King Kaufman's Sports Daily

NCAA Tournament preview, Part 2. Three Pac-10 teams in the Sweet 16? Feeling all West Coasty. Plus: Pool o' Experts V.

Editor's note: For this column's West and Midwest brackets, see Part 1 of the Tournament preview.

Read more: Sports, Basketball, College Basketball, NCAA Tournament, King Kaufman, Sports Daily

March 15, 2007 | The quest to find this year's George Mason continues with the East and South regions.

For those of you who missed Wednesday's disclaimer: Where were you! Here it is again: This column is speaking from a position of abject ignorance about college basketball this season, and reminds you never to use the picks found here as a basis for wagering -- even the gambit of betting the other way.

All times EDT, p.m.

EAST

Winston-Salem, Thursday

(1) North Carolina vs. (16) Eastern Kentucky, 9:40
How cool would this upset be? A bunch of future NBA stars losing to Eastern Kentucky. Well, won't happen, and North Carolina is talented and deep enough to go all the way. But I think they'll stumble against the patient, disciplined Georgetown in the Elite 8.
Second round: Win over Michigan State

(8) Marquette vs. (9) Michigan State, 7:20
Michigan State's had an up-and-down year, but the Spartans are dangerous. They beat Wisconsin when the Badgers were No. 1, and they've also beaten Texas and Indiana. They'll go as far as Drew Neitzel can carry them, which I think is to the second round. Marquette is a fun team to watch, led by dynamic, athletic guards, especially Dominic James. But they'll miss Jerel McNeal, out with a bad thumb, and Michigan State's defense should slow them down some.
Second round: Loss to North Carolina

Spokane, Thursday

(5) USC vs. (12) Arkansas, 9:45
We commentariat members carry around a crib sheet with instructions for certain situations. It tells me that for this game, I'm supposed to note that at least one 12 always beats a 5, the SEC is superior to the Pac-10 and Arkansas is playing well of late. Thus, the Razorbacks will advance. But I'm feeling all West Coasty, so I'll take the Trojans. Both teams play solid defense and can get sloppy with the ball, so this could be an ugly one.
Second round: Loss to Texas

(4) Texas vs. (13) New Mexico State, 7:25
I love a team that has a great big guy and a great guard, and Texas has that in dynamite freshmen Kevin Durant and D.J. Augustin. The Longhorns lack depth and experience, and Durant still might be bothered by the ankle he twisted in that wild loss to Kansas two weeks ago. They're very dangerous, but they can also be upset. The Aggies are an athletic, pressing team, just the kind of squad that can give a young team fits in the Tournament. But I don't think they have the offensive firepower to take advantage of Texas even if they do wreak some havoc with their press. But it might be a fun game.
Second round: Win over USC

Next page: A whole bunch more games. Plus: Pool o' Experts V