The road to the Final Four in the Midwest Regional once again goes through Houston. But in order to get to San Antonio, the Cougars, who have claimed the Big 12 crown in each of their first two years in the conference, will likely have to get through at least one SEC squad.
The loaded region also includes a couple of other squads that made Elite Eight appearances a year ago, including a national finalist, and a perennial power from the west coast hoping to extend an impressive streak.
If the seeds hold and it is No. 2 Tennessee taking on the Cougars in the regional final, we could be in for a 40-minute defensive clinic. But the path won’t be easy for either of the top seeds. Here’s a quick look at some of the possible highlights.
Midwest Region best first-round matchup: Gonzaga vs. Georgia
Picking the 8-9 game might seem like a copout, but there’s plenty of intrigue with this one. Gonzaga always seems to round into form at this time of year, as evidenced by its nine consecutive Sweet 16 appearances. Extending that streak from this part of the bracket will be a challenge to say the least, starting with its opening contest against another group of Bulldogs. Georgia finished with a sub-.500 record in SEC play but picked up wins against eventual champ Florida and Kentucky along the way, so the team will be more than ready for the level of competition in this tournament. It’s true that Georgia’s best results came on their home court, and that Gonzaga did not fare as well in non-conference play as some of its past teams. As such whichever bunch of Bulldogs prevails will be underdogs against Houston in the next round. But the battle to earn the right to take on that challenge should be fun.
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Midwest Region potential upset in first round: No. 12 McNeese over No. 5 Clemson.
The Cowboys were a popular upset pick from the No. 12 line a year ago as well but weren’t quite ready for prime time as they bowed out quickly against Gonzaga. This year’s group might have a better idea of what to expect in the March Madness spotlight, and the matchup with a possibly short-handed Tigers’ team might be more to their liking. Yes, Clemson still has some key pieces from the team that made a deep run to the Elite Eight a year ago, and the Tigers should still enjoy an advantage in overall athleticism that could prove decisive on the defensive end. But McNeese has some depth as well and could be a tougher out this time.
Midwest Region sleeper: Purdue
One might argue that a No. 4 seed, not to mention a team that played for all the marbles just a season ago, shouldn’t be considered a sleeper. But without Zach Edey dominating the middle, This year’s version of the Boilermakers did not exactly run roughshod through the Big Ten. Yes, they won their share of games, and they once again can boast having the league player of the year in the person of point guard Braden Smith. Purdue will not be favored to make it back to championship weekend, and just getting through the first couple of rounds will be difficult. But they have plenty of experienced hands including a couple other starters who are familiar with the pressures of March.
Midwest Region winner: Houston
The Cougars enter the Big Dance riding a 13-game winning streak. Furthermore, they’re healthier than they were at this juncture a year ago. Their fans couldn’t join them for their last Final Four trip in 2021, so things will be a lot more festive this time. Look for Houston to grind teams down and eventually find its way to San Antonio.