NCAA Bracket 2011: Georgetown and 6 Lower Seeds with a Shot at the Final Four

It's tournament time, folks. Just like how many have the top seeds cleaning house and reaching the Final Four, some have certain teams making a Cinderella run to that stage and possibly beyond.

In 2006, George Mason University defied all odds and made the Final Four. Last year, the Butler Bulldogs achieved what many thought impossible and reached the national championship game against the Duke Blue Devils. Sure, they lost, but their run cannot be tossed aside, as it was one of the best in tournament history.

That being said, here are six low-seeded teams that have a shot at making a run to the Final Four!

No. 6: Richmond Spiders

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PROVIDENCE, RI - MARCH 18: Kevin Anderson #14 of the Richmond Spiders shoots a basket against the Saint Mary's Gaels during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's tournament at Dunkin' Donuts Center on March 18, 2010 in Providence, Rhode Island. (Jim Roga

Last year, Richmond was eliminated in the first round of the tournament. This year, however, things are different.

Led by senior guard Kevin Anderson (pictured at left), the Spiders made the Atlantic 10 final against the University of Dayton, winning 67-54 and securing a spot in this year's big dance. The team is a No. 12 seed, facing Vanderbilt in the first round.

Call me crazy, but something tells me that the Spiders have the determination to make one heck of a run this year, maybe as a Sweet 16 sleeper to start. If they can get that far, there is no doubt in my mind that they have what it takes to potentially make the Final Four.

No. 5: George Mason Patriots

In 2006, George Mason made an improbable run to the Final Four in what experts could only label as a miracle.

This year, they lost in the Colonial Athletic Association semifinal to Virginia Commonwealth. Still, if guard Cam Long (pictured at left) can lock in the hot shooting touch, the eighth-seeded Patriots could make another run at the Final Four.

They face No. 9 Villanova in the first round and after beating them would certainly face a dangerous Ohio State squad. If GMU could take out the top-ranked Buckeyes, it could seriously make a long and inspiring run to the Final Four.

No. 4: Georgetown Hoyas

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 5: Head coach John Thompson III of the Georgetown Hoyas reacts to call during a college basketball game against the Providence Friars on February 5, 2011 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. The Hoyas won 83-81. (Photo by

In 2007, Georgetown was a favorite to win a national championship. The Hoyas made the Final Four that year but then lost to Ohio State. Since then, they have struggled to get that far.

Many thought that this year could possibly be the year for the Hoyas, but then star shooter Chris Wright broke his hand. He is expected to be available for the tournament this year, but just how good he will be is a giant question mark going in.

Yet if Wright comes back full force and the offense clicks, don't be surprised to see the No. 6-seeded Hoyas go on a run that ends with a spot in the Final Four, perhaps even the title game. If that happens, coach John Thompson III (pictured at left) will go from stomping his foot in frustration to doing a victory dance.

No. 3: St. John's Red Storm

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NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 10: head coach Steve Lavin of the St. John's Red Storm reacts from the bench near the end of the first half against the Syracuse Orange during the quarterfinals of the 2011 Big East Men's Basketball Tournament presented by American Ea

Once St. John's University brought in Steve Lavin (pictured at left) to coach the men's basketball team, long-suffering fans rejoiced. At long last, the team had a coach that was sure to make them relevant again. In his first season, Lavin met those expectations and much more.

All season long, the Red Storm established themselves as giant slayers. They had key victories over top opponents such as Notre Dame, West Virginia, Georgetown and even the defending champion Duke Blue Devils. This success was enough to be a No. 6 seed in the big dance.

Chances are that Lavin's squad will win its first game against Gonzaga and then face off against BYU. If the Red Storm can contain Jimmer Fredette and win that game, there is no doubt in my mind that they will gain momentum and make a run that could result in a Final Four appearance.

No. 2: Butler Bulldogs

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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 9: Matt Howard #54 of the Butler Bulldogs has the ball knocked away as he goes up for a shot against the Xavier Musketeers at Cintas Center on December 9, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Xavier defeated Butler 51-49. (Photo by Joe Robb

Last year, Butler made the tournament as a No. 5 seed after winning the Horizon League tournament. In a true Cinderella run, the Bulldogs reached the national championship game against Duke. Experts expected them to get blown out, but the determined squad lost by a mere two points.

This year, despite a rocky start, Butler is back in the tournament as a No. 8 seed. It has won nine straight games and most recently beat Milwaukee to win another Horizon League title.

The Bulldogs' first game is against Old Dominion, and if Matt Howard (pictured at left) can step up and lead the team as he has all season, I like Butler's chances of making another run.

It may be without Gordon Hayward, but Butler can count on one thing that will take it far: pure heart.

No. 1: Xavier Musketeers

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SALT LAKE CITY - MARCH 25: Terrell Holloway #52 of the Xavier Musketeers handles the ball against the Kansas State Wildcats during the west regional semifinal of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Energy Solutions Arena on March 25, 2010 in

Simply put, Xavier has men who can do it all. Led by versatile guard Tu Holloway (pictured at left), the Musketeers are a dangerous squad when running on all cylinders. Besides being a deadly shooter, Holloway can crash the boards and communicates well with his teammates.

Fellow guard Mark Lyons is deadly from beyond the arc, and forward Jamel McLean is capable of averaging 10 points and 10 rebounds a game. Seven-footer Kenny Frease patrols the low post with authority.

Xavier was the top-seeded team in the Atlantic 10 tournament this year. It lost to Dayton in the first round but still secured a No. 6 seed in the NCAA tournament. Chances are that after losing to Dayton, coach Chris Mack and his squad are hungry to prove that they aren't underachievers.

The Musketeers have made the Sweet 16 each of the past three seasons, but they are hungry for more. Don't be shocked if they go out onto the court guns blazing and make a miracle run to the Final Four.