RIPE FOR AN UPSET: Texas. The Longhorns have lost three of their past five games, including a drubbing by Oklahoma State in the Big 12 conference tournament in which they failed to score 50 points for the second time during that losing stretch. Although they made it to the Final Four last season, the Longhorns are not entering the tourney playing the way a team should be playing if they plan to stick around very long. If they make it past the first round, a very good North Carolina team should be awaiting; they'll need to score more than 50 to win that game.
COULD DO DAMAGE: Xavier. This is a team that has won 13 of its past 14 games, including an upset win over Saint Joseph's in the Atlantic 10 conference tournament quarterfinals. Xavier won four games in four days to earn the tournament title and comes in on a roll. Nothing like beating No.1 to give you supreme confidence, and opening against a hurting, struggling Louisville team is a bonus.
TOUGHEST DRAW: North Carolina. The Tar Heels are dangerous because they have talent, despite taking some hard knocks this season with some heartbreaking losses. While you can't get much more battle-tested than playing in the ACC, North Carolina potentially could have to face Texas, then No.7 Xavier or No.2 Mississippi State to get out of this region. That's a tall order.
NOT SO TOUGH: Duke. Yes, the Blue Devils might be meeting up with Arizona in the second round, but let's face it, this isn't an Arizona team similar to the ones we have been accustomed to in recent years. Duke is the best team in arguably the strongest conference in America and playing close to home.
HOME COOKIN': In an effort to reward excellence, the NCAA selection committee tries to keep top seeds close to home. If Duke got any closer, the Blue Devils would have to be playing in their own back yard.
SWEET 16 PICKS: Duke, Cincinnati, North Carolina, Mississippi State.
IF YOU DARE: Take a chance on Cincinnati. This may not be the best team in the region, but Bob Huggins is a savvy tourney veteran who's bringing in a team with a powerful offense. The Bearcats haven't always lived up to tourney expectations, but you should not count them out, especially this year.
FINAL WORD: The potential exists for a Duke-North Carolina or Cincinnati-Xavier region final, which makes this a dream for rivalry watchers.
