By JOHN P. WISEOne Great Season
Duke deserved the top seed out west. Once it became clear that BYU wasn't deserving of it, OGS never considered San Diego State for this top line. The Aztecs are a neat team this year, but it's doubtful they'll win this region, even if Kyrie Irving doesn't return for the Blue Devils.
Here's what you need to know:
Top Seed: Duke (30-4, ACC tournament champions)
Best Second-Round Game: No. 4 Texas vs. No. 13 Oakland
Third-Round Upset Alert: Experience, senior leadership and defense could lift No. 10 Penn State over No. 2 San Diego State.
Cinderella: No. 13 Oakland
Watch This Guy: No. 5 Arizona forward Derrick Williams
How A 16 Seed Can Finally Win A Game: Only juniors and seniors start at Hampton, where the Pirates show different defensive looks and regularly rotate in fresh players. Duke should want to have a good shooting night to avoid catastrophe.
Projected Winner: Duke