: 27-7

Notable Wins: UConn (twice), No. 6 Pitt, No. 4 Notre Dame 

After a fourth place finish in an elite Big East conference that sent 11 teams to the NCAA tournament, the Louisville Cardinals find themselves with a No. 4 seed and a date with Morehead State in their opening game.

Senior Preston Knowles has been a team leader all season long and will be counted on as he looks to lead his Cardinals to a matchup against Richmond or Vanderbilt.

The Cardinals have what it takes to make a run at the Sweet Sixteen where they'll face a tough potential test against No. 1 seeded Kansas.

No. 5 Seed: Vanderbilt

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ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 12: Festus Ezeli #3 of the Vanderbilt Commodores drives against Vernon Macklin #32 of the Florida Gators during the semifinals of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Georgia Dome on March 12, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ke

National Ranking: No. 24

Overall Record: 23-10

Notable Wins: No. 18 Kentucky

After posting a 9-7 conference record and 23-10 record overall, the Vanderbilt Commodores find themselves with the No. 5 seed in the Southwest region.

The Commodores will face the Richmond Spiders in Denver this week as they look to advance past the tournament's opening round. The team has been able to consistently count on sophomore guard John Jenkins who has averaged 20 points per game this season. 

The Commodores should be wary of a Richmond team that will be poised to pull off an upset as they enter play this week.

No. 6 Seed: Georgetown

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 26: Austin Freeman #15 of the Georgetown Hoyas reacts to a basket during a college basketball game against the Syracuse Orange on February 26, 2011 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC The Orange 58-54. (Photo by Mitchell L

National Ranking: No. 22

Overall Record: 21-10

Notable Wins: No. 7 Villanova, No. 13 Syracuse

The Georgetown Hoyas head into the NCAA Tournament riding a four game losing streak and will face the winner of the at-large play in game against USC and VCU.

Assuming the team is able to advance past their opening game, they'll face a very tough opponent in the No. 3 seeded Purdue Boilermakers.

The Boilermakers have the leadership and coaching of a team poised to make a run and it will take a very strong effort from senior guard Austin Freeman if the Hoyas plan to make a Sweet Sixteen appearance.

If they're able to make it that far, they would potentially face a Notre Dame team that they lost to earlier in the season.

No. 7 Seed: Texas A&M

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 11: Dash Harris #5 and David Loubeau #10 of the Texas A&M Aggies walk on the court during their semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns in the 2011 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at Sprint Center on March 11, 20

National Ranking: No. 21

Overall Record: 24-8

Notable Wins: No. 12 Missouri, No. 22 Kansas State

The Texas A&M Aggies got off to a 13-1 start this season before entering Big 12 play. Once they reached conference play, the team continued their strong play en route to a 10-6 conference record.

Khris Middleton has contributed 15 points and five rebounds per game to his team's efforts along the way and will likely prove to be key factor in the Aggies tournament success.

With a No. 7 seed, the Aggies could very well be one of the first teams knocked off of people's brackets as they search for first round upsets.

No. 8 Seed: UNLV Rebels

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LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 11: Justin Hawkins #31 of the UNLV Rebels drives to the basket during a semifinal game of the Conoco Mountain West Conference Basketball tournament against the San Diego State Aztecs at the Thomas & Mack Center March 11, 2011 in Las

National Ranking: Unranked

Overall Record: 24-8

Notable Wins: No. 25 Wisconsin, No. 11 Kansas State 

After a third place finish in the Mountain West conference, the UNLV Runnin' Rebels will face off against the Fighting Illini this week in their opening tournament game.

In what will be a very evenly matched game, the Rebels will have no time for rest if they beat the Illini, as they'll likely have the No. 1 seeded Kansas Jayhawks waiting for them.

No. 9 Seed: Illinois

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 11: Demetri McCamey #32 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs the offense against the Michigan Wolverines during the quarterfinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 11, 2011 in Indianap

National Ranking: Unranked

Overall Record: 19-13

Notable Wins: No. 24 Wisconsin, No. 18 Michigan State

The Fighting Illini have done an admirable job playing through a modestly strong Big 10 conference.

Despite achieving just a .500 record in the conference, the team has played strongly enough to earn a bid in the NCAA Tournament. The team will look to their senior leadership this week as they face off against the UNLV Rebels.

Senior guard Demetri McCamey has been a team leader for his team throughout his stay in Champaign, and the team will need his leadership as they look to knock off the Rebels on their way to a tough test against the No. 1 seeded Kansas Jayhawks.  

No. 10 Seed: Florida State

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GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 11: Terrance Shannon #15 of the Florida State Seminoles shoots against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the quarterfinals of the 2011 ACC men's basketball tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on March 11, 2011 in Greensboro, North Caro

National Ranking: Unranked

Overall Record: 21-10

Notable Wins: No. 1 Duke, No. 15 Baylor

Finishing in third place behind Duke and North Carolina in the ACC this season, the Florida State Seminoles won 11 of their 16 conference matchups this season in earning a tournament bid. 

Junior forward Chris Singleton will likely be leaving for the NBA after this season, so you'd have to believe that the team leader in points and rebounds will be leaving it all on the court as he leads his team into Chicago for an opening round matchup against Texas A&M.

The team certainly has the capacity to pull off the upset and send the Aggies packing, but they'll need to play well beyond their abilities if they hope to knock off their likely second round opponent in No. 2 Notre Dame.

No. 11 Seed: USC/Virginia Commonwealth

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 11: Jio Fontan #2 of the USC Trojans goes up for a shot against Derrick Williams #23 and Jordin Mayes #20 of the Arizona Wildcats in the second half in the semifinals of the 2011 Pacific Life Pac-10 Men's Basketball Tournament at

The at-large play in game for the Southwest region will feature the USC Trojans and the Virginia Commonwealth Rams.

Coming from a Mid-Major conference it would be easy to overlook VCU in favor of USC. The matchup is certainly worth consideration, as the 23-11 Rams have played big teams tough this season.

On the flip side, the Trojans have been an up and down team this season and failed to notch 20 victories, a typical standard for NCAA Tournament at-large bids.

While many may dismiss this pick as a certain loss at the hands of No. 6 Georgetown, the Hoyas are vulnerable right now as they currently sit on a four game losing streak and could fall to either of these teams given the right conditions.

No. 12 Seed: Richmond

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PROVIDENCE, RI - MARCH 18: Clint Stiendl #11 of the Saint Mary's Gaels presses Ryan Butler #44 of the Richmond Spiders during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Dunkin' Donuts Center on March 18, 2010 in Providence, Rhode Isl

National Ranking: Unranked

Overall Record: 27-7

Notable Wins: No. 8 Purdue, No. 25 Temple

The Richmond Spiders earned the Atlantic 10 conference bid into the NCAA Tournament in defeating the Dayton Flyers this past weekend.

The Spiders finished the season with a 27-7 record and didn't lose consecutive games once during the season. Riding a current seven game winning streak, the Spiders will give No. 5 Vanderbilt a run for their money as they work towards an opening round win.

While the Spiders seem to be on many experts lists of first round upsets, they'll face an even tougher test in a potential second round matchup against No. 4 Louisville.

No. 13 Seed: Morehead State

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DAYTON, OH - MARCH 20: Earl Clark #5 of the Louisville Cardinals shoots over Kenneth Faried #35 of the Morehead State Eagles during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the University of Dayton Arena on March 20, 2009 in D

National Ranking: Unranked

Overall Record: 24-9

Notable Wins: Murray State, Ball State

It's safe to say that the success or failure of the Morehead State Eagles rests on the shoulders of forward Kenneth Faried.

The senior has averaged over 17 points and 14 rebounds per game this season, by far the most productive on the team's roster.

Rick Pitino will likely have the answers against this team as his players' will use their strong inside presence and ability to score at will in knocking off Morehead State with little resistance.

No. 14 Seed: St. Peter's

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BRIDGEPORT, CT - MARCH 07: Jeron Belin #5 of the St. Peter's Peacocks attempts a shot against the Iona Gaels during the final of the MAAC men's conference basketball tournment at Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard on March 7, 2011 in Bridgeport, Connectic

National Ranking: Unranked

Overall Record: 20-13

Notable Wins: Alabama, Iona

The Peacocks of St. Peter's will face a very strong Purdue Boilermakers team as they open their 2011 NCAA Tournament this week.

In defeating Iona this weekend, the Peacocks earned their first NCAA Tournament bid in 16 years. It'll take a one of a kind performance against the No. 3 Boilermakers if the hope to extend their stay.

St. Peter's ranks near the bottom of the NCAA in points and field goal percentage, so all signs point against them being able to keep up with a talented Purdue team that has been able to score over 70 points per game despite not having an offensive weapon in Robbie Hummell.

No. 15 Seed: Akron

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PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 19: Nikola Cvetinovic #13 of the Akron Zips goes up for a shot against Josh Heytvelt #42 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first half during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the Rose Garden on March

National Ranking: Unranked

Overall Record: 23-12

Notable Wins: Miami-Ohio (twice), Ball State

It's going to be an uphill battle for the Akron Zips as they enter the NCAA Tournament up against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

The team will rely on junior Nikola Cvetinovic (12 points, 7 rebounds per game) to remain competitive as they look to pull off the upset.

Unfortunately for the Zips, it's looking like a one and done appearance this time around.

No. 16 Seed: Boston

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LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 30: Josh Harrellson #55 of the Kentucky Wildcats and John Holland #23 of the Boston University Terriers battle for a rebound during the game on November 30, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 91-57. (Photo by Andy Lyons/G

National Ranking: Unranked

Overall Record: 21-13

Notable Wins: Cornell, Stony Brook

The Boston University Terriers enjoyed a great amount of success in the America East conference as they compiled a 12-4 conference record and America East conference crown.

Their reward for the strong effort—a matchup against No. 1 seed Kansas.

While the Terriers have much to be proud of this season, a supreme effort from team leader John Holland (19.2 ppg) won't be enough to give the team a chance against the 32-2 Jayhawks.