2015 NCAA Tournament: Analyzing The South Region – A UCLA Perspective

So your Bruins got in, now what? UCLA has been trying to bring it together all season and now it appears that they have done enough towards the end of the season to warrant a #11 seed in the South Region of the NCAA Tournament. So what are the Bruins getting themselves into?

Well for one thing, familiarity. The Bruins have played against four of these teams in the last 12 months, they have two former coaches in the bracket as well as former center Joshua Smith playing at Georgetown. Call it the “UCLA Connection” Region.

But seriously, what does the field have in store for UCLA as they attempt to get to the Final Four? Let start by looking at the top part of the South Region.

Feb 28, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski tries to make a point with an official after a call in their game against the Syracuse Orange at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

Friday, March 20 in Charlotte, NC

#1 Duke (29-4) vs North Florida or Robert Morris

#8 San Diego St. (26-8) vs #9 St. John’s (21-11)

Thursday, March 19 in Portland, OR

#5 Utah (24-8) vs #12 Stephen F. Austin (29-4)

#4 Georgetown (21-10) vs #13 Eastern Washington (26-8)

Just stick with Duke …at least up until the Elite Eight. The Blue Devils are going to get a lot of love from the home fans as they are essentially playing in their own backyard. It does not matter who the play-in teams are, there is no chance North Florida or Robert Morris are getting past Duke.

The same goes for San Diego St. and St. John’s. Sure that will be a battle in and of itself, but neither have the arsenal or crowd to take advantage of the Blue Devils.

Utah is a weird pick. Although they started off hot and one of the only two Pac-12 teams ranked at the end of the season, they were 3-4 in their last seven games. Still, they should get past a spry Stephen F. Austin that gave UCLA fits last year. As for Georgetown-Eastern Washington,  though the Hoyas finished 3rd in the Big East, they are playing a sharp-shooting Eagles team that will try to run Georgetown down. Do not be surprised if Eastern Washington pulls off this upset, especially playing so close to home.

Now let’s examine the bottom part of the South Region.

Feb 21, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Norman Powell (4) celebrates after dunking against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Thursday, March 19 in Louisville, KY

#6 SMU (27-6) vs #11 UCLA (20-13)

#3 Iowa State (25-8) vs #14 UAB (19-15)

Friday, March 20 in Seattle, WA

#7 Iowa (21-11) vs #10 Davidson (24-7)

#2 Gonzaga (32-2) vs #15 North Dakota State (23-9)

UCLA Bruins

Oh boy, that match-up between SMU and UCLA is tricky. From a Bruin point of view, because I have seen UCLA play well from time to time this season, I now they can beat SMU if the stars were to align, but SMU is a pretty decent defensive team and if there is one thing UCLA does not do well with, it is defensive teams.

As for Iowa State, they should have no problem against a team UCLA beat effortlessly at the beginning of the season. The Dragons are a tough team, but not enough to keep them in the game against an Iowa State team that has been battle tested in both non-conference and Big XII play.

Though one should be mindful of the epic battle that will ensue between Iowa and Davidson, it will be a non-factor when the winner of that game plays on Sunday against Gonzaga. The Bulldogs do play in a weaker conference, but just looking at them throughout the season you know they are a national contender.

Not only are they the best shooting teaming the nation but also have the résumé to back it up.

That is why I think it will be Gonzaga and Duke in Houston battling for that Final Four spot in the Elite Eight. Though, admittedly, I need to spend a few more hours analyzing the enter bracket, which you can see here…

…by simply looking at the match-ups, it is not a bad bet to have Gonzaga facing Duke… and winning. Yes indeed, my preliminary choice for the South Region representative to make it to the Final Four is Gonzaga.