NCAA Regional Previews

1. Kentucky

Nickname: Wildcats. Location: Lexington, Ky.
Record: 32-2, 14-2 Bid: SEC champ.
NCAA history: 100-45 in 50 appearances. Last: 2008, lost to Marquette in first round.
Coach: John Calipari, 25-11 in 11 appearances.

Overview: While Kentucky is one of the nation's most talented teams, it is also one of the youngest, starting three freshmen. Kentucky boasts a very deep frontcourt, led by junior Patrick Patterson and freshman DeMarcus Cousins, who have helped the team average nearly nine more rebounds than its opponents. The backcourt is led by player-of-the-year candidate John Wall. As team, Cats average but also has threats in Eric Bledsoe and Darius Miller. The team has struggled at times from three-point range but makes up for that on the defensive end by averaging over seven steals and seven blocks.

Best wins: Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Louisville.

Starters: G John Wall, 6-4, Fr. (16.8 ppg, 6.0 apg, 4.0 rpg, 1.7 spg, 45.8 FG%, 78.2 FT%); F DeMarcus Cousins, 6-11, Fr. (15.6 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 53.8 FG%); F Patrick Patterson, 6-9, Jr. (14.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 58.4 FG%, 41.5 3FG%); G Eric Bledsoe, 6-1, Fr. (10.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.3 spg, 43.7 FG%); G Darius Miller, 6-7, So. (6.5 ppg, 2.4. rpg, 1.6 apg, 78.3 FT%).

Reserves: F Daniel Orton, 6-10, Fr. (3.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.5 bpg); G Darnell Dodson, 6-7, So. (6.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg); G DeAndre Liggins, 6-6, So. (3.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 39.4 3FG%); G-F Ramon Harris, 6-7, Sr. (2.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg).

2.West Virginia

Nickname: Mountaineers. Location: Morgantown
Record: 27-6, 13-5. Bid: Big East champ.
NCAA history: 20-22 in 22 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Dayton in first round.
Coach: Bob Huggins, 22-17 in 17 appearances.

Overview: A talented and dangerous team that won three nailbiters in the Big East tournament. The Mountaineers won their first 11 before losing at Purdue. They've dropped four games by seven or fewer points as poor free throw shooting has sometimes been a problem. But when WVU plays well, this is a team that can compete with just about anyone. Four players average 10.6 points or better, and Top scorer Da'Sean. Butler can be particularly dangerous, especially late. Forward Devin Ebanks has been inconsistent after missing time early in the season but can be critical to WVU's success when playing well. Guard Joe Mazzulla has played all year with a shoulder injury. Huggins has the Mountaineers playing solid defense, and their tough schedule should help as they attempt to make up for last year's early exit.

Best wins: Pittsburgh, Georgetown, Villanova.

Starters: F Da'Sean. Butler, 6-7, Sr. (17.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.3 apg); F Kevin Jones, 6-8, So. (13.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 51.6 FG%); F Devin Ebanks, 6-9, So. (12.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 46.8 FG%); G Darryl Bryant, 6-2, So. (10.6 ppg, 3.3 apg, 35.9 FG%); F Wellington Smith, 6-7, Sr. (6.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 48.1 FG%).

Reserves: G Casey Mitchell, 6-4, Jr. (4.0 ppg, 1.1 rpg); G Dalton Pepper, 6-5, Fr. (3.5 ppg); F John Flowers, 6-7, Jr. (3.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg)

3. New Mexico

Nickname: Lobos. Location: Albuquerque.
Record: 29-4, 14-2. Bid: Mountain West at-large.
NCAA history: 6-12 in 11 appearances. Last: 2005, lost to Villanova in the first round.
Coach: Steve Alford, 3-4 in four appearances.

Overview: The Lobos are back for the first time since 2005. They lost their first two games in the conference before reeling off 14 consecutive victories to end the regular season. The streak ended with a semifinal loss to San Diego State in the conference tournament. Darington Hobson, league player of the year, leads the team in scoring, rebounding and assists. He gets plenty of scoring support from Roman Martinez, the club's lone senior starter. Outside shooting is a strength. Martinez makes 42% of his three-point attempts.

Best wins: California, Texas A&M, BYU.

Starters: G Darington Hobson, 6-7, Jr. (15.8 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 4.6 apg, 38.3 3FG%); F Roman Martinez, 6-6, Sr. (14.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 42.9 3FG%); G Dairese Gary, 6-1, Jr. (12.4 ppg, 4.0 apg, 44.4 FG%); G Phillip McDonald, 6-5, So. (10.9 ppg, 39.5 3FG%); F A.J. Hardeman, 6-8, Jr. (7.0 ppg. 5.5 rpg, 52.4 FG%).

Reserves: G Nate Garth, 6-2, So. (4.4 ppg, 37.0 3FG%); F Will Brown, 6-9, So. (4.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg).

4. Wisconsin

Nickname: Badgers. Location: Madison.
Record: 23-8, 13-5. Bid: Big Ten at-large.
NCAA history: 20-14 in 15 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Xavier in the second round.
Coach: Bo Ryan, 11-8 in eight appearances.

Overview: Wisconsin's trademarks under Ryan are a stifling defense and an efficient swing offense. The Badgers lead the nation in fewest turnovers at nine a game. They had a setback in January when forward Jon Leuer suffered a wrist injury that forced him to miss nine games. Since his return, Wisconsin is 3-1. Guard Trevon Hughes has steady partners in the backcourt in Jason Bohannon and Jordan Taylor, perhaps the team's most improved player since last season. All are three-point threats, but Wisconsin can't afford for Hughes to go cold.

Best wins: Duke, Purdue, Maryland, Ohio State.

Starters: G Trevon Hughes, 6-0, Sr. (15.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg); G Jason Bohannon, 6-2, Sr. (12.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 41.1 3FG%, 86.6 FT%); G Jordan Taylor, 6-1, So. (10.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.6 apg); F Jon Leuer, 6-10, Jr. (14.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 52.4 FG%); F Keaton Nankivil, 6-8, Jr. (8.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 50.8 FG%).

Reserves: F-G Tim Jarmusz, 6-6, Jr. (2.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg); G-F Ryan Evans, 6-6, Fr. (3.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg); G-F Rob Wilson, 6-3, So. (3.3 ppg, 55.6 FG%, 75.0 FT%).

5.Temple

Nickname: Owls. Location: Philadelphia.
Record: 29-5, 14-2. Bid: Atlantic 10 champ.
NCAA history: 31-27 in 27 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Arizona State in first round.
Coach: Fran Dunphy, 1-11 in 11 appearances

Overview: Over the last few years, Temple has made a habit of struggling in Atlantic 10 play before making a strong run to win the tournament and seal an automatic bid. But that is not the case this year. The Owls have been consistently ranked in the Top 25 and are one of the nation's best defensive teams, allowing only 56.8 points a game. Opponents find it tough to get open outside as the Owls allow just 27.8% shooting from beyond the arc. Guards Ryan Brooks and Juan Fernandez carry a majority of the scoring load, but Lavoy Allen does his part in the paint with his double-double average. It's also an unselfish team that distributes the ball effectively, averaging nearly 15 assists a game.

Best wins: Villanova, Xavier, Siena.

Starters: G Ryan Brooks, 6-4, Sr. (14.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 81.1 FT%); G Juan Fernandez, 6-4, G (12.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.5 apg, 44.7 3FG%, 83.1 FT%); F Lavoy Allen, 6-9, Jr. (11.7 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.5 bpg, 53.5 FG%; F-C Micheal. Eric, F-C, So. (5.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 50.0 FG%); G Luis Guzman, 6-3, Sr. (4.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.3 apg).

Reserves: G Ramone Moore, 6-4, So. (7.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.5 apg); F Craig Williams, 6-9, Jr. (3.9 ppg, 1.9 rpg); F Rahlir. Jefferson, 6-6, Fr. (3.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg).

6.Marquette

Nickname: Golden Eagles. Location: Milwaukee.
Record: 22-11, 11-7. Bid: Big East at-large.
NCAA history: 34-28 in 27 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Missouri in the second round.
Coach: Buzz Williams, 1-1 in one appearance.

Overview: After losing plenty of firepower from last year's tournament team, the Golden Eagles looked to be in a rebuilding mode but got things on track at the right time and turned into one of the Big East's better teams. Forward Lazar Hayward has stepped into the leadership role, and there's also experience found with Maurice Acker, Jimmy Butler and David Cubillan. This is a good three-point shooting team (39.9%) and is also solid at the free throw line (74.5%), but the Golden Eagles are guard-oriented and not very big.

Best wins: Georgetown, Xavier, Villanova.

Starters: F Lazar Hayward, 6-6, Sr. (18.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 42.6 FG%); G-F Jimmy Butler, 6-6, Jr. (15.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 53.8 FG% ); G David Cubillan, 6-0, Jr. (6.2 ppg, 2.8 apg, 43.9 FG%); G Maurice Acker, 5-8, Sr. (8.4 ppg, 3.8 apg, 46.7 3FG%); G Darius Johnson-Odom, 6-2, So. (12.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 47.5 3FG%).

Reserves: F Joseph Fulce, 6-7, Jr. (3.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 52.2 FG%); G Dwight Buycks, 6-3, Jr. (6.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 42.0 FG%).

7.Clemson

Nickname: Tigers. Location: Clemson, S.C.
Record: 21-10. 9-7. Bid: Atlantic Coast at-large.
NCAA history: 8-9 in nine appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Michigan in the first round.
Coach: Oliver Purnell, 0-5 in five appearances.

Overview: Purnell has turned the Tigers into a consistent tournament team and one of the better programs in the ACC, but Clemson hasn't won an NCAA game since 1997, when Rick Barnes was coaching. The Tigers are forcing an average of 17.4 turnovers a game. They're less effective in their halfcourt offensive sets, so an opponent that plays deliberately, uses the shot clock and is careful with the ball could frustrate them. Booker is one of the ACC's best big men, shooting 51.9% from the field.

Best wins: Butler, Maryland, Florida State.

Starters: F Trevor Booker, 6-7, Sr. (15.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 51.9 FG%); G Demontez Stitt, 6-2, Jr. (11.2 ppg, 3.3 apg, 79.3 FT%); G Tanner Smith, 6-5, So. (9.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 41.8 FG%); F-C Jerai Grant, 6-8, Jr. ( 7.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 64.0 FG%); F David Potter, 6-6, Sr. (7.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 36.9 FG%).

Reserves: G Andre Young, 5-9, So. (9.1 ppg, 2.4 apg, 40.3 FG%); F-C Devin Booker, 6-8, Fr. (4.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 58.6 FG%); G Noel Johnson, 6-6, Fr. (4.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 35.9 FG%).

8. Texas

Nickname: Longhorns. Location: Austin.
Record: 24-9, 9-7. Bid: Big 12 at-large.
NCAA history: 33-30 in 27 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Duke in the second round.
Coach: Rick Barnes, 19-17 in 17 NCAA appearances.

Overview: This is the team, and maybe the season, that got away from Barnes. Talented enough to sit atop the polls in January, the Longhorns stumbled to nine losses in their last 16 games. They lacked chemistry. They couldn't find the right lineup combination. Dexter Pittman was a disappointment as a senior. Yes, this team is very dangerous if it gets its act together. But that's a big, big "if."

Best wins: Pittsburgh, Michigan State, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State.

Starters: F Damion James, 6-7, Sr. (17.7 ppg, 10.2 rpg); F Gary Johnson, 6-6, Jr. (9.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg); C Dexter Pittman, 6-10, Sr. (10.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 66.5 FG%); G Avery Bradley, 6-2, Fr. (11.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg); G Justin Mason, 6-2, Sr. (3.6 ppg).

Reserves: G J'Covan Brown, 6-1, Fr. (9.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.5 apg, 90.7 FT%); G Jordan Hamilton, 6-7, Fr. (10.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg); G Jai Lucas, 5-10, Jr. (3.0 ppg, 46.2 3FG%).

9.Wake Forest

Nickname: Demon Deacons. Location: Winston-Salem, N.C.
Record: 19-10, 9-7. Bid: Atlantic Coast at-large.
NCAA history: 27-21 in 21 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Cleveland State in the first round.
Coach: Dino Gaudio, 0-1 in one appearance.

Overview: The Deacons were doing well in the ACC before a four-game slide starting in mid-February. There's plenty of experience remaining from a team that last season was briefly ranked No. 1 in the nation. The production starts with sophomore forward Al-Farouq Aminu, who averages a double-double and is one of the better all-around players in the conference. This is a solid rebounding team and held opponents to 67.9 points a game. But the Deacons shot 66% from the foul line.

Best wins: Maryland, Xavier, Richmond.

Starters: F Al-Farouq Aminu, 6-9, So. (15.9 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 45.8 FG%); G Ishmael Smith, 6-0, Sr. (13.3 ppg, 6.0 apg, 42.1 FG%); G C.J. Harris, 6-2, Fr. (10.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 40.4 FG%); G L.D. Williams, 6-4, Sr. (9.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 48.7 FG%); C Tony Woods, 6-11, So. (4.1 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 58.5 FG%).

Reserves: C Chas McFarland, 7-0, Sr. (7.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 45.0 FG%); F Ari Stewart, 6-7, Fr. (7.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 38.9 FG%).

10. Missouri

Nickname: Tigers. Location: Columbia.
Record: 22-10, 10-6. Bid: Big 12 at-large.
NCAA history: 21-22 in 22 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Connecticut in the regional final.
Coach: Mike Anderson, 6-4 in four NCAA appearances.

Overview: The Tigers, coming off an opening-game loss to last-place Nebraska in the Big 12 tournament, don't have the upside they did a year ago. Their frantic, full-pressure style is hard on teams that haven't seen it. Mizzou leads the nation in steals and forces almost 20 turnovers a game. But there's too little size, compounded by the loss of 6-8 Justin Safford to a knee injury, and too much susceptibility to an off night from the perimeter.

Best wins: Old Dominion, Illinois, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas.

Starters: F Keith Ramsey, 6-9, Sr. (6.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg); F Laurence Bowers, 6-8, So. (10.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 41.7 3FG%); G Kim English, 6-6, So. (14.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg); G J.T. Tiller, 6-3, Sr. (8.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.1 apg); G Zaire Taylor, 6-4, Sr. (8.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg).

Reserves: G Marcus Denmon, 6-3, So. (11.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg 42.7 3FG%); G Michael Dixon, 6-1, Fr. (7.2 ppg); G Miguel Paul, 6-1, So. (3.4 ppg, 40.5 3FG%).

11.Washington

Nickname: Huskies. Location: Seattle.
Record: 24-9, 11-7. Bid: Pacific-10 champ.
NCAA history: 15-15 in 14 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Purdue in second round.
Coach: Lorenzo Romar, 5-5 in five appearances.

Overview: Washington comes in on a seven-game roll. The Huskies aren't big or imposing but have a tremendously skilled 1-2 punch in small forward Quincy Pondexter and really small (5-8) guard Isaiah Thomas. Huskies lead the Pac-10 in scoring and are ninth in the nation at 80.5 ppg. Though they don't have much size, Huskies had two all-Pac-10 defenders in Justin Holiday and super-sub Venoy Overton and they are scrappy on the boards, having led the Pac-10 in rebounding for the third time in five years.

Best wins: Texas A&M, California, Arizona State.

Starters: F Quincy Pondexter, 6-6, Sr. (20.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 54.3 FG%, 83.3 FT%); G Isaiah Thomas, 5-8, So. (17.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg); F Matthew Bryan-Amaning, 6-9, Jr. (8.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 53.5 FG%); F Justin Holiday, 6-6, Jr. (5.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 80.0 FT%); G Abdul Gaddy, 6-3, Fr. (4.2 ppg).

Reserves: G Venoy Overton, 5-11, Jr. (8.6 ppg, 3.2 apg, 78.1 FT%); G Elston Turner, 6-4, So. (5.1 ppg); F Tyreese Breshers, 6-7, Fr. (3.3 ppg)

12. Cornell

Nickname: Big Red. Location: Ithaca, N.Y.
Record: 27-4, 13-1. Bid: Ivy League champ.
NCAA history: 0-5 in four appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Missouri in the first round.
Coach: Steve Donahue, 0-2 in two appearances.

Overview: The Big Red returned every starter from last year and shoots 48.1% from the field, including 43.4% from three-point range. They also move the ball well, averaging 16.5 assists a game, tops in the Ivy league, though their assist-to-turnover ratio is 1.3 and turnover margin is 1.55. Cornell relies on the long ball, hitting almost 10 three-pointers a game.

Best wins: Vermont, Princeton, Harvard.

Starters: F Ryan Wittman, 6-7, Sr. (17.5 ppg, 4 rpg., 85.7 FT%); F Jon Jaques, 6-7 Sr. (6.9 ppg, 52.7 FG%, 79.2 FT%); C Jeff Foote, 7-0, Sr. (12.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 62.3 FG%); G Louis Dale, 5-11, Sr. (11.9 ppg, 4.8 apg, 83.3 FT%); G Chris Wroblewski, 6-0, So. (8.9 ppg, 3.3 apg, 86.7 FT%).

Reserves: G Geoff Reeves, 6-4, Sr. (5.4 ppg, 45.9 3FG%).

13. Wofford

Nickname: Terriers. Location: Spartanburg, S.C.
Record: 26-8, 15-3. Bid: Automatic, Southern champ.
NCAA history: First appearance.
Coach: Mike Young, first appearance.

Overview: The SoCon champs didn't have the highest-scoring offense or the stingiest defense in the conference -- they just won games. The Terriers rolled off 13 consecutive wins to earn a ticket to the dance. Junior forward Noah Dahlman was the biggest reason. The SoCon Player of the Year ranked fourth in the conference in scoring and seventh in rebounding and made 59.2% of his shots. But Dahlman was the Terriers only consistent scorer, often lifting his team out of deficits by himself. Junior forward Tim Johnson can be a factor in the paint.

Best wins: Georgia, South Carolina, Appalachian State.

Starters: F Noah Dahlman, 6-6, Jr. (17.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 59.2 FG%); F Tim Johnson, 6-6, Jr. (6.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg); G Junior Salters, 6-2, Sr. (7.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.4 apg); G Brad Loesing, 6-0, So. (5.9 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 3.1 apg); G Jamar Diggs, 6-2, Jr. (9.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.0 apg).

Reserves: Cameron Rundles, 6-1, Jr. (6.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.5 apg); Corey Godzinski, 6-9, Sr. (3.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg).

14. Montana

Nickname: Grizzlies. Location: Missoula.
Record: 22-9, 10-6. Bid: Big Sky champ.
NCAA history: 2-8 in seven appearances. Last: 2006, lost to Boston College in the second round.
Coach: Wayne Tinkle, first appearance.

Overview: The Grizzlies are riding high after a 22-point comeback against Weber State in the Big Sky championship game. Leading scorer Anthony Johnson will be key to Montana's continued success. The defense is also a key part of the Grizzlies team, giving up 61.6 points a game and 41.7% from the field. The other strengths of this team are shooting, 48.6% from the field, and 40.4% from three-point range. Brian Qvale is the leading rebounder, averaging 6.9 rebounds a game, and Derek Selvig averages five a game.

Best win: Oregon.

Starters: G Anthony Johnson, 6-3, Sr. (19.6 ppg, 3.0 apg, 50.6 FG%, 46.4 3FG%); C Brian Qvale, 6-11, Jr. (9.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2 bpg, 60.3 FG%); F Jack McGillis, 6-6, Sr. (5.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg); G Ryan Staudacher, 6-4, Sr. (8.6 ppg, 80 FT%, 46.3 3FG%); G Will Cherry, 6-1, Fr. (8.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.4 apg).

Reserves: F Derek Selvig, 7-0, So. (5.9 ppg, 5 rpg, 39.2 3FG%); F Raason Young, 6-6, Jr. (4.7 ppg, 44.4 FG%).

15.Morgan State

Nickname: Bears. Location: Baltimore.
Record: 27-9, 16-1. Bid: Mid-Eastern Athletic champion.
NCAA history: 0-1 in one appearance. Last: 2009, Lost to Oklahoma in the first round.
Coach: Todd Bozeman, 2-4 in four appearances.

Overview: The Bears offense is the best in the MEAC bar none, averaging 77 points a game, with three players averaging in double figures, including freshman DeWayne Jackson off the bench. Reggie Holmes, Kevin Thompson and Dewayne Jackson make up the majority of the scoring, with Holmes leading the conference in scoring. Thompson also leads the conference in rebounding, averaging 3.3 more rebounds a game than the second-best rebounder in the conference.

Best win: Arkansas.

Starters: F Kevin Thompson, 6-9, So. (12.7 ppg, 12 rpg, 51.8 FG%); G Troy Smith. 6-4, Sr. (9.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 73.6 FT%); G Reggie Holmes, 6-4, Sr. (21.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 82.2 FT%, 36.2 3FG%); G Joe Davis, 6-0, Jr. (7.2 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 76.2 FT%); F Ameer Ali, 6-4, So. (4.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 54.5 FG%).

Reserves: F DeWayne Jackson, 6-8, Fr. (10.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 44.4 FG%); G Sean Thomas, 6-1, So. (4.8 ppg, 3.1 apg).

16.East Tennessee State

Nickname: Buccaneers. Location: Johnson City.
Record: 20-14, 13-7. Bid: Atlantic Sun champ.
NCAA history: 2-9 in nine appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Pittsburgh in the first round.
Coach: Murry Bartow, 0-3 in three appearances.

Overview: ETSU overcame a season-ending injury in early December to top returning scorer Mike Smith and captured its second NCAA berth in a row. Tommy Hubbard posted the highest-scoring increase of any player in the A-Sun (4.0 ppg in 2008-09) and led the team in rebounding in 24 games. Micah Williams turned up his game in the A-Sun tournament to earn MVP honors, averaging 21.7 points and 6.3 rebounds. The Bucs are balanced and rely on getting points inside the three-point arc. They shoot 31% on three-pointers but hold foes to 32.7%.

Best wins: Arkansas.

Starters: G Jocolby Davis, 6-1, Sr. (2.8 ppg); G Justin Tubbs, 6-3, Jr. (12.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg); G Micah Williams, 6-4, Jr. (12.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg); F Tommy Hubbard, 6-4, Jr. (14.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg); F Isiah Brown, 6-8, So. (7.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg).

Reserves: G Adam Sollazzo, 6-6, So. (3.7 ppg); G Sheldon Cooley, 6-3, Fr. (6.9 ppg).

Midwest Region Preview

A stepladder was set up and, one by one Saturday night, members of Kansas' Big 12 tournament championship team clipped a commemorative strand of net.

All but the coach. "I'd like to climb up on two more ladders," Bill Self said.

That would be in St. Louis after the final horn of the Midwest Regional in a couple of weeks, then in Indianapolis eight nights later after One Shining Moment has played and a new NCAA tournament champion has been anointed.

The 32-2 Jayhawks landed the NCAA's overall No. 1 seed, as expected, after winning one of the nation's top conferences by four games during the regular season, then following up with three more victories in the Big 12 tournament in Kansas City, Mo. But the committee that assembles the bracket hardly gave them a pass through the Midwest.

Second-seeded Ohio State could have made an argument for a top seed and features one of the college game's premier clutch performers in likely national player of the year Evan Turner.

If the Big 12 wasn't the country's best conference, the Big East was. Third-seeded Georgetown came within three points of winning its league tournament.

No. 4 Maryland shared the Atlantic Coast regular-season title with Duke. No. 5 Michigan State was runner-up in last year's tournament. No. 6 Tennessee is one of two teams to have beaten Kansas this season. No. 7 Oklahoma State is the other.

Nos. 9, 10 and 11 Northern Iowa, Georgia Tech and San Diego State all have early-round upset potential.

That said, Self's chances of collecting a couple of threads of net are good. Kansas is loaded and a favorite to duplicate the national championship it won in 2008. With its overall top seed in the tournament comes a valuable perk: a comfortable, fan-friendly travel schedule.

The Jayhawks needn't board a plane until April. If they win twice in Oklahoma City — against overmatched 16th seed Lehigh, then UNLV or Northern Iowa — and it's a straight shot along I-70 to the Midwest semifinals and final in St. Louis.

And really, KU's path to the Final Four might be no more difficult than the run it just made through Texas Tech, Texas A&M and Kansas State in the Big 12 tournament. Tech is NIT-bound. A&M is in the NCAA field and seeded No. 5; K-State is No. 2.

Further down in the Midwest bracket:

•Maryland's first-round matchup with Houston will showcase two of the game's most prolific guards, the Terrapins' Greivis Vasquez and the Cougars' Aubrey Coleman, the nation's highest scorer. They average better than 45 points between them.

•Houston, in its sixth season under Tom Penders, is in the field for the first time since 1992, and Penders is back with a fourth school — one of only four coaches to do that along with Rick Pitino, Eddie Sutton and Lon Kruger.

•The Midwest's 12th seed has pulled five first-round upsets in the last six years. Here we have New Mexico State, coming off its upset of Utah State in the Western Athletic Conference final and headed to Spokane to play Michigan State.

•The region's 13th seed has won the last two years, bringing us back to Penders — who has a 12-10 record in 10 previous tournament appearances — and Houston.

The Nos. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 seeds won first-round games in the Midwest last March. — Steve Wieberg, USA TODAY

1. Kansas

Nickname: Jayhawks. Location: Lawrence.
Record: 32-2, 15-1. Bid: Big 12 champ.
NCAA history: 84-37 in 38 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Michigan State in Midwest Regional semifinals.
Coach: Bill Self, 24-10 in 11 appearances.

Overview: There's nothing the Jayhawks don't have. Inside strength, starting with Cole Aldrich. Shooters. Slashers. Experience. Depth. A fearless, big-play senior point guard in Sherron Collins. Self isn't quite as bullish on this team as he was on KU's 2008 national champion, but he says it's getting there. By April 5, it could be all the way there.

Best wins: California, Temple, Baylor, Texas A&M, Kansas State.

Starters: F Marcus Morris, 6-8, So. (12.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 55.9 FG%); C Cole Aldrich, 6-11, Jr. (11.3 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.5 blocks, 55.3 FG%); G Xavier Henry, 6-6, Fr. (13.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 40.7 3FG%); G Sherron Collins, 5-11, Sr. (15.3 ppg, 4.3 apg, 83.9 FT%); G Tyshawn Taylor, 6-3, So. (7.7 ppg, 3.3 apg, 40.5 3FG%).

Reserves: F Markieff Morris, 6-9, So. (6.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 57.3 FG%); G Tyrel Reed, 6-3, Jr. (4.6 ppg, 44.9 3FG%, 88.9 FT%); G Brady Morningstar, 6-3, Jr. (4.3 ppg, 3.0 apg).

2. Ohio State

Nickname: Buckeyes. Location: Columbus.
Record: 27-7, 14-4. Bid: Big Ten champ.
NCAA history: 38-20 in 21 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Siena in first round.
Coach: Thad Matta, 12-7 in seven appearances.

Overview: National player-of-the-year candidate Evan Turner can play every position but center. His move to point guard this season is the primary reason Ohio State won a share of the Big Ten regular-season title. The broken back that sidelined Turner for a month earlier this season is a distant memory. He ended up leading the Big Ten in scoring and rebounding. He is surrounded by capable scorers, including Jon Diebler, the 17th-best three-point shooter in Division I. Opponents can't afford to overlook guard William Buford, averaging 17.8 points in his last six games before the league tournament final.

Best wins: Purdue, Michigan State, Wisconsin.

Starters: G Evan Turner, 6-7, Jr. (19.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 5.8 apg, 53.8 FG%, 28.6 3FG%); G William Buford, 6-5, So. (14.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.2 apg, 36.5 3FG%); G Jon Diebler, 6-7, Jr. (12.6 ppg, 43.4 FG%, 41.9 3FG%, 85.7 FT%); F David Lighty, 6-5, Jr. (12.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 49.1 FG%, 62.7 FT%); F Dallas Lauderdale, 6-8, Jr. (7.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 77.1 FG%, 43.8 FT%).

Reserves: C Kyle Madsen, 6-9, Sr. (2.4 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 56.7 FG%); G Jeremie. Simmons, 6-2, Sr. (5.1 ppg, 44.3 FG%, 37.7 3FG%). G P.J. Hill, 6-1, Sr, 3.5 ppg, 38.2 3FG%, 83.3 FT%).

3. Georgetown

Nickname: Hoyas. Location: Washington, D.C.
Record: 23-10, 10-8. Bid: Big East at-large.
NCAA history: 45-24 in 25 appearances. Last: 2008, lost to Davidson in second round.
Coach: John Thompson III, 7-5 in five appearances.

Overview: Hoyas bounced back after missing the NCAAs last year. They had a rough stretch near the end of the regular season but rebounded in the tournament. Consistency can be an issue. Greg Monroe is one of the better big men in the nation, but the team can sometimes become too reliant on him and Austin Freeman, who was diagnosed with diabetes in early March and missed some time. All the starters shoot 46% or better and average at least 7.8 points. However, depth has been an issue.

Best wins: Duke, Pittsburgh, Syracuse.

Starters: C Greg Monroe, 6-11, So. (16.0 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 51.8 FG%); G Austin Freeman, 6-4, Jr. (17.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 54.2 FG% ); G Chris Wright, 6-1, Jr. (14.2 ppg, 4.0 apg); G Jason Clark, 6-2, So. (10.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 42.2 3FG%); F Julian Vaughn, 6-9, Jr.. (7.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 57.1 FG%).

Reserves: F Hollis Thompson, 6-7, Fr. (4.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg); F Jerrelle Benimon, 6-7, Fr. (1.4 ppg, 2.0 rpg).

4. Maryland

Nickname: Terrapins. Location: College Park.
Record: 23-8, 13-3. Bid: Atlantic Coast at-large.
NCAA history: 37-22 in 23 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Memphis in the second round.
Coach: Gary Williams, 28-15 in 16 appearances.

Overview: For the second year in a row, the Terps got hot at the right time, losing one regular-season game after Feb. 1. There's little doubt they will go as far as guard Greivis Vasquez takes them, and the ACC's player of the year has developed into one of the top offensive threats in the nation as his 41-point outburst in a key late-season win against Virginia Tech proves. But there's a lot of valuable experience found at other spots on the floor, too, with Eric Hayes, Landon Milbourne, Adrian Bowie, Cliff Tucker and Dino Gregory.

Best wins: Duke, Florida State, Clemson.

Starters: G Greivis Vasquez, 6-6, Sr. (19.6 ppg, 6.3 apg, 43.6 FG%); F Landon Milbourne, 6-7, Sr. (12.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 50.0 FG%); G Eric Hayes, 6-4, Sr. (11.0 ppg, 3.9 apg, 45.2 3FG%); G Sean Mosley, 6-4, So. (10.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg 53.2 FG%); F Jordan Williams, 6-10, Fr. (9.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 50.9 FG%).

Reserves: G-F Cliff Tucker, 6-6 Jr. (5.9 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 50.0 FG%); G Adrian Bowie, 6-2, Jr. (4.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 42.3 FG%).

5. Michigan State

Nickname: Spartans. Location: East Lansing.
Record: 24-8, 14-4. Bid: Big Ten at-large.
NCAA history: 48-22 in 23 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to North Carolina in the title game.
Coach: Tom Izzo, 31-11 in 12 appearances.

Overview: The Spartans lack a true center but have talent elsewhere to compensate. Yet they haven't had the consistency of last year. Guard Chris Allen, their best three-point shooter, was suspended for the Big Ten tournament loss Friday. As of Sunday, his status was unclear. Izzo's teams have made five Final Fours in 11 seasons, but he needs someone, probably point guard Kalin Lucas, to lead more aggressively on the court. Draymond Green is one of the top sixth men in the country.

Best wins: Purdue, Wisconsin, Gonzaga.

Starters: C Derrick Nix, 6-8, Fr. (2.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg., 51.7 FG%); F Raymar Morgan, 6-8, Sr. (11.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 54.0 FG%); G Chris Allen, 6-3, Jr. (9.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 40.8 3FG%, 78.4 FT%); G Durrell Summers, 6-4, Jr. (10.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 81.2 FT%); G Kalin Lucas, 6-1, Jr. (14.8 ppg, 3.9 apg, 78.6 FT%).

Reserves: F Draymond Green, 6-6, So. (10.1 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.1 apg, 54.5 FG%); F Delvon Roe, 6-8, So. (6.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg., 56.8 FG%); G Korie Lucious 5-11, So. (4.9 ppg, 3.3 apg, 81.8 FT%).

6. Tennessee

Nickname: Volunteers. Location: Knoxville.
Record: 25-8, 11-5. Bid: Southeastern at-large.
NCAA history: 13-18 in 17 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Oklahoma State in the first round.
Coach: Bruce Pearl, 7-6 in six appearances.

Overview: The Volunteers started the season 10-2 before four players were arrested and suspended after a traffic stop. Senior Tyler Smith was eventually dismissed from the team, but the Volunteers didn't let that stop them from succeeding. They took down No. 1 Kansas and No. 2 Kentucky thanks to a defense that allowed opponents to shoot below 40% from the field and 29.1% from three-point range. The team can count on scoring from several sources and shoots over 46%.

Best wins: Kansas, Kentucky, Florida.

Starters: G Scotty Hopson, 6-7, So. (13.1 ppg, 1.2 apg, 1.0 spg); F-C Wayne Chism, 6-9, Sr. (12.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 1.2 spg); G Bobby Maze, 6-3, Sr. (9.5 ppg, 3.2 apg, 82.4 FT%); G J.P. Prince, 6-7, Sr. (9.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.0 apg, 50.3 FG%); C Brian Williams, 6-10, Jr. (5.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 49.4 FG%)

Reserves: G Melvin Goins, 5-11, Jr. (5.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.6 apg) G Cameron Tatum, 6-6, So. (7.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 50.0 FG%).

7. Oklahoma State

Nickname: Cowboys. Location: Stillwater.
Record: 22-10, 9-7. Bid: Big 12 at-large.
NCAA history: 38-22 in 23 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Pittsburgh in the second round.
Coach: Travis Ford, 1-2 in two appearances.

Overview: The Cowboys bear watching if for no other reason than they were the lone Big 12 team to beat Kansas in the regular season. Oh, and this: James Anderson is the league's premier player. He and versatile Obi Muonelo are matchup headaches. OSU isn't big and gets more than a third of its offense from behind the three-point line (eight-plus a game). If its shooters are hot, watch out.

Best wins: At Kansas State, Texas A&M, Baylor, Kansas.

Starters: F Matt Pilgrim, 6-8, Jr. (8.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg); G Obi Muonelo, 6-5, Sr. (13.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 42.9 3FG%, 59.4 FT%); G Keiton Page, 5-9, So. (10.2 ppg, 2.6 apg, 35.8 3FG%, 89.2 FT%); G Fred Gulley, 6-2, Fr. (1.5 ppg, 1.3 apg, 50.0 FT%); G James Anderson, 6-6, Jr. (22.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.4 steals, 35.9 3FG%, 80.9 FT%).

Reserves: F Marshall Moses, 6-7, Jr. (9.0 ppg, 8.6 rpg); F Roger Franklin, 6-5, Fr. (2.8 ppg, 1.6 rpg); G Nick Sidorakis, 6-4, Jr. (2.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 38.7 3FG%, 83.3 FT%).

8. UNLV

Nickname: Runnin' Rebels. Location: Las Vegas.
Record: 25-8, 11-5. Bid: Mountain West at-large.
NCAA history: 33-15 in 16 appearances. Last: 2008, lost to Kansas in second round.
Coach: Lon Kruger, 14-11 in 11 appearances.

Overview: The Rebels are in the NCAA field for the third time in four years after. Leading scorer Tre'Von Willis does a little bit of everything. He and Oscar Bellfield form a strong backcourt, which helps UNLV rank with the best in the country in assists (16.3 a game) and turnover margin (+4.2). With no starter taller than 6-8, the Rebels can struggle against teams with size. Outside shooting (32.5% three-point accuracy) is also a concern.

Best wins: New Mexico, Brigham Young, Louisville.

Starters: G Tre'Von Willis, 6-4, Jr. (17.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.6 apg); F Chance Stanback, 6-8, So. (10.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 80.6 FT%); G Oscar Bellfield, 6-2, So. (9.3 ppg, 4.6 apg); G Anthony Marshall, 6-3, Fr. (5.1 ppg); F Darris Santee, 6-8, Sr. (4.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 61.1 FG%).

Reserves: F Matt Shaw, 6-8, Jr. (7.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 45.3 3FG%); G Kendall Wallace, 6-4, Jr. (7.1 ppg, 76.5 FT%); F-C Brice Massamba, 6-10, So. (4.7 ppg, 74.1 FG%).

9. Northern Iowa

Nickname: Panthers. Location: Cedar Falls.
Record: 28-4, 15-3. Bid: Missouri Valley champ.
NCAA history: 1-5 in five appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Purdue in the first round.
Coach: Ben Jacobson, 0-1 in one appearance.

Overview: Listen to the uh-ohs in the Panthers' corner of the bracket. They're balanced and go as much as 10 deep. They don't beat themselves, giving up 10 plus turnovers and 16 fouls a game. Their signature is a smothering defense that has held opponents to less than 41% shooting and 55 points a game. Note the three seniors and junior in the starting lineup and the fact they're NCAA-seasoned, playing Purdue within five points a year ago. They can win an NCAA game for the first time since 1990.

Best wins: Boston College, at Iowa State, Iowa, Siena, Old Dominion, Wichita State.

Starters: F Adam Koch, 6-8, Sr. (11.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 83.4 FT%); C Jordan Eglseder, 7-0, Sr. (12.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg); G Johnny Moran, 6-1, So. (5.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg 81.8 FT%); G Ali Farokhmanesh, 6-0, Sr. (9.3 ppg, 86.0 FT%); G Kwadzo Ahelegbe, 6-2, Jr. (10.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.7 apg).

Reserves: F Lucas O'Rear, 6-6, Jr. (4.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg); F Jake Koch, 6-9, Fr. (3.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 45.2 3FG%); G Kerwin Dunham, 6-6, Jr. (3.6 ppg).

10. Georgia Tech

Nickname: Yellow Jackets. Location: Atlanta.
Record: 22-12, 7-9. Bid: ACC at-large.
NCAA history: 22-15 in 15 appearances. Last: 2007, lost to UNLV in first round.
Coach: Paul Hewitt, 6-5 in five appearances.

Overview: After a three-year absence, the Yellow Jackets return to the tournament with a club that features a blend of experience and youth. It starts up front where veteran Gani Lawal and freshman Derrick Favors supply a solid 1-2 punch and do a good job on the boards. Both, however, have struggled from the free-throw line. This is a solid three-point shooting team, and Brian Oliver, who shot 40.1% from the arc, especially has to be watched. There's good balance and depth here with eight players logging at least 16 minutes a game and scoring between 5.3 and 13.6 points a game. Turnovers could be an issue as the Yellow Jackets made more than they forced. They dropped six of their last nine regular-season games before bouncing back in the ACC tournament. There's a lack of NCAA tournament experience here, although Hewitt guided the 2004 team to the championship game.

Best wins: Duke, Clemson, Maryland

Starters: F Gani Lawal, 6-9, Jr. (13.6 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 52.7 FG%); F Derrick Favors, 6-10, Fr. (11.9 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 60.4 FG%); G/F D'Andre Bell, 6-6, Sr. (6.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 40.6 3FG%); G Iman Shumpert, 6-5, So. (10.0 ppg, 4.0 apg, 39.3 FG%); G Glen Rice, 6-5, Fr. (5.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 43..0 FG%).

Reserves: F Zachery Peacock, 6-8, Sr. (9.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 49.8 FG%); F Brian Oliver, 6-6, Fr. (7.5 ppg. 2.1 rpg, 40.1 3FG%); G Mfon Udofia., 6-2, Fr. (6.8 ppg, 2.2 apg ).

11. San Diego State

Nickname: Aztecs. Location: San Diego.
Record: 25-8, 11-5. Bid: Mountain West champ.
NCAA history: 0-5 in five appearances. Last: 2006, lost to Indiana in first round.
Coach: Steve Fisher, 20-8 in nine appearances.

Overview: For the third time in Fisher's 11 years, the Aztecs got the automatic bid. Freshman Kawhi Leonard, the team leader in scoring and rebounding, got stronger late in the season and was MVP for the MWC tournament. Leonard and Malcolm Thomas form an inside combination that helped San Diego State rank among the nation's best in rebounding margin. Billy White and D.J. Gay also score in double figures as part of an offense that shoots 47.7% from the field. From the line, however, Aztecs are almost at the bottom in Division I at 61.7%.

Best wins: New Mexico, UNLV, Arizona.

Starters: F Kawhi Leonard, 6-7, Fr. (12.6 ppg, 9.6 rpg); F Malcolm Thomas, 6-9, Jr. (11.1 ppg, 7.9 rpg); F Billy White, 6-8, Jr. (10.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 57.6 FG%); G D.J. Gay, 6-0, Jr. (10.6 ppg, 3.2 apg); G Kelvin Davis, 6-3, Sr. (6.7 ppg).

Reserves: G Chase Tapley, 6-2, Fr. (7.8 ppg); F Tyrone Shelley, 6-9, So. (6.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg); C Brian Carlwell, 6-11, Jr. (5.0 ppg, 62.2 FG%).

12. New Mexico State

Nickname: Aggies. Location: Las Cruces.
Record: 22-11, 11-5. Bid: Western Athletic champ.
NCAA history: 10-19 in 17 appearances. Last: 2007, lost to Texas in first round.
Coach: Marvin Menzies, first appearance.

Overview: The Aggies ended the regular season without much momentum, losing to Nevada and Utah State to finish third in the WAC. But they avenged those losses in the tournament. NMSU now seeks to advance beyond the first round for the first time since 1993. For the most part NMSU is a smallish team that relies on ball pressure to create opportunities. But they have trouble establishing their pressure when they aren't shooting well, so they can't afford to fall behind.

Best wins: Texas-El Paso, Utah State.

Starters: G Jahmar Young, 6-5, Jr. (20.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.0 apg); G Jonathan Gibson, 6-1, Sr. (17.8 ppg); G Hernst Laroche, 6-1, So. (6.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.8 apg); F Wendell McKines, 6-6, Jr. (10.6 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 3.2 apg); C Hamidu Rahman, 6-11, So. (10.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg).

Reserves: F Troy Gillenwater, 6-8, So. (14.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg); G Gordo Castillo, 6-5, Jr. (5.2 ppg).

13. Houston

Nickname: Cougars. Location: Houston.
Record: 19-15, 7-9. Bid: Conference USA champ.
NCAA history: 26-23 in 18 appearances. Last: 1992, lost to Georgia Tech in the first round.
Coach: Tom Penders, 12-10 in 10 appearances.

Overview: The Cougars won four games in four days to claim the league title. The team is led by an experienced backcourt in Aubrey Coleman (the nation's scoring leader) and Kelvin Lewis. Houston gets outrebounded by eight a game but makes up for that with forcing 17 turnovers a game. Maurice McNeil began the season in the starting lineup but has become a force off the bench. Undersized in the paint, the Cougars allow teams to shoot better than 46% from the field.

Best wins: Texas-El Paso, Memphis.

Starters: G Aubrey Coleman, 6-4, Sr. (26.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.6 spg); G Kelvin Lewis, 6-4, Sr. (14.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 78.2 FT%); F Kendrick Washington, 6-7, Fr. (4.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg); F Sean Coleman, 6-8, Sr. (3.8 ppg, 77.8 FT%); G Desmond Wade, 5-8, So. (6.0 ppg, 4.9 apg).

Reserves: F Maurice McNeil, 6-9, Jr. (8.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg); G Adam Brown, 6-4, Jr. (7.9 ppg); G Zamal Nixon, 6-1, Jr. (5.6 ppg).

14. Ohio

Nickname: Bobcats. Location: Athens, Ohio
Record: 21-14, 7-9. Bid: Mid-American champ.
NCAA history: 4-12 in 11 appearances. Last: 2005, lost to Florida in first round.
Coach: John Groce, 1st appearance

Overview: The Bobcats lost one starter in January to injury and a key player off the bench was dismissed from the team in February. In addition, 12 of their 14 losses were by single digits. But the ninth-seeded Bobcats crashed the MAC tournament party, running off four upsets to win the title. Armon Bassett, the Bobcats' leading scorer, poured in a tournament-record 116 points to earn MVP honors. Despite the difficulties, the Bobcats led the league in scoring (74 ppg) and second in rebounding offense (37.4) and 3-pointers made (7.26 per game).

Best wins: Kent State, Akron.

Starters: F Reggie Keely, 6-8, Fr. (5.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg); C Kenneth van Kempen, 6-10, Sr. (6.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg); G Armon Bassett, 6-2, Jr. (16.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 34.4 3FG%, 82.3 FT%); G D.J. Cooper, 5-11, Fr. (13.1 ppg, 5.9 apg, 2.5 spg); F Tommy Freeman, 6-5, Jr. (10.1 ppg, 85.3 FT%).

Reserves: F DeVaughn Washington, 6-8, Jr. (11.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg); F Ivo Baltic, 6-8, Fr. (3.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg); F Asown Sayles, 6-6, Jr. (2.5 ppg, 3 rpg).

15. Cal-Santa Barbara

Nickname: Gauchos. Location: Santa Barbara
Record: 20-9, 12-4. Bid: Big West champ.
NCAA history: 1-3 in three appearances. Last: Lost to Arizona in 2002.
Coach: Bob Williams, 0-1 in 1 appearance.

Overview: The Gauchos are a team that likes to share the ball, tied for the lead in the Big West with assists, averaging nearly 14 assists a game. They are also very good at stealing the ball away averaging 7 steals a game. The Gauchos' two leading scorers, Orlando Johnson and James Nunnally are responsible for about 33 points and 11 rebounds combined a game and have the potential to have great games in the tournament. They average 37.9% on three-pointers. They come into the NCAAs having won 12 of their last 14.

Best Wins: Pacific.

Starters: G Orlando Johnson, 6-5, So. (17.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.3 apg, 39.6 3FG%); F Jaime Serna, 6-7, So. (8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 52.7 FG%); F James Nunnally,. 6-5, So. (15 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 46.5 3FG%); G Will Brew, Jr. 6-3, So. (4.9 ppg, 2.6 apg); G Jordan Weiner, 6-0, Jr. (3 ppg, 37.3 3FG%).

Reserves: G James Powell, 6-2, Sr. (9.4 ppg, 41.1 3FG%, 91.7 FT%).

16.Lehigh

Nickname: Mountain Hawks. Location: Bethlehem, Pa.
Record: 22-10, 10-4. Bid: Patriot champ.
NCAA history: 0-3 in three appearances. Last: 2004, lost to Florida A&M in the play-in game.
Coach: Brett Reed, first appearance.

Overview: CJ McCollum, who leads the team in scoring, field goal accuracy, three-point accuracy and free throw accuracy, is the first to be Patriot League freshman of the year and player of the year. The squad owns the nation's 10th-best three-point percentage at 40.2%. The Mountain Hawks enter the NCAA tournament having won seven of their last eight games. The team's weakness lies defensively, allowing 70.4 points a game.

Best wins: Quinnipiac, Delaware State, Lafayette.

Starters: G CJ McCollum, 6-3, Fr. (18.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 81.3 FT%, 42.9 3FG%); G Marquis Hall, 6-0, Sr. (11.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 5.7 apg); F Zahir Carrington, 6-7, Sr. (10.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 51.9 FG%); F Gabe Knutson, 6-9, Fr. (9.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 51.9 FG%, 76.3 FT%; G Dave Buchberger, 6-4, Sr. (6.2 ppg, 80.0 FT%, 45.2 3FG%).

Reserves: G Michael Ojo, 6-5, Jr. (7.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg); G Rob Keefer, 6-3, Jr. (61.5 3FG%), F Holden Greiner, 6-7, Fr. (3.3 ppg).

South Region Preview

The Atlantic Coast Conference might not have the overall power of past seasons, but Duke still stands tall. The Blue Devils earned the No. 1 seed in the South, the 11th time they've grabbed a top regional spot, trailing only North Carolina's 13.

Duke shared the ACC regular-season title and won the ACC tournament. It heads a regional that includes powers from the Big East (Villanova, Louisville and Notre Dame) and Big 12 (Baylor and Texas A&M) and programs that have a history of tournament upsets (Richmond and Siena).

Other regional fast facts:

• Ten of the 16 schools rank in the top 40 of the NCAA's Ratings percentage Index, starting with Duke at No. 3 and reaching to Louisville at No. 37.

• Duke, Louisville, Villanova and California have combined for seven national championships.

• Arkansas-Pine Bluff will face Winthrop on Tuesday for the right to face Duke after rebounding from a 0-11 start to the season. All of those games were on the road.

The Blue Devils are a No. 1 seed for the first time since 2006 and are led by seniors Jon Scheyer, Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek. They have improved each season in the NCAA tournament, losing their opening game in 2007, reaching the second round in 2008 and advancing to the regional final last year.

Duke's path to the Final Four might not be as difficult as those of fellow top seeds Kansas, Kentucky and Syracuse. The Blue Devils, the third overall seed, could face Louisville in the second round. The Cardinals beat Syracuse twice but lost three of their last five games, including their opener in the Big East tournament.

Second seed Villanova also sputtered down the stretch, losing five of its last seven after climbing to No. 2 in the USA TODAY/ESPN Coaches' Poll. The Wildcats could face a second-round struggle against the survivor of seventh seed Richmond and No. 10 Saint Mary's.

The Spiders have an RPI of 22 and own two of the biggest upsets in tournament history: knocking off second seed Syracuse as a No. 15 in 1991 and beating third seed South Carolina as a No. 14 in 1998. Saint Mary's toppled Gonzaga to win the West Coast Conference tournament, and the Gaels are eager to prove themselves after being left out of last year's field despite a 28-7 record.

History says 13th-seeded Siena was a tough draw for No. 4 Purdue, which lost all-conference junior forward Robbie Hummel to a knee injury five games ago. In the past two years the Saints of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference have knocked off Vanderbilt and Ohio State in the first round.

Sixth seed Notre Dame facing No. 11 Old Dominion could provide another surprise. The Irish have won six of seven and have all-conference forward Luke Harangody back from injury. But the Monarchs won at Georgetown this season and took the Colonial Athletic Association regular-season and tournament titles.

That leaves third seed Baylor (RPI of 8) and No. 5 Texas A&M (RPI of 13) as dark horses looking to prove that the Big 12, not the Big East, was this year's toughest conference. The Bears have tied a school record for wins this season and swept Oklahoma and Texas for the first time. The Aggies lost regular-season matchups with New Mexico, West Virginia and Washington. But they beat NCAA tournament teams Clemson and Minnesota, and their lone loss in the last five games was to top-ranked Kansas in the conference tournament semifinals. —Andy Gardiner, USA TODAY

1. Duke

Nickname: Blue Devils. Location: Durham, N.C.
Record: 29-5, 13-3. Bid: ACC champ.
NCAA history: 88-30 in 33 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Villanova in regional semifinals.
Coach: Mike Krzyzewski, 71-22 in 25 appearances.

Overview: In what was generally considered a down year for the ACC, the Blue Devils were the league's highest-ranked team and played one of the nation's toughest schedules. A mid-season setback against North Carolina State was the only "bad" loss, and they were undefeated in league play after that Jan..20 setback until falling at Maryland in early March. There's plenty of experience here with the return of Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer, Nolan Smith and Lance Thomas from last season's Sweet 16 team. Scheyer, Singler and Smith can all do damage from three-point range, and this is also one of the nation's top free-throw shooting teams (76.2%). The Blue Devils have not made a deep tournament run in recent years, winning only three NCAA games in the past three seasons, but this club appears capable of more.

Best wins: Gonzaga, Georgia Tech, Maryland

Starters: F Kyle Singler, 6-8, Jr. (17.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.3 apg): G Jon Scheyer, 6-5, Sr. (18.9 ppg, 5.2 apg, 39.9 3FG%); G Nolan Smith, 6-2, Jr. (17.6 ppg, 3.0 apg, 40.4 3FG%); F Lance Thomas, 6-8, Sr. (5.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 45.5 FG%); C Brian Zoubek, 7-1, Sr. (5.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 63.6 FG%).

Reserves: F Miles Plumlee, 6-10, So. (5.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 57.5 FG%); G Andre Dawkins, 6-4, Fr. (5.3 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 38.8 3FG%); F Mason Plumlee, 6-10, Fr. (4.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 45.2 FG%).

2.Villanova

Nickname: Wildcats. Location: Villanova, Pa.
Record: 24-7, 13-5. Bid: Big East at-large.
NCAA history: 48-30 in 30 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to North Carolina in the national semifinals.
Coach: Jay Wright, 11-7 in seven appearances.

Overview: A talented, veteran group with plenty of holdover experience from last season's Final Four run, the Wildcats were at or near the top of the Big East for most of the season but stumbled down the stretch and finished as the league's fourth seed. The floor leadership, shooting ability and heady play of Scottie Reynolds make him unquestionably the top player. Good balance prevails with seven players averaging at least 6.8 points a game, and this is a good shooting team (46.3%), especially from the free throw line (75.1%).

Best wins: Georgetown, West Virginia, Louisville.

Starters: G Scottie Reynolds, 6-2, Sr. (18.8 ppg, 4.4 apg, 48.1 FG%); G Corey Fisher, 6-1, Jr. (13.6 ppg, 4.0 apg, 45.4 FG%); F Antonio Pena, 6-8, Jr. (10.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 56.8 FG%); G Corey Stokes, 6-5, Jr. (9.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 87.8 FT%); G Reggie Redding, 6-5, Sr. (7.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 44.2 FG%).

Reserves: F Taylor King, 6-6, So. (7.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 42.0 FG%); G Maalik Wayns, 6-1, Fr. (6.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 42.4 FG%).

3. Baylor

Nickname: Bears. Location: Waco, Texas.
Record: 25-7, 11-5. Bid: Big 12 at-large.
NCAA history: 3-7 in five appearances. Last: 2008, lost to Purdue in the first round.
Coach: Scott Drew, 0-1 in one appearance.

Overview: A dangerous team. To the dynamic backcourt of LaceDarius Dunn and Tweety Carter, the Bears added an inside difference-maker in Ekpe Udoh. The Michigan transfer led the Big 12 in blocked shots and was second in rebounding. Baylor has size, perimeter firepower and 2.5 months of toughening in the Big 12.

Best wins: Xavier, Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Texas A&M, sweep of Texas.

Starters: F Ekpe Udoh, 6-10, Jr. (13.4 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 2.6 apg, 4.1 blocks); F Anthony Jones, 6-10, So. (6.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.1 apg, 32.7 3FG%); C Josh Lomers, 7-0, Sr. (6.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 71.3 FG%,); G LaceDarius Dunn, 6-4, Jr. (19.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.2 steals, 42.4 3FG%, 86.6 FT%); G Tweety Carter, 5-10, Sr. (15.8 ppg, 6.3 apg, 1.3 steals, 39.0 3FG%, 82.4 FT%).

Reserves: F Quincy Acy, 6-7, So. (9.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 70.2 FG%); G A.J. Walton, 6-1, Fr. (3.7 ppg, 50.0 3FG%).

4. Purdue

Nickname: Boilermakers. Location: West Lafayette, Ind.
Record: 27-5, 14-4. Bid: Big Ten at-large.
NCAA history: 31-23 in 23 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Connecticut in regional semifinals.
Coach: Matt Painter, 4-4 in four appearances.

Overview: Once a front-runner for a No. 1 seed, Purdue's chances crashed with the loss of junior Robbie Hummel (15.7 points a game, 6.9 rebounds), who tore a ligament in his right knee Feb..24. Without him, the Boilermakers had only 11 first-half points in a 69-42 loss ot Minnesota in the conference semifinals. Hopes of advancing in the NCAA tourney rest largely with leading-scoring guard E'Twaun Moore and center JaJuan Johnson. Point guard Lewis Jackson only started playing Jan. 28 because of a foot injury. In short, this team looks nothing like the one that opened the season by winning 14 in a row and later had a 10-game winning streak.

Best wins: West Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio State.

Starters: C JaJuan Johnson, 6-10, Jr. (14.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 50.7 FG%, 72.3 FT%); G Keaton Grant, 6-4, Sr. (6.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 40.8 FG%, 29.7 3FG%, 81.6 FT%); G Chris Kramer, 6-3, Sr. (6.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.4 apg, 57.7 FG%); G Lewis Jackson, 5-9, So. (2.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.9 apg, 40.7 FG%); G E'Twaun Moore, 6-4, Jr. (16.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.9 apg, 47.0 FG%, 36.1 3FG%).

Reserves: G Kelsey Barlow, 6-5, Fr. (3.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 46.7 FG%, 43.2 FT%); G John Hart, 6-2, Fr. (2.8 ppg, 32.4 3FG%, 50.0 FT%); F Patrick Bade, 6-8, Fr. (1.5 ppg, 1.6 rpg).

5.Texas A&M

Nickname: Aggies. Location: College Station.
Record: 23-9, 11-5. Bid: Big 12 at-large.
NCAA history: 8-11 in 10 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Connecticut in the second round.
Coach: Mark Turgeon, 4-3 in three appearances.

Overview: Careful with these guys. The Aggies ended Missouri's 32-game home winning streak and fell to Kansas by five points. Donald Sloan is a good shooter and playmaker, and all revolves around him. Everybody plays tough -- among other things, holding opponents to 40.4% shooting during the regular season -- the hallmark of a Turgeon-coached team. Subpar foul shooting (65.4%) is worrisome at this time of year.

Starters: F Khris Middleton, 6-7, Fr. (6.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg); F David Loubeau, 6-8, So. (9.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg); C Bryan Davis, 6-9, Sr. (10.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg); G Donald Sloan, 6-3, Sr. (17.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg); G Dash Harris, 6-1, So. (5.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.3 apg).

Reserves: G B.J. Holmes, 5-11, Jr. (9.2 ppg, 79.6 FT%); F Nathan Walkup, 6-7, Jr. (5.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg); F Ray Turner, 6-8, Fr. (2.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg); G Naji Hibbert, 6-6, Fr. (1.9 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 57.1 FT%).

6.Notre Dame

Nickname: Fighting Irish. Location: South Bend, Ind.
Record: 23-11, 10-8. Bid: Big East at-large.
NCAA history: 34-28 in 27 appearances. Last: 2008, lost to Washington State in the second round.
Coach: Mike Brey, 5-7 in seven appearances.

Overview: Just when it looked like the season was lost, with star forward Luke Harangody sidelined because of a knee injury, the Irish dedicated themselves to defense and got key late-season victories. Most of the season, this was a high-scoring, good-shooting team that got the score up in the 80s. After Harangody went down, the Irish were more patient. Tim Abromaitis, Ben Hansbrough and Tory Jackson do damage from the three-point arc. Harangody returned late in the season.

Best wins: West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Georgetown.

Starters: F Carlton Scott, 6-7, Jr. (4.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 48.2 FG%); F Tim Abromaitis, 6-8, Jr. (17.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 44.9 3FG%); G Ben Hansbrough, 6-3, Jr. (12.0 ppg, 4.5 apg, 41.7 3FG%); G Tory Jackson, 5-11, Sr. (9.7 ppg, 5.3 apg, 41.0 FG%); F Tyrone Nash, 6-8, Jr. (8.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 54.0 FG%).

Reserves: F Luke Harangody, 6-8, Sr. (23.3 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 48.5 FG%); G Jonathan Peoples, 6-3, Sr. (3.7 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 40.6 FG%).

7.Richmond

Nickname: Spiders. Location: Richmond, Va.
Record: 26-8, 13-3. Bid: Atlantic 10 at-large.
NCAA history: 6-7 in seven appearances. Last: 2004, lost to Wisconsin in first round
Coach: Chris Mooney, first appearance.

Overview: Richmond is in the midst of one of the best seasons in school history, even cracking the coaches' Top 25 in early February for the first time since USA TODAY began administering the poll in the 1991-92 season. And the Spiders are doing it with defense. They allow 61.4 points per game and hold teams to just 39% shooting from the field. With a solid rotation of eight players, they can go deep into the bench without losing much on the floor. Offensively, junior Kevin Anderson leads the way, but David Gonzalvez. pitches in to give the Spiders' a solid backcourt.

Best wins: Temple, Old Dominion, Missouri.

Starters: G Kevin Anderson, 6-0, Jr. (17.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.8 spg, 83.5 FT%); G David Gonzalvez., 6-4, Sr. (14.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.8 spg); F Justin Harper, 6-10, Jr. (10.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.1 apg, 48.8 FG%); G-F Ryan Butler, 6-7, Sr. (8.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.6 apg, 77.5 FT%); G Darrius Garrett, 6-9, So. (2.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.9 bpg).

Reserves: C Dan Geriot, 6-9, Jr. (7.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.0 apg); F Francis Martel, 6-6, So. (2.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 47.4 FG%); F Kevin Smith, 6-5, Jr. (2.4 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 56.0 FG%).

8. California

Nickname: Golden Bears. Location: Berkeley.
Record: 23-10, 13-5. Bid: Pacific-10 at-large.
NCAA history: 18-15 in 15 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Maryland in first round.
Coach: Mike Montgomery, 16-13 in 13 appearances.

Overview: Cal won a league regular-season title for the first time since 1960. Not a great defensive team and not much size in the starting lineup. The strengths are experience (four senior starters) and shooting (guards Jerome Randle and Patrick Christopher are a handful). When the Bears are spreading the floor and shooting a high percentage, they can beat good teams. Randle, the Pac-10 player of the year, is Cal's all-time leader with 242 treys.

Best wins: Washington, Arizona State.

Starters: F Jamal Boykin, 6-8, Sr. (11.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 59.2 FG%, 85.7 FT%); F Omondi Amoke, 6-7, So. (4.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg); F Theo Robertson, 6-6, Sr. (13.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 43.5 3FG%, 79.2 FT%); G Jerome Randle, 5-10, Sr. (18.7 ppg, 4.5 apg, 40.4 3FG%, 92.7 FT%), G Patrick Christopher, 6-5, Sr. (16.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 84.7 FT%).

Reserves: G Jorge Gutierrez, 6-3, So. (5.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 45.7 3FG%); C Markhuri Sanders-Frison, 6-8, Jr. (3.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg).

9.Louisville

Nickname: Cardinals. Location: Louisville.
Record: 20-12, 11-7. Bid: Big East at-large.
NCAA history: 60-37 in 35 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Michigan State in a regional final.
Coach: Rick Pitino, 38-13 in 14 appearances.

Overview: The Cardinals looked as if they might be an NIT team when they dropped three of their first eight, including to Charlotte and Western Carolina. But they came on strong in the Big East and turned into a tough opponent for league foes, as the two wins against Syracuse prove. Samardo Samuels, Edgar Sosa, Preston Knowles, Terrence Jennings and Jerry Smith earned meaningful minutes as veterans of last season's team, which earned a No. 1 NCAA seed. Not a great shooting team, but the Cardinals get after it on defense.

Best wins: Syracuse, Notre Dame, Connecticut.

Starters: F Samardo Samuels, 6-9, So. (15.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 51.7% FG%); G Edgar Sosa, 6-2, Sr. (12.8 ppg, 4.7 apg, 36.7 3 FG%); G Jerry Smith, 6-2, Sr. (8.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 39.8 FG%); G Reginald Delk, 6-5, Sr. (6.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 46.3 FG%); F Jared Swopshire, 6-8, So. (7.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 84.3 FT%).

Reserves: F Terrence Jennings, 6-10, So. (5.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 63.8 FG%); G Preston Knowles, 6-1, Jr. ( 7.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 38.2 FG%).

10. Saint Mary's

Nickname: Gaels. Location: Moraga, Calif.
Record: 26-5, 11-3. Bid: West Coast champ.
NCAA history: 1-5 in five appearances. Last: 2008, lost to Miami (Fla.) in the first round.
Coach: Randy Bennett, 0-2 in two appearances.

Overview: The Gaels didn't leave anything to chance with the committee, turning in their best performance of the campaign to finally vanquish Gonzaga in the WCC final. Despite the loss of starting guard Wayne Hunter ( knee) in December, the Gaels have maintained strong perimeter play. They switched to a somewhat bigger lineup but still hit nearly 41% of their threes. Experienced Omar Samhan anchors an interior defense that keeps Saint Mary's in most games. The Gaels can protect late leads thanks to 76% free throw shooting. But the bench is not deep.

Best wins: San Diego State, Utah State, Gonzaga.

Starters: C Omar Samhan, 6-11, Sr. (21.5 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 2.9 bpg, 54.6 FG%); G Mickey McConnell, 6-0, Jr. (13.2 ppg, 5.3 apg, 50.8 3FG%, 82.5 FT%); G Matthew Dellavedova, 6-4, Fr. (12.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.6 apg, 86.8 FT%); F Ben Allen, 6-11, Sr. (10.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg); F Clint Steindl, 6-7, So. (7.3 ppg).

Reserves: F Mitchell Young, 6-9, Fr. (4.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg); G Jorden Page, 6-1, Fr. (3.4 ppg).

11.Old Dominion

Nickname: Monarchs. Location: Norfolk, Va.
Record: 26-8, 15-3. Bid: Colonial Athletic Association champ.
NCAA history: 2-9 in nine appearances. Last: 2007, lost to Butler in the first round.
Coach: Blaine Taylor, 0-4 in four NCAA appearances.

Overview: The Monarchs have a good-sized front court and posted the best rebounding margin in the Colonial with four players who average almost five rebounds a game. This size held teams to 40.1% accuracy from the field. However, that might be negated by a team that shot 64.5% at the line, second worst in the Colonial. Most of the scoring will be left to forward Gerald Lee, a first-team all-CAA selection, who averaged 17.3 points during the Colonial tournament.

Best win: Georgetown.

Starters: F Gerald Lee, 6-10, Sr. (14.6 ppg., 4.9 rpg, 54.1 FG%); F Frank Hassell, 6-8, Jr. (8.9 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 54.7 FG%); G Darius James, 6-1, Jr. (7.1 ppg, 3.4 apg); G-F Kent Bazemore, 6-5, So. (8.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.3 apg); G-F Ben Finney, 6-5, Jr. (8.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 31.5 3FG%).

Reserves: G Marsharee Neely, 6-2, Sr. (5.8 ppg, 71.4 FT%); F Keyon Carter, 6-8, Jr. (7.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg), G Trian Iliadis, 6-3, So. (3.2 ppg, 66.7 FT%).

12. Utah State

Nickname: Aggies. Location: Logan.
Record: 27-7, 14-2. Bid: Western Athletic at-large.
NCAA history: 6-20 in 18 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Marquette in first round.
Coach: Stew Morrill, 1-7 in seven appearances.

Overview: USU's 17-game winning streak ended in the WAC final, and it had to sweat out Selection Sunday. Its one-point loss last season indicates it's not an easy out. The Aggies spent most of the season in the top 10 in overall, three-point and free throw percentage. Their perimeter shooting allows them to beat most zones, but deep teams that can substitute freely for pressure or big squads with lots of rebounders will give USU trouble.

Best wins: Brigham Young, Weber State, Nevada.

Starters: F Nate Bendall, 6-9, Jr. (10.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 56.8 FG%, 81.4 FT%); F Tai Wesley, 6-7, Jr. (13.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.3 apg, 57.8 FG%); G Pooh Williams, 6-3, Jr. (8.7 ppg); G Jared Quayle, 6-1 Sr. (11.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 4.3 apg, 43.2 3FG%, 88.9 FT%); G Tyler Newbold, 6-4, Jr. (8.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.0 apg, 42.5 3FG%, 89.5 FT%).

Reserves: G Brian Green, 6-1, Jr. (7.2 ppg); F Brady Jardine, 6-7, So. (6.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg).

13. Siena

Nickname: Saints. Location: Loudonville, N.Y.
Record: 27-6, 17-1. Bid: Metro Atlantic champion.
NCAA history: 4-5 in five appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Louisville in the second round.
Coach: Fran McCaffery, 2-4 in four appearances.

Overview: History says the Saints will be a dangerous out. They have first-round wins in each of the last two NCAA tournaments (against No. 4 seed Vanderbilt in 2008 and No. 8 seed Ohio State in 2009). Still, they had to rally from 13 down to win the MAAC title in overtime. Siena gets balanced scoring, with four starters averaging in double figures and the fifth, Ronald Moore, leading the nation with 7.8 assists a game. Ryan Rossiter has 21 double-doubles this season.

Best wins: Northeastern, Fairfield, Iona.

Starters: F Edwin Ubiles, 6-6, Sr. (15.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.3 apg); F Alex Franklin, 6-5, Sr. (16.3 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.3 apg); C Ryan Rossiter, 6-9, Jr. (13.9 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 1.0 apg); G Clarence Jackson, 6-3, Jr. (13.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 0.8 apg); G Ronald Moore, 6-0, Sr. (6.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 7.8 apg).

Reserves: F O.D. Anosike, 6-7, Fr. (2.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg); G Kyle Downey, 6-2, So. (5.0 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.7 apg); F Owen Wignot, 6-6, So. (2.6 ppg, 1.6 rpg).

14. Sam Houston State

Nickname: Bearkats. Location: Huntsville, Texas.
Record: 25-7, 14-2. Bid: Southland champ.
NCAA history: 0-1. Last: 2003, lost to Florida in the first round.
Coach: Bob Marlin, 0-1 in one appearance.

Overview: One thing the Bearkats do better than any other team in the Southland is spread the rock, notching a conference-best 20.4 assists a game. They also boast the highest-scoring offense in the conference (80.4 a game) and produce in a variety of ways, including three players who shoot better than 40% from beyond the arc -- Corey Allmond had 11 three-pointers in a loss at Kentucky in November -- and a bench that brings about 20 points a game.

Best wins: Auburn, Stephen F. Austin, Southeastern Louisiana.

Starters: F Gilberto Clavell, 6-6, Jr., (16.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 57.1 FG%); F Josten Crow, 6-4, Jr., (8.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.9 apg, 41.4 3FG%); G Corey Allmond, 6-1, Sr., (15.8 ppg); G Ashton Mitchell, 5-11, Sr., (12.6 ppg, 5.0 apg, 43.1 3FG%); F Preston Brown, 6-6, Sr., (9.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 40.3 3FG%).

Reserves: C Antuan Bootle, 6-7, So., (4.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg); G Lance Pevehouse, 6-2, Jr., (6.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg); G Drae Murray, 5-10, So., (4.5 ppg, 3.7 apg).

15.Robert Morris

Nickname: Colonials. Location: Moon Township, Pa.
Record: 23-11, 15-3. Bid: Northeast champion.
NCAA history: 1-6 in six appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Michigan State in the first round.
Coach: Mike Rice, 0-1 in one appearance.

Overview: The Colonials are in for the second season in a row after winning at regular-season champion Quinnipiac in the conference title game. They start three seniors, but freshman Karon Abraham stepped in to lead the team in scoring, including all three games in the postseason. Rice, a former Pittsburgh assistant, has a defense-first mentality. Rob Robinson is the other double-figure scorer on a team that averages 69 points a game.

Best wins: Morgan State, Ohio, Quinnipiac.

Starters: G Karon Abraham, 5-9, Fr. (12.9 ppg, 86.3 FT%, 43.6 3FG%); F Dallas Green, 6-8, Sr. (6.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 50.4 FG%); F Rob Robinson, 6-8, Sr. (10.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 52.0 FG%); G Mezie Nwigwe, 6-4, Sr. (8.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg); G Velton Jones, 6-0, Fr. (8.2 ppg).

Reserves: F Russell Johnson, 6-6, Fr. (7.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg); G Gary Wallace, 6-3, Jr. (5.8 ppg).

16.Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Nickname: Golden Lions. Location: Pine Bluff, Ark.
Record: 17-15, 14-4. Bid: SWAC champ.
NCAA history: First appearance.
Coach: George Ivory, first appearance.

Overview: The senior-heavy Golden Lions lost all of their non-conference games and started the season 0-11, but rallied to win the SWAC for the first time in school history. Relative size in the post buoyed UAPB in the conference playoffs but the NCAA tournament is a different animal. With no premier scoring threat, little defensive presence in the post and one of the worst turnover margins in the SWAC (-2.97), the Golden Lions may not be long for March.

Best wins: Ala. State, Texas Southern, Prairie View A&M.

Starters: G Terrance Calvin, 6-2, Sr., (10.6 ppg, .810 FT%, 5.2 rpg, 4.1 apg); G Allen Smith, 5-10, Sr., (4.3 ppg, 1.9 apg); C Lebaron Weathers, 6-8, Sr., (10.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.2 bpg); G Tavaris Washington, 6-5, Sr., (9.4 ppg, .587 FG%, 4.6 rpg, 1.6 spg); F Tyree Glass, 6-7, Sr., (8.4 ppg, .462 FG%, 3.7 rpg).

Reserves: F George Davis, 6-6, Sr., (5.1 ppg, .474 FG%, 4.3 rpg); F Terrell Kennedy, 6-6, So., (3.7 ppg, .545 FG%, .714 FT%).

16. Winthrop

Nickname: Eagles. Location: Rock Hill, S.C.
Record: 19-13, 12-6. Bid: Big South champ.
NCAA history: 1-8 in eight appearances. Last: 2007, lost to Oregon in the second round.
Coach: Randy Peele, 1-2 in two appearances.

Overview: Winthrop started 5-9 and dropped three of four entering the Big South tournament. But the Eagles knocked off the top two seeds, including Coastal Carolina on its floor in the title game, en route to their record 10th Big South title. The Eagles don't like shootouts. They topped 70 points four times and were last in their league in field goal percentage (38.3%). Reggie Middleton is the only player averaging in double figures. The Eagles were second in the Big South in scoring defense (61.4 ppg) and turnover margin (+3.19).

Best win: Coastal Carolina.

Starters: G Reggie Middleton, 6-1, So. (10.3 ppg); C Matt Morgan 6-9, So. (9.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 50.2 FG%); F Mantoris Robinson, 6-5, Sr. (8.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg); C Andy Buechert, 6-10, Sr. (5.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg); G Robbie Dreher, 6-4, Fr. (6.1 ppg).

Reserves: F Charles Corbin, 6-7, Jr. (6.4 ppg. 5.2 rpg); G Andre Jones, 6-2, So. (6 ppg); G Justin Burton, 5-10, Jr. (4.1 ppg).

West Region Preview

What if they threw a West Regional and nobody came? Nobody from the West, that is.

That's not far-fetched. We have a West Regional with no teams from the Pacific-10 Conference, one team from the Mountain West Conference, one from the West Coast Conference, none from the Western Athletic Conference and none from the Big West Conference.

Don't blame the selection committee. Blame the basketball. The West was the worst geographic region in Division I basketball this year, and it wasn't even close.

That's why the Pac-10 tournament champ and the Pac-10 regular-season champ, teams that in most years would be seeded high and given a favorable tournament path, basically got the boot. Tourney champ Washington is the 11th seed in the East. Regular-season champ California is No. 8 in the South.

West Regional regulars such as UCLA and Arizona didn't even make the field.

Only two teams from west of the Rockies are in the West Regional field (Gonzaga and BYU), and neither got what you'd call a friendly draw.

Gonzaga — not a Cinderella or a power this year, just another team — was seeded eighth and sent shuffling off to Buffalo, where the Zags could find themselves playing No. 1 seed Syracuse in a second-round game.

BYU was seeded seventh and sent to Big 12 country — Oklahoma City — where it could find itself in a second-round game against Kansas State.

There are no teams from California in the West Regional, and two from Florida. (No. 14 Oakland is not from California. They're the Oakland —Michigan— Golden Grizzlies, Summit League champs).

The top four seeds are from New York (No. 1 Syracuse), Kansas (No. 2 Kansas State), Pennsylvania (No. 3 Pittsburgh) and Tennessee (No. 4 Vanderbilt).

One of those, presumably, will represent the "West" in the Final Four. But which one?

Syracuse comes into the tournament with a two-game losing streak (Louisville, Georgetown) and an injury to big man Arinze Onuaku (right thigh), who likely won't play Friday, according to coach Jim Boeheim. The 'Cuse also comes in with a one-game NCAA tournament losing streak to Vermont. You could look it up: 13th-seeded Vermont 60, fourth-seeded Syracuse 57, OT. First round, 2005.

This time, Vermont, despite being led by a great player — 6-5 senior forward Marqus Blakely is a stat machine, averaging 17.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.9 blocked shots — is a 16 seed, and a 16 has never beaten a No. 1.

Kansas State has proved it's not in Kansas' class and has proved it is not a great team. Can it prove to be the best in this 16-team field?

The rest of the upper half of this field seems a little overseeded. Pitt a 3? Vanderbilt a 4? Butler a 5?

The lower you get in this bracket, the more it begins to look like a bit of a dumping ground.

No. 10 seed Florida, No. 11 Minnesota and No. 12 Texas-El Paso were all considered bubble teams. The West had room for all of them.

There might be a tendency in this West Regional with no Western flavor whatsoever to pick the most Eastern team in the bracket. That would be, um, Vermont.

Well, let's say this. Whoever wins the game between Vermont and Syracuse, the two most Eastern teams in the West Regional, will make it to the Final Four. —David Leon Moore, USA TODAY

1. Syracuse

Nickname: Orange. Location: Syracuse, N.Y.
Record: 28-4, 15-3. Bid: Big East at-large.
NCAA history: 50-32 in 32 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Oklahoma in the regional semifinals.
Coach: Jim Boeheim, 42-25 in 26 appearances.

Overview: The Orange won 24 of their first 25 for the best start in program history and took the Big East regular-season title. This is one of the best shooting (51.5%) and highest-scoring (81.4 ppg) teams in the nation. But Syracuse is not particularly deep, and foul shooting (67%) can be an issue. One of Boeheim's better defensive teams, with the 2-3 zone holding opponents to 39.4% shooting. The Orange went 11-1 in road and neutral-court games in the regular season. Center Arinze Onuaku (thigh) is expected to be ready.

Best wins: West Virginia, Villanova, Georgetown.

Starters: F Wes Johnson, 6-7, Jr. (15.7 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 48.7 FG%); F Rick Jackson, 6-9, Jr. (10.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 60.4 FG%); C Arinze Onuaku, 6-9, Sr. (10.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 67.0 FG%); G Andy Rautins, 6-4, Sr. (11.6 ppg, 4.9 apg, 39.4 3FG%); G Brandon Triche, 6-4, Fr. (8.3 ppg. 3.0 apg, 50.6 FG%).

Reserves: F Kris Joseph, 6-7, So. (11.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 48.9 FG%); G Scoop Jardine, 6-2, So. (8.5 ppg, 4.8 apg, 48.2 FG%).

2. Kansas State

Nickname: Wildcats. Location: Manhattan.
Record: 26-7, 11-5. Bid: Big 12 at-large.
NCAA history: 28-27 in 23 appearances. Last: 2008, lost to Wisconsin in second round.
Coach: Frank Martin, 1-1 in one appearance.

Overview: See Martin scream and storm his way along the K-State sideline. And see his team take its cue from that, playing with a ferocity that can take down more talented opponents. All revolves around the guards, Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente. The 'Cats can be turnover-prone. They're below average at the line (66.5%). But they're long and athletic and, when they come in with a chip on their shoulder, they're a handful.

Best wins: Dayton, Xavier, UNLV, Texas A&M, Baylor.

Starters: F Dominique Sutton, 6-5, Jr. (7.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg); F Curtis Kelly, 6-8, Jr. (11.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 58.9 FG%); C Luis Colon, 6-10, Sr. (3.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 45.5 FT%); G Denis Clemente, 6-1, Sr. (16.0 ppg, 3.9 apg); G Jacob Pullen, 6-0, Jr. (18.9 ppg, 3.6 apg, 82.1 FT%).

Reserves: F Jamar Samuels, 6-7, So. (11.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg); F Rodney McGruder, 6-4, Fr. (4.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 45.7 3FG%); F Wally Judge, 6-9, Fr. (3.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg).

3. Pittsburgh

Nickname: Panthers. Location: Pittsburgh.
Record: 24-8, 13-5. Bid: Big East at-large.
NCAA history: 21-22 in 21 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Villanova in the regional final.
Coach: Jamie Dixon, 9-6 in six appearances.

Overview: The Panthers weren't supposed to be this good after losing tons of firepower from last year's Elite Eight team. The Panthers were picked ninth in the league in the preseason, but Dixon has cemented his status as one of the game's top coaches by preaching the tough, physical style of defense and opportunistic offense first brought to the program by ex-coach Ben Howland. And the Panthers have bought in and frustrated some of the conference's best teams and players by using a style that isn't often pretty but is almost always effective.

Best wins: Villanova, Syracuse, West Virginia.

Starters: G Ashton Gibbs, 6-2, So. (16.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 40.4 3FG%); G Brad Wanamaker, 6-4, Jr. (12.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.8 apg ); G Jermaine Dixon, 6-3, Sr. (10.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 39.5 FG%); C Gary McGhee, 6-10 Jr. (7.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 62.7 FG%); F Nasir Robinson, 6-5, So. (6.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 48.0 FG%).

Reserves: F Gilbert Brown, 6-6, Jr. (10.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 50.0 FG%); G Travon Woodall, 5-11, Fr. (4.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 37.9 FG%).

4. Vanderbilt

Nickname: Commodores. Location: Nashville.
Record: 24-8, 12-4. Bid: Southeastern at-large.
NCAA history: 9-11 in 10 appearances. Last: 2008, lost to Siena in the first round.
Coach: Kevin Stallings, 5-5 in five appearances.

Overview: Vanderbilt is a team that really isn't spectacular in any facet but is an experienced squad that works to get an open shot. The team shoots 48% from the field and nearly 73% from the free throw line, helping the Commodores to rank in the top 25 in the nation in scoring offense at 78 points a game. Senior guard Jermaine Beal is the most consistent scorer, while junior A.J. Ogilvy leads the way in the paint with his all-or-nothing style.

Best wins: Tennessee, Missouri, Saint Mary's.

Starters: G Jermaine Beal, 6-3, Sr. (14.7 ppg, 3.1 apg, 2.5 rpg, 79.6 FT%); C A.J. Ogilvy, 6-11, Jr. (13.9 pgg, 6.2 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 51.5 FG%); G-F Jeffery Taylor, 6-7, So. (13.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.2 spg, 51.1 FG%); G Brad Tinsley, 6-3, So. (7.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.9 apg, 86.0 FT%); F Andre Walker, 6-7, So. (6.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, 59.5 FG%).

Reserves: G John Jenkins, 6-4, Fr. (10.5 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 46.7 3FG%, 83.7 FT%); C Festus Ezeli, 6-11, So. (3.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 55.8 FG%); F Steve Tchiengang, 6-9, So. (3.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 53.8 FG%).

5. Butler

Nickname: Bulldogs. Location: Indianapolis.
Record: 28-4, 18-0. Bid: Horizon champ.
NCAA history: 8-9 in nine appearances. Last: 2009, lost to LSU in first round.
Coach: Brad Stevens, 1-2 in two appearances.

Overview: The Bulldogs have won 20 in a row, the nation's longest active streak, and went unbeaten in January and February for the first time. Expectations have been high for this team since it was ranked No. 10 when the season began. Four starters shoot 46% or better from the field. It's not often Butler players get attention from NBA scouts, but Hayward has caught their eye. One area where Hayward and most of his teammates are so-so: three-point shooting. As of last week, they shot 34.2%, 164th in Division I.

Best wins: Xavier, Ohio State, Siena.

Starters: F Willie Veasley, 6-3, Sr. (10.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 50.9 FG%), F Matt Howard, 6-8, Jr. (12.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 49.1 FG%, 80.6 FT%); G Gordon Hayward, 6-9, So. (15.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 82.8 FT%); G Shelvin Mack, 6-3, So. (13.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.1 apg); G Ronald Nored, 6-0, So. (5.8 ppg, 3.6 apg).

Reserves: G Zach Hahn, 6-1, Jr. (5.1 ppg, 42.1 3FG%, 92.9 FT%); F Avery Jukes, 6-8, Sr. (3.0 ppg, 42.3 3FG%).

6. Xavier

Nickname: Musketeers. Location: Cincinnati.
Record: 24-8, 14-2. Bid: Atlantic 10 at-large.
NCAA history: 17-20 in 20 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Pittsburgh in regional semifinal.
Coach: Chris Mack, 1st appearance

Overview: Some thought the Musketeers might need some time to regroup under first-time head coach Chris Mack. But Xavier picked up right where it left off after last year's Sweet 16 run thanks in part to the addition of Indiana transfer Jordan Crawford to the rotation. Xavier ranks 12th nationally in scoring average (79.9 ppg). The Musketeers also shine on defense, especially from beyond the arc as opponents shoot just 29.0% from three-point range.

Best wins: Richmond, Rhode Island, Kent State.

Starters: F Jamel McLean, 6-8, Jr. (8.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 55.0 FG%); F Dante' Jackson, 6-5, Jr. (6.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 39.7 3FG%, 81.3 FT%); C Jason Love, 6-9, Sr. (11.9 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 58.1 FG%); G Terrell Holloway, 6-4, So. (11.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.2 spg, 84.9 FT%); G Jordan Crawford, 6-4, So. (19.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.3 spg).

Reserves: G Mark Lyons, 6-1, Fr. (8.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.0 spg); C Kenny Frease, 7-0, So. (5.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 51.9 FG%); G Brad Redford, 6-0, So. (5.8 ppg, 42.7 3FG%, 85.7 FT%).

7. Brigham Young

Nickname: Cougars. Location: Provo, Utah.
Record: 29-5, 13-3. Bid: Mountain West at-large.
NCAA history: 11-27 in 24 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Texas A&M in the first round.
Coach: Dave Rose, 0-3 in three appearances.

Overview: The second-place finisher in the Mountain West regular season, the Cougars are out to erase their recent NCAA frustrations. BYU has lost the last three seasons as a No. 8 seed and has not won a tournament game since 1993. The Cougars lead the nation in scoring margin (18.5) and free throw shooting (78.4%) and are second in scoring (83.5) and third in three-point percentage (42.1%). Their success starts with G Jimmer Fredette. Backcourt mate Jackson Emery is another outside threat and is fourth in the country in steals.

Best wins: UNLV, Texas-El Paso, San Diego State.

Starters: G Jimmer Fredette, 6-2, Jr. (20.6 ppg, 4.7 apg, 88.1 FT%, 47.2 3FG%); G Jackson Emery, 6-3, Jr. (12.6 ppg, 2.7 spg, 42.0 3FG%); G Tyler Haws, 6-5, Fr. (11.4 ppg, 90.4 FT%); F Noah Hartsock, 6-8, So. (6.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 56.5 FG%); F-C Chris Miles, 6-11, Sr. (4.7 ppg. 3.4 rpg, 52.1 FG%).

Reserves: G-F Jonathan Tavernari, 6-6, Sr. (10.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 39.2 3FG%); F Brandon Davies, 6-9, Fr. (5.7 ppg, 55.5 FG%).

8. Gonzaga

Nickname: Bulldogs. Location: Spokane, Wash.
Record: 26-6, 12-2. Bid: West Coast at-large.
NCAA history: 14-12 in 12 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to North Carolina in the Sweet 16.
Coach: Mark Few, 10-10 in 10 appearances.

Overview: The loss of four starters from last year's Sweet 16 squad had some WCC watchers wondering if this might be the year the gap closed a bit. A close contest at Michigan State followed by a title run through the Maui Invitational appeared to answer those misgivings. Doubts resurfaced with lapses away from home and a surprisingly lopsided loss to Saint Mary's in the tournament finale. Gonzaga is one of the best shooting teams in the country at nearly 50%. Its three-point shooting can be sketchy.

Best wins: Wisconsin, Memphis, Saint Mary's.

Starters: G Matt Bouldin, 6-5, Sr. (16.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg. 4.1 apg, 86.9 FT%); F Elias Harris, 6-8, Fr. (14.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg); G Steven Gray, 6-5, Jr. (13.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg); C Robert Sacre, 7-0, So. (10.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 52.8 FG%); G Demetri Goodson, 5-11, So. (6.5 ppg).

Reserves: F Bol Kong, 6-6, So. (4.8 ppg); F Kelly Olynyk, 6-11, Fr. (4.0 ppg).

9. Florida State

Nickname: Seminoles. Location: Tallahassee.
Record: 22-9, 10-6. Bid: Atlantic Coast at-large.
NCAA history: 12-11 in 11 appearances. Last: 2009, lost to Wisconsin in the first round.
Coach: Leonard Hamilton, 3-4 in four appearances.

Overview: The Seminoles won six of their last eight regular-season games with an emphasis on defense and balanced scoring. Nobody averaged more than center Solomon Alabi's 11.6 points, but six others averaged at least 5.6 as Hamilton relied on his bench. Deividas Dulkys is the top three-point threat, but the Seminoles averaged 69 points a game and do not rely on long-range shooting as much as other teams. Opponents averaged 60 points and shot 37.2% from the field. The 'Noles, though, shoot 64.9% at the line.

Best wins: Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech.

Starters: C Solomon Alabi, 7-1, So. (11.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 54.6 FG%); F Chris Singleton, 6-9, So. (10.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 41.3 FG%); G Derwin Kitchen, 6-4, Jr. (8.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.9 apg); F Ryan Reid, 6-8, Sr. (6.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 52.6 FG%); G Michael Snaer, 6-5, Fr. (8.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 43.3 FG%).

Reserves: G Devidas Dulkys, 6-5, So. (8.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 40.1 3FG%); F-C Xavier Gibson, 6-11, So. (5.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 55.7 FG%).

10. Florida

Nickname: Gators. Location: Gainesville.
Record: 21-12, 9-7. Bid: Southeastern at-large.
NCAA history: 29-12 in 14 appearances. Last: 2007, won the national championship.
Coach: Billy Donovan, 22-7 in nine appearances.

Overview: The Gators are a balanced team, as all five starters average more than 10 points a game. But the team is not deep, meaning any type of foul trouble among the first six in the rotation could spell doom. Kenny Boynton is the team's biggest scoring threat, while backcourt mate Erving Walker sets up teammates with his five assists a game. Vernon Macklin is a legitimate scoring threat after putting up 22 points against Mississippi on Feb. 20.

Best wins: Tennessee, Michigan State, Florida State.

Starters: G Erving Walker, 5-8, So. (12.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.5 spg, 80.3 FT%); G Kenny Boynton, 6-2, Fr. (13.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.1 spg); F Chandler Parsons, 6-9, Jr. (11.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 50.2 FG%); F Alex Tyus, 6-8, Jr. (11.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 50.3 FG%, 42.9 3FG%); C Vernon Macklin, 6-10, Jr. (10.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 60.8 FG%).

Reserves: F Dan Werner, 6-7, Sr. (4.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.3 spg); G-F Ray Shipman, 6-5, So. (2.7 ppg, 1.6 rpg).

11. Minnesota

Nickname: Golden Gophers. Location: Minneapolis.
Record: 21-13, 9-9. Bid: Big Ten at-large.
NCAA history: 7-6 in six appearances (1994, 1995, 1997 appearances vacated). Last: 2005, lost against Syracuse in first round.
Coach: Tubby Smith, 29-13 in 14 NCAA appearances.

Overview: Up until Minnesota's surge in the Big Ten tournament, the season was more memorable for personnel losses. Now players such as Lawrence Westbrook, Blake Hoffarber, Devoe Joseph and Ralph Sampson III (son of former NBA all-star Ralph Sampson) are getting their due, thanks to an overtime upset of Michigan State in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals and a crushing 69-42 defeat of Purdue in the semifinals. Joseph has filled in nicely at point guard for Al Nolen, ruled academically ineligible in late January. Also gone: forward Trevor Mbakwe (disciplinary/legal troubles), and forward Royce White (legal issues).

Best wins: Butler, Michigan State, Purdue.

Starters: G Devoe Joseph, 6-3, So. (9.4 ppg, 3.0 apg, 39.8 FG%, 38.7 3FG%); G Lawrence Westbrook, 6-0, Sr. (12.5 ppg, 47.7 FG%, 41.7 3FG%, 84.4FT%); G Blake Hoffarber, 6-4, Jr. (10.5 ppg, 50.9 FG%, 47.7 3FG%, 84.8 FT%); C/F Ralph Sampson III, 6-11, So. (8.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 51.6 FG%, 63.9 FT%); F Damian Johnson, 6-7, Sr. (10.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.9 bpg, 53.4 FG%).

Reserves: F Paul Carter, 6-8, Jr. (6.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 51.9 FG% 67.3 FT%); F/C Colton Iverson, 6-10, So. (5.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 48.8 FG%, 54.2FT%); F Rodney Williams, 6-7, Fr. (4.5 ppg, 54.0 FG%).

12. Texas-El Paso

Nickname: Miners. Location: El Paso.
Record: 26-6, 15-1. Bid: Conference USA at-large.
NCAA history: 14-15 in 16 appearances. Last: 2005, lost to Utah in the first round.
Coach: Tony Barbee, first appearance.

Overview: The Miners were on a 16-game winning streak before falling to Houston in the Conference USA final. A key to their success has been the emergence of Derrick Caracter in the paint to complement the stellar guard play of Randy Culpepper. UTEP can play defense, too, as the Miners hold opponents to 38.8% shooting from the field, including 30.2% from three-point range. Plus, they average nearly nine steals a game, many of which lead to transition baskets.

Best wins: Alabama-Birmingham, Memphis.

Starters: F Arnett Moultrie, 6-11, So. (9.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg); F Jeremy Williams, 6-7, Jr. (10.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 51.1 FG%); F Derrick Caracter, 6-9, Jr. (14.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 55.2 FG%); G Randy Culpepper, 6-0, Jr. (18.1 ppg); G Julyan Stone, 6-6, Jr. (6.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 5.5 apg).

Reserves: C Claude Britten, 6-11, Jr. (4.6 ppg, 58.6 FG%); G Myron Strong, 6-2, Jr. (3.2 ppg); G Christian Polk, 6-3, Jr. (9.8 ppg,).

13. Murray State

Nickname: Racers. Location: Murray, Ky.
Record: 30-4, 17-1. Bid: Ohio Valley champ.
NCAA history: 1-13 in 13 appearances. Last: 2006, lost to North Carolina in the first round.
Coach: Billy Kennedy, 0-1 in one appearance.

Overview: You won't find a deeper, more balanced team in the field. Freshman Isaiah Canaan was the OVC tournament MVP off the bench. The Racers are the nation's third-best shooting team (50.3%), one of the best on the glass (+6 a game rebounding), and they can bring defensive heat (10 steals a game). Alas, they did it against one of the nation's weakest schedules. The program's only NCAA win came in 1988; a second doesn't appear imminent.

Best wins: Morgan State, Morehead State.

Starters: F Danero Thomas, 6-4, Sr. (10.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg); F Ivan Aska, 6-7, So. (10.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 59.2 FG%); C Tony Easley, 6-9, Sr. (10.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.7 blocks, 66.8 FG%); G Isacc Miles, 6-2, Jr. (9.5 ppg, 3.8 apg); G B.J. Jenkins, 6-0, Jr. (10.5 ppg, 3.2 apg).

Reserves: G Isaiah Canaan, 6-0, Fr. (10.3 ppg, 45.7 3FG%); F Jeffery McClain, 6-6, Jr. (3.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 55.7 FG%); G Donte Poole, 6-3, So. (5.0 ppg).

14. Oakland

Nickname: Golden Grizzlies. Location: Rochester, Mich.
Record: 24-8, 17-1. Bid: Summit League champ.
NCAA history: 1-1 in one appearance. Last: 2005, lost to North Carolina in the first round.
Coach: Greg Kampe, 1-1 in one NCAA appearance.

Overview: The Golden Grizzlies are experienced, starting two seniors and three juniors. Keith Benson, a terror in the paint, averages a double-double. Oakland's offense also benefits from the play of senior Johnathon Jones, who averages 12.7 points and 6.5 assists. The team is 185th in Division I in turnovers (13.9 a game), so an up-tempo game could cause problems. Should they fall behind early, the Golden Grizzlies could struggle to rally. They shoot 32.9% from three-point range.

Best win: IUPUI.

Starters: C Keith Benson, 6-11, Jr. (17.4 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 3.3 bpg, 54.5 FG%); G Johnathon Jones, 5-11, Sr. (12.7 ppg, 6.5 apg, 84.3 FT%); F Derick Nelson, 6-5, Sr. (11.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 40.4 3FG%); G Larry Wright, 6-2, Jr. (10.8 ppg, 92.3 FT%); F Will Hudson, 6-9, Jr. (6.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 64.5 FG%).

Reserves: G Ledrick Eackles, 6-1, Fr. (5.9 ppg); G Drew Maynard, 6-6, So. (4.8 ppg); G Blake Cushingberry, 6-3, So. (4.0 ppg).

15. North Texas

Nickname: Mean Green. Location: Denton.
Record: 24-8, 13-5. Bid: Sun Belt champ.
NCAA history: 0-2 in two appearances. Last: 2007, lost to Memphis in the first round.
Coach: Johnny Jones, 0-1 in one NCAA appearance.

Overview: At first glance, there might not be much on the Mean Green's resume to suggest they're an upset threat. But a closer examination reveals a scrappy team that has won a couple of overtime contests and finds a way to win most close games. Factor in the Sun Belt's recent tournament success, and North Texas is not to be taken lightly. The Mean Green probably will be overmatched on the boards, but like most underdogs, ball security and three-point shooting could allow them to hang around.

Best wins: Western Kentucky, Troy.

Starters: G Josh White, 5-10, Jr. (14.9 ppg, 3.6 apg); G Tristan Thompson, 6-5, Jr. (14.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 41.9 3FG%); G Shannon Shorter, 6-4, Jr. (6.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg); F Eric Tramiel, 6-7, Sr. (12.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 55.3 FG%); F George Odufuwa, 6-8, Jr. (11.5 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 61.3 FG%).

Reserves: G Collin Mangrum, 6-4, Jr. (4.0 ppg); G Alzee Williams, 6-4, Fr. (2.0 ppg).

16. Vermont

Nickname: Catamounts. Location: Burlington.
Record: 25-9, 12-4. Bid: America East champion.
NCAA history: 1-3 in three appearances. Last: 2005, lost to Michigan State in the second round.
Coach: Mike Lonergan, first appearance.

Overview: The Catamounts knocked off Boston University in the America East tournament final and have won 10 of their last 11 games. They have 15 road-neutral site victories this season. Marqus Blakely is a two-time conference player of the year and three-time defensive player of the year and ranks fifth in career scoring, second in rebounds and third in blocked shots in school history. Blakely and Evan Fjeld both shoot better than 54% from the field. But backcourt scoring has been spotty. Maurice Joseph, a Michigan State transfer and older brother of Syracuse sixth man Kris Joseph, needs to get a hot hand.

Best wins: Fairfield, Rutgers, Buffalo.

Starters: G Nick Vier, 6-1, Sr. (5.1 ppg, 2.5 apg); G Maurice Joseph, 6-4, Sr. (14.3 ppg, 83.7 FT%); G Garvey Young, 6-4, So. (7.3 ppg); F Evan Fjeld, 6-8, Jr. (10.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg); F Marqus Blakely, 6-5, Sr. (17.4 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.9 bpg).

Reserves: G Joey Accaoui, 5-10, Jr. (6.9 ppg); G Brendan Bald, 6-4, Fr. (3 ppg).