CONNECTICUT (Big East)
Record: 24-8, 15-13 ATS
Over / Under: 16-12 over.
Highlights: Went 16-1 at home.
Key results: Defeated Indiana, Marquette, Pitt, West Virginia; Lost to Gonzaga, Memphis, Georgetown; Split with Notre Dame.
NCAA history: 27 appearances, 2 national titles; 2 Final 4’s.
Outlook: Never discount any Jim Calhoun team. The Huskies came on in the second half of the season. They don’t have to face Providence again, so an Elite 8 appearance is possible.
DRAKE (Missouri Valley)
Record: 28-4 SU, 20-8 ATS
Over / Under: 15-14 under.
Highlights: 28 wins most in school history.
Key results: Defeated Butler, Iowa State. Lost to St. Mary’s (CA).
NCAA history: First appearance since 1970-71 season.
Outlook: Watch out for the Bulldogs, who were 5-0 ATS as an underdog. Bracket buster win over Butler shows that this team can definitely handle the pressure.
DUKE (ACC)
Record: 27-5 SU, 16-14 ATS
Over / Under: 18-11 over.
Highlights: Coach K’s 800th career win. 2-0 ATS as an underdog.
Key results: Defeated UNC, Marquette, Wisconsin, Davidson, Cornell; lost to Pitt, Miami FL, Wake Forest.
NCAA history: 3 national titles, 14 times in Final 4.
Outlook: The book on the Blue Devils is they live by the 3-point shot. Any team that can defeat North Carolina in Chapel Hill is very capable of running the table. A definite Final Four contender.
G’TOWN (Big East)
Record: 27-5 SU, 13-16 ATS
Over / Under: 18-11 under.
Highlights: Big East champ, tourney runnerup.
Key results: Defeated Alabama, Marquette, Michigan; Lost to Memphis, Pittsburgh, Syracuse.
NCAA history: A 4-time finalist, won in 1984.
Outlook: Georgetown reached the Final Four last year and are capable of at least an Elite 8 berth. To reach the Final 4 again, Hibbert must step up big at center.
KANSAS (Big 12)
Record: 28-3 SU, 16-12 ATS
Over / Under: 16-13 over.
Highlights: Won first 20 games before losing to K-State.
Key results: Defeated Arizona, USC, Miami, Ohio; Lost to K-State, Texas, Oklahoma St.
NCAA history: 2 national titles, 5-time finalist, 5 times in semis.
Outlook: Kansas last visited the finals in 2003 and has the parts to at least equal that feat. Right now, the Jayhawks are playing as well as anyone in the tourney.
LOUISVILLE (Big East)
Record: 24-8 SU, 17-13 ATS
Over / Under: 18-12 under.
Highlights: Have gone 22-3 since 2-3 start. Won 9 straight.
Key results: Defeated Georgetown, Notre Dame, Marquette, Pitt, Miami, O; Lost to BYU, Purdue, UConn.
NCAA history: 2 national titles, 8 Final Four berths.
Outlook: Typical Louisville, peaking in second half of season after a slow start. Pitino’s team has played inspired ball since David Padgett returned. Can go all the way.
MEMPHIS (C-USA)
Record: 33-1 SU, 15-16 ATS
Over / Under: 17-16 under.
Highlights: Won first 26 games. 2-0 ATS as an underdog.
Key results: Defeated Georgetown, USC, UConn, Oklahoma Arizona, Gonzaga; lost to Tennessee.
NCAA history: 1973 finalist, 1985 Final 4, Elite 8 last two years.
Outlook: Memphis was ranked No. 1 for the first time in 25 years. Outstanding nonconference record makes Memphis a solid bet to reach the Final Four – if they can make free throws.
N.CAROLINA (ACC champ)
Record: 27-2 SU, 17-7 ATS
Over / Under: 17-9 over.
Highlights: Ranked No. 1 three times.
Key results: Defeated Kentucky, Ohio St, Davidson, BYU, Kent St.; Lost to Duke and Maryland.
NCAA history: 5 national titles, last in 2005.
Outlook: With Tyler Hansbrough probable National Player of the Year, the Tar Heels figure to be a No. 1 seed and never leave North Carolina until the semifinals. Final Four team.
PITTSBURGH (Big East)
Record: 26-9, 17-13 ATS
Over / Under: 17-13 over.
Highlights: 12-1 nonconference, 16-2 home, 14-3 as favorite.
Key results: Defeated Duke, Georgetown; Lost to UConn, Notre Dame,Louisville, Marquette; Split with West Virginia.
NCAA history: 19 appearances, 4 Sweet 16’s since 2002.
Outlook: The Panthers are led by Sam Young, a first-team Big East selection. Coach Dixon’s may be able to make the Sweet 16 a fifth time this decade, but not any further.
STANFORD (Pac-10)
Record: 26-7, 17-16 ATS
Over / Under: 15-17 under.
Highlights: Went 16-1 at home, 22-4 as favorites.
Key results: Defeated Washington St., Arizona (twice); Lost to UCLA (twice); split with Southern Cal and Oregon.
NCAA history: National title (1942), two Final 4’s.
Outlook: Cardinal will go as far as 7-foot Twin Tower Lopez twins take them. Coach Johnson’s team just average (8-5) on the road, will need decent seeding to move far into Big Dance.
TENNESSEE (SEC)
Record: 29-4 SU, 16-12 ATS
Over / Under: 13-16 under.
Highlights: First-ever No. 1 ranking after win over Memphis. 5-0 ATS as an underdog.
Key results: Defeated West Virginia, Memphis, Gonzaga, Xavier; Lost to Texas, Vanderbilt, Kentucky.
NCAA history: 3 straight appearances. Best finish a Sweet 16.
Outlook: Vols known for 7 national women’s titles under Pat Summitt, but Bruce Pearl has made his mark. Chris Lofton is a deadly shooter and there’s depth. But producing an NCAA champ out of a weak SEC is pretty doubtful.
TEXAS (Big 12)
Record: 24-6 SU, 14-12 ATS
Over / Under: 14-12 under.
Highlights: Knocked off three No. 1-ranked teams.
Key results: Defeated Tennessee, UCLA, Kansas; Lost to Michigan State, Wisconsin.
NCAA history: 10 straight appearances. Final 4 in 2003.
Outlook: A legitimate championship contender. The Longhorns ended the regular season on an 0-3 ATS slide, but have had an great year without NBAers Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge.
UCLA (Pac 10)
Record: 31-3 SU, 19-13 ATS
Over / Under: 18-15 over.
Highlights: 4 streaks of at least 5 straight wins, longest 9.
Key results: Defeated Michigan St, Davidson, Wash St (2), Arizona (2), Stanford, USC; lost to USC, Texas, Wash.
NCAA history: 11 national titles, last in 1995.
Outlook: The Bruins are a solid pick to reach the Final 4 for the third straight year. UCLA arguably is the top defensive team in the country, which bodes well in the NCAAs.
WASHINGTON ST (Pac-10)
Record: 24-8, 16-15 ATS
Over / Under: 15-15 under.
Highlights: Stellar records nonconference (12-0), as favorite (19-3) and on road (10-3) in cracking the Top 25.
Key results: Defeated Oregon (twice), Gonzaga; Lost to UCLA (twice), Stanford and Arizona.
NCAA history: National title (1917), one Final Four.
Outlook: Bennett’s Cougars have four starters in double-figures and played in one of toughest conferences. Have their work cut out to reach the Sweet 16.
WISCONSIN (Big 10 champion)
Record: 29-4 SU, 16-13 ATS
Over / Under: 19-10 under.
Highlights: Have won 21 of their last 23 games.
Key results: Defeated Texas, Michigan St, Indiana (twice); Lost to Duke, Marquette.
NCAA history: 10 straight appearances, 1 national title (1941).
Outlook: The Badgers have become the most consistent team In the Big Ten over the past three seasons. Wisconsin’s offense has improved and can be considered a title contender.
XAVIER (Atlantic 10)
Record: 27-6 SU, 13-15 ATS
Over / Under: 15-13 under.
Highlights: Won 12 of last 13, beat Virginia by 38.
Key results: Defeated Indiana, Belmont (TN); Lost to Tennessee, Arizona St.
NCAA history: 19 NCAA’s including last 3; Elite 8 in 2004.
Outlook: The Musketeers gave Tennessee a battle, losing by 7. With a solid resume of success in the Dance, it would not surprise to see Xavier in the Round of 16, at least.
NCAA THE REST OF THE FIELD
AMERICAN (Patriot)
Record: 21-11 SU, 0-1 ATS
Over / Under: 1-0 under
Highlights: 9-1 in last 10 games.
Key results: Defeated Maryland; Lost to Morgan St,
Dayton, Maryland-Baltimore County.
NCAA history: First appearance.
Outlook: The Eagles have finally landed in the Dance,
but an unimpressive 8-7 nonconference record against
a less than stellar schedule means an early exit.
ARKANSAS (SEC)
Record: 21-10 SU, 12-15 ATS
Over / Under: 14-14
Highlights: 14-2 record at home, 15-3 SU as a favorite.
Key results: Defeated Oral Roberts, Baylor, Vanderbilt; Lost to
Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky; Split with Miss St.
NCAA history: 6 Final 4’s, national champ in 1994.
Outlook: The Razorbacks make the Dance this year on
reputation and a solid home court record. A weak SEC
helped, but the luck should run out early on the Hogs.
ARIZONA (Pac 10)
Record: 19-14 SU, 16-13 ATS
Over / Under: 17-13 over
Highlights: 24th straight Dance longest active streak
Key results: Defeated Texas A&M, UNLV; Lost to Kansas,
Virginia, Memphis, UCLA (twice); Split with USC.
NCAA history: 6 Final 4’s, national champ in 1994.
Outlook: Despite a 20th straight 20-win season, the Cats
were basically .500 against the league. Lute Olson
is coming back next year, but that won’t save 2008.
AUSTIN PEAY (OVC)
Record: 24-10 SU, 10-18 ATS
Over / Under: 17-15 over.
Highlights: Have won 11 of their last 12 games.
Key results: Defeated Belmont; Lost to Akron, Evansville. Played
few teams outside the Ohio Valley Conference.
NCAA history: 4 appearances, last in 2003.
Outlook: The Governors enter the Dance on a six-game win
streak. Peay has won four OVC titles, but a very weak non-league
schedule figures to send the Govs home early.
BAYLOR (Big 12)
Record: 21-10 SU, 13-11 ATS
Over / Under: 18-6 over.
Highlights: 5-OT win over Texas A&M, 116-110.
Key results: Defeated Winthrop, Notre Dame. Lost to Kansas,
Washington St, Arkansas, Texas (twice). Split with A&M.
NCAA history: first appearance since 2003 NCAA scandal.
Outlook: The Bears have had to live with the 2002 death of
forward Patrick Dennehy, but made the Top 25 for the first
time in 35 years. If there is a Cinderella, this is it.
BELMONT (Atlantic Sun)
Record: 25-8 SU, 4-2 ATS
Over / Under: 5-1 over.
Highlights: Currently on 13-game win streak.
Key results: Defeated Alabama, Cincinnati. Lost to Austin
Peay, Xavier.
NCAA history: Third straight NCAA appearances.
Outlook: The Bruins are no UCLA, having been no higher than a
15 seed. The 41-point loss to Xavier gives little hope that
Belmont can last more than a furlong.
BOISE STATE (WAC)
Record: 25-8, 15-11 ATS
Over / Under: 18-8 over
Highlights: Beat New Mexico State in WAC final.
Key results: Defeated San Diego, BYU, Nevada (twice);
Lost to Washington St, Siena, Utah State (twice).
NCAA history: First appearances since 1994.
Outlook: The Broncos have to be taken seriously off
25 wins and could be an early-round Cinderella. One
tends to believe off a 107-102 triple-OT WAC title win.
BUTLER (Horizon)
Record: 29-3 SU, 17-13 ATS
Over / Under: 16-15 under.
Highlights: Ranked in Top 20 most of the year.
Key results: Defeated Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Michigan,
Florida State; Lost to Drake.
NCAA history: fifth appearances this decade, 8-8 record.
Outlook: You can no longer call these Bulldogs a Cinderella,
Similar to another bunch of Bulldogs at Gonzaga. A trip
to the Elite 8 would not be a surprise.
CAL FULLERTON (Big West)
Record: 24-8, 18-8 ATS.
Over / under: 15-12 over.
Highlights: Beat Cal-Irvine by 15 to win Big West.
Key results: Defeated Wright St, Montana (twice); Lost to Arizona,
St. Mary’s, CA.
NCAA history: Second appearance, first since 2003
Outlook: The Titans are known for more baseball, but their record
Against the spread is to be respected. Fullerton enters the Dance
winning 10 of its last 11. Figure to leave early, but could cover.
CLEMSON (ACC)
Record: 24-10, 18-13.
Over / Under: 18-13
Highlights: Defeated Purdue, Miss St, Alabama; Lost to Ole Miss,
North Carolina (three times); Split with Duke, Miami, FL.
NCAA history: First appearance in Dance since 1998.
Outlook: If the Tigers don’t run into their old nemesis North
Carolina, they could make quite a run in the Dance. A definite
bet-on team until they lose.
COPPIN ST (MEAC)
Record: 16-21, 2-2 ATS.
Over / Under: 2-2
Highlights: Defeated Morgan State in MEAC finals.
Key results: No significant wins. Lost to Xavier, Ohio State, Indiana,
Marquette, Missouri, Arizona State.
NCAA history: Fourth trip, first since 1997.
Outlook: The only team in the Dance with more than 20 losses. It’s
A miracle the Eagles are even here. They lost to a number of
NCAA tourney teams and big. They may not even leave Dayton.
CORNELL (Ivy)
Record: 21-5 SU, 9-7 ATS
Over / Under: 11-6 under.
Highlights: 14-game win streak, fifth Ivy title.
Key results: No major nonconference wins. Lost to
Syracuse by 16, lost to Duke by 14.
NCAA history: Third appearance, but first since 1988.
Outlook: Although setting a school-best record for wins
in a season, The Big Red figures to be one and done
off no significant nonconference victories.
DAVIDSON (Southern)
Record: 26-6, 17-12 ATS
Over / Under: 18-11 under.
Highlights: Have won 22 straight after 4-6 start.
Key results: Defeated Winthrop; lost to NC, Duke,
UCLA but covered all three and stayed within 10 points.
NCAA history: 9 appearances, 2 Elite Eight berths.
Outlook: Undefeated (21-0) in conference, Wildcats will
be tough first round draw. Led by Stephen Curry (25.1 ppg),
son of NBA’s Dell Curry. Capable of Sweet 16 run if all goes right.
GEORGE MASON (Colonial)
Record: 23-10 SU, 13-15 ATS
Over / Under: 17-13 over.
Highlights: Beat William & Mary to win conference title.
Key results: Defeated Kansas St, Cleveland St, Dayton. VCU,
South Carolina. Lost to Villanova, Kent St.
NCAA history: five appearances, Final 4 in 2006.
Outlook: The Patriots don’t figure to have the magic of
2006 or Tom Brady, but they do own a number of solid
nonconference scalps. A live underdog.
GEORGIA (SEC)
Record: 18-16, 17-13 ATS
Over / Under: 17-12 over.
Highlights: 4 wins in 3 days en route to SEC title.
Key results: Defeated Kentucky, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech;
Lost to Wisconsin, Gonzaga, Kentucky (2), Vandy (2).
NCAA history: Made Final 4 in 1983.
Outlook: Call these Dawgs a team of destiny. If another
Tornado hits, definitely take Georgia and the points. Otherwise,
It’s probably a quick trip back to Athens.
GONZAGA (WCC)
Record: 25-7 SU, 17-15 ATS
Over / Under: 16-16
Highlights: Finished on 8-1 run, WCC runnerup.
Key results: Defeated UConn, W.Kentucky, St. Joseph’s;
Lost to Tennessee, Memphis, Oklahoma.
NCAA history: 10th straight berth, best 1998 quarterfinals
Outlook: Few is a 7-time West Coach Conference
Coach of the Year, testament to the Zags’ steady talent
pool. Consistent first round winner, but not much more.
INDIANA (Big Ten)
Record: 25-7, 13-65 ATS
Over / Under: 15-14 over.
Highlights: 19-3 as favorite and 14-4 in conference.
Key results: Defeated Kentucky, Purdue, Ohio St (twice); Lost to Xavier,
UConn, Wisconsin (twice); Split with Michigan St
NCAA history: 5 NCAA titles, third-most in history. 8 Final 4’s.
Outlook: Hoosiers had both the Conference Player of Year (DJ White)
and Freshman of Year (Eric Gordon). Team has hung together after
Kelvin Sampson firing, but more than second round is doubtful.
KENT STATE (MAC)
Record: 28-6 SU, 17-11 ATS
Over / Under: 15-14 under
Highlights: Best record in the MAC.
Key results: Defeated St. Mary’s (CA), George Mason;
Lost to Xavier, North Carolina.
NCAA history: 5 appearances, Elite 8 in 2002.
Outlook: Any team with 25 wins is a threat, but the Golden
Flashes don’t have much of a non-league resume. They
could reach the Sweet 16 if UNC isn’t in the way.
KENTUCKY (SEC)
Record: 18-12 SU, 14-13 ATS
Over / Under: 15-12 under
Highlights: 11-3 overall in last 14 games
Key results: Defeated Arkansas; Lost to UNC, Louisville, UAB,
Indiana, San Diego; Split with Florida, Vandy, Tennessee.
NCAA history: 7 national titles, second all-time to UCLA.
Outlook: To think the Cats lost to Gardner Webb and made
the Dance is tribute to the amazing midseason coaching job
of Billy Gillispie. But, even with Ashley Judd, UK exits early.
MARQUETTE (Big East)
Record: 24-9, 15-12 ATS
Over / Under: 15-12 over.
Highlights: 11-1 nonconference, 14-2 as a favorite.
Key results: defeated Wisconsin, Oklahoma St, Pitt; lost to Duke,
Syracuse, Georgetown, UConn, Louisville, WVU; split with ND.
NCAA history: National title (1977), three Final 4’s.
Outlook: Played incredibly weak non-conference schedule but Crean’s
Golden Eagles cut teeth in tough Big East. Four starters in
double-figures, but average road mark (6-5) could be damaging.
MIAMI, FL (ACC)
Record: 22-10 SU, 15-9 ATS
Over / Under: 14-11 under
Highlights: Got off to 12-0 start.
Key results: Defeated Miss St, Providence, Maryland; Lost to
Winthrop, Duke, UNC; Split with Clemson.
NCAA history: fifth appearance, made Sweet 16 in 2000.
Outlook: The Hurricanes once gave up basketball in the early ‘70s
and NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry is an alum. Other than that, this
is still a football school. Yet, they can pass the first round.
MICHIGAN ST (Big 10)
Record: 25-8, 16-14 ATS.
Over / Under: 16-14.
Highlights: 19-2 SU as favorite, 12-1 vs nonconference teams.
Key results: Defeated Texas, BYU, Indiana; Lost to UCLA, Wisconsin; split
with Purdue, Ohio St.
NCAA history: 2 NCAA titles, six Final 4’s.
Outlook: Coach Izzo’s Spartans are led by studs Neitzel and Suton
but were in a weak Big 10 and had an unimpressive nonconference
schedule. Hard pressed to make it past two rounds in Dance.
MISSISSIPPI ST (SEC)
Record: 22-10, 14-15 ATS.
Over / Under: 16-11 under
Highlights: SEC West regular season title.
Key results: Defeated Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Florida; Lost to
Clemson, Miami (FL), South Alabama, Tennessee.
NCAA history: 9 appearances, Final 4 in 1996.
Outlook: The Bulldogs have been under the radar in the SEC with the
likes of Tennessee, Vandy, Kentucky and Florida getting the hype. MSU
played Clemson and Miami tough. Could sneak into Sweet 16.
MISS VALLEY ST (SWAC)
Record: 17-15 1-3 ATS.
Over / Under: 3-1 under
Highlights: SWAC tournament champion.
Key results: No significant wins; Lost to Pittsburgh, Washington St,
Baylor, Tulsa, Air Force.
NCAA history: First trip since 1996.
Outlook: The Delta Devils have won their last nine games, but all
against SWAC opponents. The nonconference slate was a wreck,
Including a horrific 26 points against Washington St. Easy out.
MT ST. MARY’S (Northeast)
Record: 18-14, 1-0 ATS
Over / Under: 0-1 under.
Highlights: Have won eight of nine heading into Big Dance.
Key results: Defeated Navy, Winthrop, Sacred Heart (Northeast final);
Lost to Oklahoma, Oregon.
NCAA history: 3 appearances, first since 1999.
Outlook: The upstart Mountaineers rely heavily on Brice Brooks and
Drew Shubik. Not likely to see their buddy Winthrop in the Dance,
so chances are it’s a quickie visit.
NOTRE DAME (Big East)
Record: 24-7, 15-13 ATS
Over / Under: 18-10 over.
Highlights: 37-game home win streak In South Bend.
Key results: Defeated Kansas St, West Virginia, Pittsburgh; Lost
to Georgetown, Louisville; UConn, Marquette.
NCAA history: 29 appearances, 4 Elite 8’s (last in 1979).
Outlook: AD did team no favors with tepid early schedule. Coach Brey’s
Boys will go as far as star Harangody takes them. But asking the Irish
to win six road games is a weakness they probably can’t conquer.
OKLAHOMA (Big 12)
Record: 22-11, 14-16 ATS
Over / Under: 18-12 under.
Highlights: 6-2 overall in last 8.
Key results: Defeated Gonzaga, Arkansas, West Virginia, Baylor (twice);
Lost to Memphis, USC, Kansas, Texas (twice).
NCAA history: have made either NCAA or NIT in 12 of last 13 years
Outlook: With two losses to Texas and a 30-point whipping from Kansas
figure the Sooners to be later regarding a long Dance run. Could be
a candidate for a first round defeat.
ORAL ROBERTS (MCC)
Record: 24-8, 2-2 ATS
Over / Under: 2-2 under.
Highlights: Third straight Mid-Continent title.
Key results: Defeated Oklahoma St; Lost to Arkansas, Texas,
Utah State.
NCAA history: 5 appearances, Elite 8 in 1974
Outlook: Not much line action in Vegas on the Golden Eagles,
which did little do distinguish themselves in nonconference play.
ORU may dominate Mid-Continent, but not much else.
OREGON (Pac Ten)
Record: 18-13, 15-13 ATS.
Over / under: 15-13 under.
Highlights: 15-4 as favorite, 9-3 nonconference.
Key results: Defeated Arizona (2), Mt St. Mary’s, Kansas St; Split with ASU,
Stanford; Lost to St. Mary’s, USC (2), UCLA (2) Washington St. (3).
NCAA history: 1 national championship, 1 Final Four.
Outlook: The three losses to Washington State and sweep by the SoCal
teams reveal the Ducks just aren’t as good as they were last year. They’re
lucky to be involved.
PORTLAND STATE (Big Sky)
Record: 23-8, 15-12 ATS
Over / Under: 17-9 over.
Highlights: 6-2 in conference, won 14 of last 15.
Key results: Defeated Akron, Portland, Northern Arizona; Lost
to UCLA, Washington St (twice).
NCAA history: First-ever appearance.
Outlook: Coach Bone and his squad are led by Jeremiah Domingues,
Deonte Huff and Scott Morrison, all of whom average over 10 ppg. They
could be a very tough first round opponent, and then again…
PURDUE (Big Ten)
Record: 24-8, 18-11 ATS.
Over / Under: 15-14 over
Highlights: An overachieving 15-3 in conference play.
Key results: Defeated Louisville, Wisconsin (twice); Lost to Clemson,
Missouri; Split with Michigan State, Ohio State.
NCAA history: 2 Final Fours.
Outlook: Although conference down, Boilermakers not a team you want
to draw in opening round. Two rounds, though, is asking a lot.
SAN DIEGO (WCC)
Record: 20-13 SU, 21-8 ATS.
Over / Under: 17-11 under.
Highlights: Upset top 2 seeds to win conference tourney.
Key results: Defeated St. Mary’s (twice), Gonzaga, Kentucky. Lost to
Gonzaga (twice), St. Mary’s, UNLV, USC, South Alabama.
NCAA history: First tourney berth since 2003.
Outlook: Not likely the Toreros can advance too far, but they are as
good as it gets against the spread. San Diego is 9-1 ATS in its last 10
and 21-8 overall. If getting a bunch of points, look their way.
SIENA (Metro Atlantic)
Record: 22-10 SU, 17-13 ATS.
Over / Under: 18-12 under.
Highlights: Beat Ryder in conference final to gain NCAA berth.
Key results: Defeated Stanford. Lost to Syracuse, Cornell,
St. Joseph’s, Memphis..
NCAA history: Fourth appearance, second round twice.
Outlook: The Saints have Stanford’s number, winning in the Dance
once, beating them as the 20th ranked team another year and
winning again this season.Too bad the other 62 aren’t Stanford.
SOUTH ALABAMA (Sun Belt)
Record: 26-6 SU, 18-9 ATS.
Over / Under: 14-13 over.
Highlights: 13-game win streak, including victory over Miss St.
Key results: Defeated Miss St, San Diego, W. Kentucky (twice).
Lost to Vanderbilt (OT), Ole Miss.
NCAA history: Fourth appearance, never past first round.
Outlook: The NCAA resume is without a win, but twice USA lost
to the eventual national champion. So, you may want to take
note of the Jaguars’ first opponent in the Dance.
ST. JOSEPH’S (A-10)
Record: 21-12, 19-12 ATS
Over / under: 18-13 over.
Highlights: 16-5 as favorite, 9-4 nonconference (9-2 ATS).
Key results: Defeated Massachusetts (twice), Villanova; Split with
Xavier; Lost to Gonzaga.
NCAA history: 18 tournament appearances.
Outlook: A-10 a bit down this year and Hawks schedule fairly easy. With
Ferguson, Nivins, Carr and Calathes, St. Joe’s can hold its own in the
irst two rounds. But, that’s about it.
ST. MARY’S, CA (WCC)
Record: 25-6, 17-11 ATS
Over / Under: 18-9 under
Highlights: Breaking into AP Top 25 poll
Key results: Defeated Drake, Oregon, San Diego; Lost to Texas,
San Diego (twice); Split with Gonzaga.
NCAA history: Third appearance, all since 2005.
Outlook: The Gaels are coming out from the shadow of Gonzaga
In the West Coast Conference, though were hurt in seeding with
a second loss to San Diego. Sweet 16 a possibility..
TEMPLE (A-10)
Record: 21-12 SU, 21-9 ATS
Over / Under: 21-12 under.
Highlights: Beat St. Joe’s to win Atlantic 10 tourney.
Key results: Defeated Xavier, UMass, St. Joseph’s (twice);
Lost to Duke, Tennessee, Villanova, Providence.
NCAA history: First appearance since 2001.
Outlook: It’s Fran Dunphy’s team and not the legendary
John Chaney, as the Owls finally make it back to the Dance.
Off seven straight wins, Temple is a dangerous opponent.
TEXAS ARLINGTON (Southland)
Record: 20-10, 1-0 ATS.
Over / under: 1-0 over
Highlights: Beat Northwestern St in Southland final.
Key results: Defeated TCU, Oklahoma St; Lost to Wichita St,
Western Illinois.
NCAA history: First-ever appearance.
Outlook: Started strong (8-0) and finished stronger. Compiled a
Solid 13-3 nonconference road, though most of the opponents
were cupcakes. Could be an interesting first round opponent.
UMBC (American East)
Record: 24-8 SU, 1-0 ATS
Over / Under: 0-0.
Highlights: First-ever American East title.
Key results: Defeated George Washington, American;
Lost to West Virginia, Ohio St.
NCAA history: First appearance.
Outlook: Maryland-Baltimore County breaks new ground
as the American East rep in the Dance. The Retrievers
won’t play American, so a first round exit is almost certain.
USC (Pac-10)
Record: 21-11, 18-12 ATS
Over / Under: 17-13 under.
Highlights: Went 13-5 at first-year Galen Center.
Key results: Defeated Oregon (twice), Oklahoma; Lost to
Wash St. (twice), Kansas, Memphis; split with UCLA, Arizona.
NCAA history: Made Final 4 twice, never national champs.
Outlook: Coach Floyd’s youthful group is led by freshmen
Mayo and Jefferson. Trojans have played a tough enough
schedule to make another nice run this time around.
VANDERBILT (SEC)
Record: 25-7, 15-16 ATS
Over / Under: 17-14 over
Highlights: 16-0 start, upset of No. 1 Tennessee.
Key results: Defeated Austin Peay, UMass, Utah St, Miss St;
Lost to Alabama, Arkansas; Split with Tenn, Kentucky, Florida.
NCAA history: 1 Elite 8 (1965), 5 Sweet 16’s (last in 2007).
Outlook: The Commodores were 19-0 in Nashville, but the music
isn’t so sweet lately. Vandy is 1-2 since beating the Vols. Vandy
is known for living by the 3. History on their side for a Sweet 16.
VILLANOVA (Big East)
Record: 20-12, 12-17 ATS
Over / Under: 19-10 under.
Highlights: 10-2 nonconference record.
Key results: Defeated George Mason, Pittsburgh, Connecticut;
Lost to Georgetown (twice), Notre Dame, Marquette, Louisville.
NCAA history: 29 appearances (42-28 record), 1985 champion.
Outlook: The Wildcats are athletic and capable of hitting from
3-point land. They were outgunned by Georgetown in the Big
East tourney, but should reach at least the second round.
WEST VIRGINIA (Big East)
Record: 24-10, 13-13 ATS
Over / Under: 15-13 under.
Highlights: 11-2 nonconference in Coach Huggins first year.
Key results: Defeated Marquette, Winthrop; Lost to UConn, Georgetown,
Notre Dame, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Louisville.
NCAA history: Third berth in 4 years, Sweet 16 in 2006, 1959 runnerup.
Outlook: Pittsnogle has graduated, but the Mounties have Alexander
The Great. Joe blitzed UConn for 32 and 34 points in a two-week span.
If he stays hot, Jerry West could have a front row seat at the Final 4.
WESTERN KENTUCKY (Sun Belt)
Record: 27-6, 17-13 ATS
Over / Under: 17-13 under.
Highlights: 17-1 overall record in last 18 games.
Key results: Defeated Michigan, Nebraska; Lost to Gonzaga, Tennessee,
Southern Illinois, South Alabama (twice).
NCAA history: Final four back in 1971. In top 10 all-time victories.
Outlook: There really isn’t enough of a nonconference hit list to think
the Hilltoppers will spend more than a weekend in the Dance. The entire
hot streak has come against Sun Belt competition.
WINTHROP (Big South)
Record: 22-11 SU, 3-1 ATS
Over / Under: 3-1 under.
Highlights: Have won 13 of their last 17 games.
Key results: Defeated Georgia Tech, Miami (FL); Lost to Baylor,
West Virginia.
NCAA history: 9 appearances, 7 this decade.
Outlook: The Eagles have been a consistent first round pain,
but have never really made a dent in the Dance. Probably
one and done again.
