Breaking Down the 2013 NCAA West Regional

By Dennis Berry

They don't call it the "Wild West" for nothing. The only regional without the top overall seed going into the Sweet 16, the West has been the craziest bracket this year. How crazy? The remaining seeds are a 2, 6, 9, &13 seed.

The West will open with sixth seed Arizona facing second seed Ohio State. The night cap will feature 13th seed La Salle taking on ninth seed Wichita State.

Who is the Favorite?

Whoever wins between Arizona & Ohio State will be favored in the Elite Eight.
 
Arizona looked great in the first weekend. After many thought they might get upset by Belmont, they handled them and then took out 14th seed Harvard. They won both games comfortably.

Ohio State, on the other hand, had to sweat one out during the weekend. The Buckeyes handled Iona in the second round and then got a test from Iowa State in the third round. Luckily for Ohio State they have Aaron Craft.

This game will be the best game in the West Regional.

The Darkhorse?

Now you may think this is crazy, but La Salle might have a shot. They will be coming in full of confidence after winning three games to get to the Sweet 16. They drew a Wichita State team which is very limited on offense. If La Salle gets past them into the Elite Eight, anything can happen.

Player to Watch

You know about Aaron Craft and DeShaun Thomas at Ohio State. You also know about Mark Lyons and Solomon Hill at Arizona. You probably don't know about La Salle's Ramon Galloway. Watch their game Thursday night and you will see a guy who averages 21 points a game so far in the NCAA tournament and does it all for his team.

Tough Break

If you are Arizona, you probably wish they would re-seed once the regional is set. That way you could play Wichita State or La Salle and not Ohio State.

The Pick

Ohio State over La Salle in the Elite Eight. The Buckeyes are the best team left in the West. They should be headed to Atlanta after Saturday night.


Read More At:

• Breaking Down the 2013 Midwest Regional
• Breaking Down the 2013 South Regional
• Breaking Down the 2013 NCAA East Regional

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