The NCAA tournament is down to just 16 teams, but there can only be one National Champ. Here are my odds for each team to win the title:
Connecticut (29-3): 2:1
OK, so the Huskies scared half the country when they had trouble against America East representative Albany, and then they barely beat Kentucky in round two. But this is crunch-time, and UConn will get the job done. This team has so much depth (Denham Brown, Hilton Armstrong, Josh Boone, Rudy Gay, Rashad Anderson and Marcus Williams), and anything less than a Championship will deem the Huskies’ season a failure.
Villanova (27-4): 3:1
Villanova is the best three-point shooting team in the nation, and the Wildcats’ intriguing starting lineup, which contains four guards, has shut down opponents all season. Not to mention, this team contains the two best players in college that no one is really talking about, Randy Foye and Allan Ray. These guys combine for more than 40 points a game, and their transition defense is outstanding. March should be a long month for the Wildcats.
Duke (32-3): 5:1
This season marked the Blue Devils’ ninth straight trip to the Sweet 16, but they haven’t been to the title game in five years. Duke isn’t the strongest team remaining in the field, but this is Shelden Williams’ and J.J. Redick’s final chance to add that elusive title to their r√É.√©sum√É.√©s before turning pro. Their determination to win makes this team a huge threat to cut the nets down in Indianapolis.
UCLA (29-6): 6:1
UCLA isn’t getting the same national attention as other legitimate title contenders, but that should change after this weekend with a Final Four appearance. The Bruins were led last Saturday by sophomore Jordan Farmar, who connected on five three-pointers in their second-round victory over Alabama. UCLA shoots above 50 percent from the field and averages six blocks and three steals on the defensive end.
Boston College (28-7): 8:1
Some experts picked Boston College to reach the Final Four, and even to win the National Title, but the Eagles have a tough road ahead, beginning in the Sweet 16 against Villanova. However, BC has done an outstanding job this year in its first year in the ACC, and the team has something to prove after receiving a No. 4 seed. Also, Craig Smith dominated in the first two games of the tournament, averaging 24 points and 14 rebounds per game.
Gonzaga (29-3): 10:1
You can never count Gonzaga out, especially when star player Adam Morrison looks like a young Larry Bird. The junior has scored in double figures in every game this season, but the question is: can the Bulldogs win if he doesn’t have a big game? The Zags’ supporting cast stepped up last weekend when Indiana held Morrison to just 14 points on 5-for-17 shooting, but the Bulldogs will need more from their leader the rest of the way.
Texas (29-6): 12:1
Texas has already used up its miracle this year against USC in the Rose Bowl, and P.J. Tucker is no Vince Young. Tucker scores (16 points per game) and dominates the boards (10 rebounds per game), but the junior forward is a one-dimensional player who has trouble on the defensive side of the ball. He also needs to stay out of foul trouble if the Longhorns have any chance of advancing further in this tournament.
LSU (25-8): 15:1
Is that Shaquille O’Neal in the middle? LSU’s new standout center Glen Davis helped the Tigers average 40 rebounds per game this season, but it’s time to face the facts. The Tigers have a 1-4 record against Top 25 teams this season and will need more than 18 points and 10 rebounds from “Big Baby” to run with the big boys as this tournament marches on.
West Virginia (22-10): 20:1
With a name like Kevin Pittsnogle, you have to be good! Pittsnogle does it all, whether it’s scoring, rebounding, blocking shots or draining threes. Overall, the Mountaineers are a sharp-shooting squad from the perimeter, but they can also hurt you with their inside presence. West Virginia is the only team remaining that made the Elite Eight last season and its starting lineup is made up of five seniors.
Memphis (32-3): 25:1
Memphis is easily the most overrated team in this tournament. You don’t deserve a No. 1 seed when you play in such a weak conference as the Tigers do. All of the top teams left Conference USA after last year (Cincinnati, Marquette, Louisville and DePaul) and there isn’t a single powerhouse left. The Tigers’ cupcake schedule may have helped them in the polls, but don’t expect a title anytime soon.
Florida (29-6): 50:1
If you just go by the final scores, the Gators have been the most dominant team in the tournament thus far. Both of Florida’s wins — against South Alabama and Wisconsin-Milwaukee — have come by at least 22 points. But at this point, there are more talented teams still alive. The Gators have a couple of three-point threats and a big man in Joakim Noah, but that’s about it. This is March though, and stranger things have happened.
Washington (26-6): 100:1
The Huskies will win the championship, but not the ones from Washington State. Washington had an impressive win Saturday against last year’s runner-up in Illinois, but its tournament run will soon be over. In a battle of the Huskies in the Sweet 16, UConn is the better team in every aspect of the game.
Georgetown (23-9): 250:1
Georgetown is the worst of the four Big East teams still remaining in the field. Sure, the Hoyas beat No. 2 Ohio State in the second round, but the problem is they don’t have enough depth to advance any further. They certainly can’t keep up with a team like Villanova or UConn, and won’t get past Florida without any bench scoring.
George Mason (25-7): 400:1
Do you believe in miracles? George Mason fans do after this weekend. The Patriots aren’t a threat to win it all, but what a run it’s been. I would be lying if I told you I could name their starting five, but what I do know is that they ruined my bracket with impressive wins over Michigan State and North Carolina.
Wichita State (26-8): 400:1
Wichita State is another mid-major team that has no chance of winning the NCAA tournament. I’m not surprised that the Shockers got to the Sweet 16 because they were matched up against an overrated Tennessee squad in the second round. Unfortunately, if they beat George Mason in the Sweet 16, UConn stands in their way of advancing to Indianapolis.
Bradley (22-10): 1,000:1
Wins over Kansas and Pittsburgh were nice, but Bradley’s Cinderella run should end against Memphis. The Braves made the Missouri Valley Conference proud, but they wouldn’t even stand a chance in the NIT. However, I won’t soon forget about their remarkable season, because when they played Pittsburgh Sunday, the scoreboard read Brad-Pitt.