The comparatively weak second seed in this region would seem to clear a path for the top-seeded UCLA Bruins to return to the Final Four.
Most Intriguing First Round Matchup
Here's something you don't see very often -- the champion of the mighty Southeast Conference -- home of the storied Kentucky Wildcats and the two-time defending champion Florida Gators -- sitting in the 14 seed. For comparison -- the other 14 seeds are the champions of the Ivy League (Cornell), the Big West (Cal State Fullerton) and the WAC (Boise State). That's about the last time you'll see the Ivy, Big West and WAC compared to the SEC.Of course, Georgia was the longest of long shots to even make the NIT before their remarkable run through the SEC Tournament, winning three games in two days to take the title. Those magical three wins were needed just to give the Bulldogs a season record above .500 -- they enter the tournament at 17-16 overall. It will be interesting to see if they can sustain this weekend's momentum, but I don't like their chances.
Upset Potential
I've seen enough of West Virginia's star forward Joe Alexander over the last two weeks to believe that he'll give the Dookies nightmares; I like the Mountaineers over the Blue Devils and another early exit for Coach K.Also -- a five seed beating a four seed isn't much of an upset, but Drake over Connecticut will raise some eyebrows.
The Regional Final
The Mountaineers reach the elite eight, but the balanced attack of the UCLA Bruins proves to be too much. UCLA advances.West Region Bracket
| Round 1 | Round 2 | Sweet 16 | Elite 8 |
| 1) UCLA | |||
| 16) Mississippi Valley St. | UCLA | ||
| 8) BYU | BYU | ||
| 9) Texas A&M | UCLA | ||
| 5) Drake | Drake | ||
| 12) Western Kentucky | Drake | ||
| 4) Connecticut | Connecticut | ||
| 13) San Diego | UCLA | ||
| 6) Purdue | West Virginia | ||
| 11) Baylor | Purdue | ||
| 3) Xavier | Xavier | ||
| 14) Georgia | Purdue | ||
| 7) West Virginia | West Virginia | ||
| 10) Arizona | West Virginia | ||
| 2) Duke | Duke | ||
| 15) Belmont |
