Yes, you're still on ProBasketballNews.com, but we're not so myopic that we're going to ignore the NCAA Tournament.

Consider that around every organization in the NBA, there's going to be bracket talk from here until April. Bragging rights will be at stake between teammates, coaches and front office personnel throughout the ride, not to mention the rest of the country. The NCAAs are all-encompassing, roping in everyone from secretaries to perennial All-Stars -- unless you went to St. Mary's of California, in which case I'd completely understand if you want to boycott since your teams got royally screwed.

Charles Barkley may feel this way since his Auburn Tigers got left out despite their strongest SEC performance in ages, but they shouldn't have gotten ripped by Tennessee in their conference semifinal. They win that game, they're probably in the tournament. Instead, Mississippi State got hot, took care of the Vols for the championship and potentially took Auburn's spot.

That's tough, but nothing compared to what happened to St. Mary's. Back on Jan. 29, the Gaels led eventual No. 4 seed and WCC rival Gonzaga by six when star point guard Patty Mills breaks his hand and has to miss six weeks. St. Mary's wins that game, they're in. At the time, they were 18-1 and ranked No. 18 in the country.

Instead, they crumbled without him, managing to rally for a 6-3 mark while he was out.

Mills, who you may remember performing admirably for Australia against the U.S. during this summer's Olympic process, returned to shoot 2-for-16 in the WCC title game against Gonzaga, and apparently the selection committee determined he wasn't the same player and gave the Gaels no pass for having lost him, a courtesy they tend to extend to teams in similar situations.

St. Mary's even ponied up dough to schedule patsy Eastern Washington this past Friday just to show Mills was fine, won by 20 and had it relatively ignored.

Said Mills, who scored 19 points and hit four 3-pointers: "The swelling has gone down tremendously, and the motion in my fingers and my wrist as well is pretty much 100 percent now."

Guess Mills will have to prove it in the NIT. This is a kid who was scooting around Chris Paul and Jason Kidd this summer, by the way. That's cold-hearted.

Mills is good enough to have gotten into the tournament with another full week to get back to 100 percent and pulled off what Stephen Curry did a year ago at Davidson. With bigs like Diamon Simpson and Omar Samhan and an excellent coach in Randy Bennett, they have as good or better a supporting cast as the one Curry enjoyed last season. It's a travesty that Mills didn't get an opportunity to do something special. I'm honestly rooting for him to make the NIT his playpen and stick it to the selection committee, who otherwise didn an above-average job.

As for the teams that actually made the NCAA Tournament, the following is your survival guide. Feel free to send portions of your office pool winnings over this way if you're so inclined. In the interest of full disclosure, I was a bracektologist in a former life (65-for-65 in '05) and know my way around a bracket. So seriously, if you win, send money. The economy is no joke.

EAST REGIONAL

1. Pittsburgh vs. 16. East Tennessee State (Thursday, March 19, Dayton, OH)

The Panthers got the top seed in the East that they coveted, but no doubt would've done without a very tough draw. The East region is a beast this time around, perhaps not as dirty as the South, but awfully difficult nonetheless. They'll have no problem with the Atlantic Sun champs, but this is their only gimme of the tournament. Marching on: Pittsburgh.

8. Oklahoma State vs. 9. Tennessee (Thursday, March 19, Dayton, OH)

Athleticism everywhere here. Oklahoma State has done a really nice job of consistently pressuring defensively and making things happen around the basket. Tennessee has really been fairly mediocre this season despite some impressive personnel, and although they got it together some in SEC play, their warts popped again in the SEC title game. They take questionable shots, struggle with turnovers, get inconsistent play at the point from Bobby Maze and are overly reliant on Tyler Smith and Wayne Chism to throw the team emotional life rafts to be trusted. Marching on: Oklahoma State.

5. Florida State vs. 12. Wisconsin (Friday, March 20, Boise, ID)

FSU's appearance in the ACC Tournament final was no fluke. Toney Douglas somehow avoided the national spotlight despite being exceptional all season, and the Noles have an emerging monster in freshman 7-footer Solomon Alabi. Wisconsin guards you relentlessly, but will struggle with FSU's athletes. If you're looking for a 5-12 upset, this isn't the one. Marching on: Florida State.

4. Xavier vs. 13. Portland State (Friday, March 20, Boise, ID)

You might have a little trouble breathing late this Friday if you've got the Musketeers going deep in your brackets, because playing Portland State up in Big Sky country is no easy task. Jeremiah Dominguez is a 5-foot-6 playmaker who can fill it up, and the Muskies will have to get physical with Portland State to pull away late and overcome a geographical disadvantage. Derrick Brown can really raise his profile with a big tournament, so hopefully he doesn't see his showcase cut short. Marching on: Xavier.

3. Villanova vs. 14. American (Thursday, March 19, Philadelphia, PA)

Tough draw here for American, whose backcourt strength gets trumped by Scotty Reynolds, Corey Stokes and Reggie Redding, a consistently productive trio that earned the Cats a potential hometown passport into the Sweet 16. Marching on: Villanova.

6. UCLA vs. 11. VCU (Thursday, March 19, Philadelphia, PA)

The Bruins were in the Pac-10 title mix before falling short, then got severely punished for getting worked by rival USC at Staples in the conference semis. Not only do they drop to a No. 6 seeding line, they get paired up with the most dangerous mid-major in the field. VCU is led by potential first-rounder Eric Maynor, who has every right to think he can outplay Darren Collison in a matchup pro scouts will be scrutinizing. VCU's Larry Sanders is the best big in this game, making this a tempting upset pick, but I feel the Bruins survive on the strength of Ben Howland's preparation and the superiority wings Josh Shipp and Jrue Holiday have on their opposition. Marching on: UCLA.

2. Duke vs. 15. Binghamton (Thursday, March 19, Greensboro, NC)

Cool to see Binghamton in the field for the first time, represented by a scrappy bunch led by Tiki Mayben, who started his career at UMass. Unfortunately, Duke can viciously take the Bearcats apart with their execution if focused, and Coach K usually wins that battle. Marching on: Duke.

7. Texas vs 10. Minnesota (Thursday, March 19, Greensboro, NC)

The Gophers play Tubbyball, stingy defense and complacent offense that sometimes takes siestas for stretches. In Lawrence Westbrook and Damian Johnson, they have a couple of players who can have success getting off their looks against a physically superior Texas squad, giving them a chance to stay in this. Gotta like Dexter Pittman dominanting inside after watching his Big 12 Tournament exploits, though. If his head's right -- literally, coming off a mild concussion -- he should be a real problem for Ralph Sampson III and Colton Iverson, freshmen who will have better days ahead. Marching on: Texas.

Second round

1. Pittsburgh vs. 8. Oklahoma State (Saturday, March 21, Dayton, OH)

Terrifying game for the top seed here. For one, the Cowboys aren't shy about chopping down giants and match up really well here in every place but one. Who's stopping DeJuan Blair? That's the key question, but keep in mind that they got past Blake Griffin somehow. So close to home, it's impossible not to back the Panthers, but this is a game where you might need beach towels to wipe up sweat. Marching on: Pittsburgh.

4. Xavier vs. 5. Florida State (Sunday, March 22, Boise, ID)

The Musketeers look like a team that peaked early, where as FSU has improved to the level where it defeated North Carolina, albeit minus Ty Lawson, in the ACC Tournament. For NBA purposes, it's worth watching Alabi and Chris Singleton's progression in these NCAAs, as those kids have massive potential. Marching on: Florida State.

3. Villanova vs. 6. UCLA (Saturday, March 21, Philadelphia, PA)

Wonder if Jamie Dixon is going to give up Big East secrets to his mentor Ben Howland? My guess is yes. Howland will need all the inside info he can get his hands on in order to topple 'Nova in its backyard, but it is awfully tough to be dismissive of Darren Collison, Josh Shipp and Alfred Aboya flexing their considerable tournament experience to offset a homecourt edge. An advantage in the depth department keeps Villanova from getting the Santa Claus treatment at the Wachovia Center. Marching on: Villanova.

2. Duke vs. 7. Texas (Saturday, March 21, Greensboro, NC)

Just to show you I'm not going chalk through this entire thing, or picking teams strictly on their logistical advantages, see Texas over Duke. The Longhorns have beaten both Villanova and UCLA, who at this point have more weapons than the Blue Devils, starting with my breakout pick for this tournament, Pittman, the formerly alluded to 6-foot-10, 300-pounder who could be the x-factor in this whole tournament. His presence changes the game for the 20 solid minutes he figures to be on the floor for, getting A.J. Abrams more shooting room to work with. If Pittman is an asset, Abrams, Damian James, Justin Mason, Connor Atchley, Gary Johnson, Dogus Balbay and Varez Ward could do the rest, mirroring Duke's stingy halfcourt defense with a version that might be more stifling. Marching on: Texas.

Sweet 16

2. Villanova vs. 7. Texas (Thursday, March 26, Boston, MA)

This would be a rematch of a Jimmy V Classic encounter played on Dec. 10, won by Texas, 67-58. Both teams have improved immensely since, specifically that guy I mentioned earlier, Dex Pittman. Both are ridiculously experienced, too, making this a toss-up. Realistically, the team that shoots it better that night is going to persevere, and the Wildcats have the better ball movement, which should get it easier shots. As far as Pittman, foul trouble might bite him here, with crafty Dante Cunningham leading a group that crashes the boards well. Marching on: Villanova.

1. Pittsburgh vs. 5. Florida State (Thursday, March 26, Boston, MA)

FSU's reward for getting out of a pod over 2,200 miles from home is a trip into an ACC city that Pittsburgh fans can more easily get to. At least they'll be on the more familiar coast, which will make for the shorter plane ride back to Tallahassee after being ousted in a grinder. Great run for the 'Noles, but experience wins out for the top-seeded Panthers, who get a clutch performance from floor general Levance Fields against Douglas. Marching on: Pittsburgh.

Regional final

1. Pittsburgh vs. 3. Villanova (Saturday, March 28, Boston, MA)

Seems fitting that two Big East teams would be left standing in the East Regional bracket. That conference was wicked awesome all year, know what I'm sayin? Villanova won the only regular season meeting between the schools, but Pitt evens the score here as Blair manages to avoid the whistle this time around. Marching on: Pittsburgh.

SOUTH REGIONAL

1. North Carolina vs. 16. Radford (Thursday, March 19, Greensboro, NC)

You don't need help picking this game. If I'm Roy Williams, I play Ty Lawson no more than 12-15 minutes, just to keep any rust from developing. Bobby Frasor can handle the heavy lifting against the Big South entry. My morbid curiosity wants to see how Art Parakhouski fares against Tyler Hansbrough. Marching on: North Carolina.

8. LSU vs. 9. Butler (Thursday, March 19, Greensboro, NC)

SEC Player of the Year Marcus Thornton will be a handful for Butler's strong defense, showing off his range to free up some of the pressure and physically taking advantage of his size when the moment calls for it. Tasmin Mitchell and Chris Johnson will be tested by Matt Howard, but their shot-blocking prowess will make a difference. Butler's future is bright; LSU's is now. Marching on: LSU.

5. Illinois vs. 12. Western Kentucky (Thursday, March 19, Portland, OR)

The Hilltoppers share the ball well and are disruptive with their tempo, while Illinois will have its point guard Chester Frazier wearing a glove cast to protect his broken right hand if he's able to get out there. Tempting to make this the 5-12 upset except for those two pesky 7-footers, Mike Tisdale and Mike Davis, who can both shoot the ball and create problems with their length. Michael Jordan's boy, Jeff, will make an impact chasing Hilltoppers around the perimeter, which will be intriguing to watch, too. Marching on: Illinois.

4. Gonzaga vs. 13. Akron (Thursday, March 19, Portland, OR)

LeBron James' Zips will finally run out of juice now that they've been banished far from the Q, playing what amounts to a road game against Gonzaga. Humpty Hitchens and crew could be feisty for a half, but the Zags are too dynamic for the MAC reps, especially with Micah Downs stroking it well. Marching on: Gonzaga.

3. Syracuse vs. 14. Stephen F. Austin (Friday, March 20, Miami, FL)

There won't be any overtimes to watch here. Matt Kingsley is a sound offensive threat in the post for SFA, but no match for the athleticism of Rick Jackson and Arinze Onuaku. Jim Boeheim will be able to substitute freely and keep guys fresh for what will definitely be a tough game Sunday. Marching on: Syracuse.

6. Arizona State vs. 11. Temple (Friday, March 20, Miami, FL)

There will be many interested parties in the pairing of James Harden and Dionte Christmas, who will hopefully get a little one-on-one time. Both have good help, but this game is going to be about ASU coming together again after blowing a 15-point lead in the Pac-10 Tournament final. Getting this one will be a chemistry-builder. Marching on: Arizona State.

2. Oklahoma vs. 15. Morgan State (Thursday, March 19, Kansas City, MO)

Good to see Todd Bozeman back coaching in the dance. His is a story of perseverance. This season's chapter has already gotten its happy ending, though. Marching on: Oklahoma.

7. Clemson vs 10. Michigan (Thursday, March 19, Kansas City, MO)

The Tigers have a difficult matchup out of the gate, and you can bet Oliver Purnell will have his team eating, sleeping and breathing against the 1-3-1, which they'll see an abundance of come tipoff. All their preparation won't pay dividends, because Michigan will force enough turnovers to key their offense with easy baskets, which will help it control the pace. Marching on: Michigan.

Second round

1. North Carolina vs. 8. LSU (Saturday, March 21, Greensboro, NC)

Thornton and Mitchell will have no fear against the Tar Heels, but no shot of making it 2-for-2 on Tobacco Road residents bounced in Greensboro. Marching on: North Carolina.

4. Gonzaga vs. 5. Illinois (Saturday, March 21, Portland, OR)

The Zags should feel fortunate to get such favorable treatment from the selection committee, having lost four of six before conference play, getting reamed by Memphis in February and struggling with rival St. Mary's both times they played them. Not sure they deserved such a favorable Sweet 16 draw, but sometimes things work in your favor. They'll emerge from Portland victorious. Marching on: Gonzaga.

3. Syracuse vs. 6. Arizona State (Sunday, March 22, Miami, FL)

ASU has seen their share of great point guards and lived to tell about it, so Johnny Flynn won't scare them. Derek Glasser and Jamelle McMillan, Nate's kid, will keep him from running rampant. Harden will be the disruptive lynchpin offensively, but Jeff Pendergraph, Ty Abbott, Glasser and Rihards Kuksiks can make deep shots and steal the Orange's Big East Tournament thunder. Marching on: Arizona State.

2. Oklahoma vs. 10. Michigan (Saturday, March 21, Kansas City, MO)

Getting past one athletically superior team will be a major score for the Wolverines, but rebounding well enough to keep OU from running up the score on them will be too tough a challenge on tired legs. The Sooners are going to cruise in K.C. Marching on: Oklahoma.

Sweet 16

1. North Carolina vs. 4. Gonzaga (Friday, March 27, Memphis, TN)

Man, the Zags really won't have good memories to associate with Memphis this season, will they? Your Hansbrough barometer here will be manned by Josh Heytvelt and Austin Daye, both considered better pro prospects. Psycho-T will use that as fire, and most important, will have Lawson to help him look good sicne his point guard should be much healthier by this point. Marching on: North Carolina.

2. Oklahoma vs. 6. Arizona State (Friday, March 27, Memphis, TN)

ASU's reward for getting out of a pod over 2,600 miles from home is another long trip into a city its opponents' fans can more easily get to. Harden may put on one more show and cement his top-five standing, but No. 1 pick-to-be Blake Griffin will be advancing to the Elite Eight. Marching on: Oklahoma.

Regional final

1. North Carolina vs. 2. Oklahoma (Sunday, March 29, Memphis, TN)

Griffin vs. Hansbrough becomes the defining moment of the season for those two, and although UNC's star has had the better career, Griffin is the more dominant player on any level. Carolina's athleticism and talent on the wing is matched well by Willie Warren, Tony Crocker, Taylor Griffin and Cade Davis, guys who can score and defend and keep up with a hectic pace. OU coach Jeff Capel, a Dukie, gets some measure of revenge against the thousands of UNC fans who rooted against Duke in Greensboro. Marching on: Oklahoma.

MIDWEST REGIONAL

1. Louisville vs. 16. Play-in winner (Friday, March 20, Dayton, OH)

The 'Ville will probably play Morehead State here once they dispatch Alabama State. The Cardinals opened the season against the Eagles back on Nov. 22 with a 79-41 win, but the OVC champs will undoubtedly be thrilled to get to Friday and give a better account of themselves. Marching on: Louisville.

8. Ohio State vs. 9. Siena (Friday, March 20, Dayton, OH)

The Buckeyes got all the way to the Big Ten title game this past weekend, which should aid their chances against a veteran mid-major power. Evan Turner again proved himself worthy as a go-to guy, which has given the offense some direction and really improved it. The MAAC champs are tough, but get nipped in a squeaker by the Buckeyes thanks to a little home cooking. Marching on: Ohio State.

5. Utah vs. 12. Arizona (Friday, March 20, Miami, FL)

The Utes are gritty and tough, with good athletes and defenders surrounding 7-1 Luke Nevill, an effective inside presence. Arizona doesn't belong in the field, only because they fumbled away opportunity after opportunity to secure a bid, including two against rival ASU that would've tied the bow quite nicely. Not clutch. The Wildcats struggle on the road, too, and won't have much support in Miami. Marching on: Utah.

4. Wake Forest vs. 13. Cleveland State (Friday, March 20, Miami, FL)

If the Demon Deacons do their narcoleptic bit, Cleveland State will deposit them right in the discard pile. As is usually the case with immensely talented Wake, they control their destiny by playing smart and hard. The Horizon League tourney winner will agitate them on defense, but probably won't be able to score enough to pull the upset unless they get help from their foe. Marching on: Wake Forest.

3. Kansas vs. 14. North Dakota State (Friday, March 20, Minneapolis, MN)

The Jayhawks can't let Ben Woodside get cooking or they'll be in a much tougher game than they want in a first round. This game is among the first of what could be a scary Friday for higher seeds. Seriously, imagine the chatter over a team eligible for its first NCAA Tournament in program history ousting the defending champ. Almost seems destined, no? If I were a KU-backer like Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard, I'd be terrified. Marching on: Kansas.

6. West Virginia vs. 11. Dayton (Friday, March 20, Minneapolis, MN)

Brian Gregory's Flyers have seen their best days come and go, but no longer have the depth that allows them to wear a team down like they did earlier in the season. Matching Chris Wright and Devin Ebanks should prove informative for future NBA draft preparations, but the Mountaineers get a decisive nod because they shoot the ball significantly better. Marching on: West Virginia.

2. Michigan State vs. 15. Robert Morris (Friday, March 20, Minneapolis, MN)

The Panthers aren't the only Pittsburgh-area squad dancing, but will be after this one winds down. Sparty's best interests are to use this game to help Raymar Morgan get his groove back. Marching on: Michigan State.

7. Boston College vs 10. USC (Friday, March 20, Minneapolis, MN)

Taj Gibson, Daniel Hackett and DeMar DeRozan stepped their games up to snatch the Pac-10 Tournament and aren't done being late risers. Tim Floyd will find a way to put pressure on Tyrese Rice, forcing others to beat them. They won't. Marching on: USC.

Second round

1. Louisville vs. 8. Ohio State (Sunday, March 22, Dayton, OH)

If nothing else, UD Arena is sure to be one loud place come Sunday afternoon. The Buckeyes should provide a few thrills and have a puncher's chance if they can get a career game from inconsistent freshman B.J. Mullens. Louisville is no stranger to winning ugly and gets additional practice in looking good winning low-scoring grinders. Marching on: Louisville.

4. Wake Forest vs. 5. Utah (Sunday, March 22, Miami, FL)

Utah doesn't score easily enough to hang around against the Demon Deacons, who will have hopefully done enough to keep us from a Utah/Cleveland State pairing that would wind up being a race to 50. Wake moves on to the Sweet 16 -- where you ideally shouldn't have to worry about it coming out uninspired. Marching on: Wake Forest.

3. Kansas vs. 6. West Virginia (Sunday, March 22, Minneapolis, MN)

Sherron Collins is the main holdover from last year's championship squad, and it will be his ability to outduel freshman Truck Bryant that will be the key to survival. Collins must help the Jayhawks navigate West Virginia's defensive pressure to get his young teammates clean looks or risk a legitimate threat of elimination. It's a good thing he's getting more help from Tyshawn Taylor these days, because play-making against the Mountaineers will be crucial. Marching on: Kansas.

2. Michigan State vs. 10. USC (Sunday, March 22, Minneapolis, MN)

The things that got the Trojans to this point, improved rebounding, defense and playing through every possession, are more ingrained in Tom Izzo's team. In Big Ten country, the Spartans roll over a game USC squad. Marching on: Michigan State.

Sweet 16

1. Louisville vs. 4. Wake Forest (Friday, March 27, Indianapolis, IN)

The Demon Deacons could play spoiler if they're alive here, because they do have the weapons to solve the Cards' puzzle, but it would be a massive injustice if the fundamentally sound top-seed takes a tumble against such an inconsistent, turnover-prone side. More likely, the mistakes pile up and a very talented Wake team learns a few lessons on the way out. Marching on: Louisville.

2. Michigan State vs. 3. Kansas (Friday, March 27, Indianapolis, IN)

By this point, Raymar Morgan will finally be playing the type of basketball we've been waiting on him for all season, lightening the load special freshman Delvon Roe has been bearing. Kalin Lucas and Travis Walton can trouble Collins, while Durrell Summers can open some eyes with his production against players of equal athleticism. Marching on: Michigan State.

Regional final

1. Louisville vs. 2. Michigan State (Sunday, March 29, Indianapolis, IN)

The Spartans know a dry spell is going to be their doom, and that will undoubtedly be on their minds as they come up against a Louisville squad that picked up the No. 1 overall seed on the strength of shutting teams down. Self-fulfilling prophecy on Line 2. Marching on: Louisville.

WEST REGIONAL

1. Connecticut vs. 16. Chattanooga (Thursday, March 19, Philadelphia, PA)

Chattanooga is one of the best No. 16 seeds I've seen over the last decade. Seriously, Stephen McDowell is a very effective guard and the team plays in the SoCon, home of Davidson and more of a mid-major than low-major. Won't matter too much, as UConn wins its first NCAA game since 2006. The Mocs may make it tighter than your typical 1-16, though. Marching on: UConn.

8. BYU vs. 9. Texas A&M (Thursday, March 19, Philadelphia, PA)

This rare NCAA rematch (A&M defeated BYU 67-62 in '08 Tournament) will have a very similar outcome. Both teams have veterans capable of making plays, but the Aggies are bigger and better able to impose their will on the boards. Marching on: Texas A&M.

5. Purdue vs. 12. Northern Iowa (Thursday, March 19, Portland, OR)

The lone survivor from the Missouri Valley will at the very least put a scare into their major conference foe and live up to their contractual obligations to rub it in our faces that their league perennially deserves multiple bids, even in down years. The guinea pig is the Big Ten Tournament champ, the perfect foil for guards Ali Faroukhmanesh, Kwadze Ahelegbe, Johnny Moran, forward Adam Koch and 7-footer Jordan Eglseder, players few have ever heard of. You've been warned, but still are required to take Purdue because of their defense and the, streak-shooting capabilities of Keaton Grant and Robbie Hummel. Marching on: Purdue.

4. Washington vs. 13. Mississippi State (Thursday, March 19, Portland, OR)

The SEC Tournament champ continues their unlikely run by going into Pac-10 country without a care and pulling off another unlikely win. Brawny Jon Brockman will struggle with the length of Jarvis Varnado, Kodi Agustus, and the Johnsons, Brian and Ravern. Star freshman Isaiah Thomas will have defiant Dee Bost to get around, with stopper Phil Turner available to help and get after Justin Dentmon. Barry Stewart is proving he's more than just a shooter. Mississippi State is playing with house money. Portland becomes Upset City. Marching on: Mississippi State.

3. Missouri vs. 14. Cornell (Friday, March 20, Boise, ID)

Keyon Dooling won't be very happy with me, but I see his beloved Tigers potentially joining Washington as major upset victims, faltering against the Ivy League champs. Mizzou's 40 minutes of hell philosophy will surrender easy shots to Ryan Wittman, the very polished son of former Timberwolves head coach Randy Wittman, who leads a group that can shoot lights out. The press should catch up to the Big Red, but don't be surprised to see them up or within striking distance through most of this. Marching on: Missouri.

6. Marquette vs. 11. Utah State (Friday, March 20, Boise, ID)

This is pretty close to a home date for the USU Aggies, a veteran group that's become accustomed to beating everybody put in front of them. Up front, Gary Wilkinson is 26 years old and puts his strength and experience to good use, while Tai Wesley joins him in doing the major dirty work. The Aggies guards can all shoot it well, and won't be scared of Jerel McNeal and Wesley Matthews, having seen many standout guards on this season's schedule. The Golden Eagles have lost five of six games without injured guard Dominic James, and are ripe for the upset here. Marching on: Utah State.

2. Memphis vs. 15. Northridge (Thursday, March 19, Kansas City, MO)

Despite not getting a No. 1 seed, the Tigers were taken care of in that they have an extremely manageable bracket, beginning with the Big West representative, who have gotten to the NCAAs despite losing top scorers Deon Tresvant and Josh Jenkins over the last couple months. The Matadors' fun ends here, messing with a bigger bull than they can handle. Marching on: Memphis.

7. California vs 10. Maryland (Thursday, March 19, Kansas City, MO)

Dynamic wing Patrick Christopher makes the difference in a game being deemed a point guard battle between Jerome Randle and Greivis Vasquez. Christopher is a first-round caliber talent whose versatility is his greatest strength, and he might be able to earn himself a few more dollars by seizing the moment and proving he can be aggressive. Marching on: California.

Second round

1. Connecticut vs. 9. Texas A&M (Saturday, March 21, Philadelphia, PA)

Chinemelu Elonu is an intriguing 6-10 junior has made strides this season, so he'll be using Hasheem Thabeet as a measuring stick. Saying Thabeet is far more polished than an adversary is a testament to the future lottery pick's improvement these past four years. Marching on: UConn.

5. Purdue vs. 13. Mississippi State (Saturday, March 21, Portland, OR)

The giant-killing Bulldogs will finally run out of gas, broken down by the Boilers' defensive pressure and clutch shooting. MSU might get thanks from Purdue for getting Washington out of the way, but will be next to hit the road. Marching on: Purdue.

3. Missouri vs. 11. Utah State (Sunday, March 22, Boise, ID)

So long as they're here, Missouri can spoil USU's coronation in its neighboring state by employing pressure and wearing down the Aggies by turning them over. This could very easily be an unlikely Cornell-USU matchup, which would favor the WAC juggernaut. Looks like the West will be wild, with Mizzou the only high seed that can reign things in. Marching on: Missouri.

2. Memphis vs. 7. California (Saturday, March 21, Kansas City, MO)

A wonderful season orchestrated by Mike Montgomery in his collegiate return will come to an end here. Tyreke Evans will be able to get wherever he wants, which will mean the Tigers won't have problems getting into their press. Marching on: Memphis.

Sweet 16

1. Connecticut vs. 5. Purdue (Thursday, March 27, Glendale, AZ)

The loss of Jerome Dyson is going to sting the Huskies at some point, but they don't meet anyone who can truly extend them and take advantage of his absence until the regional final. Marching on: UConn.

2. Memphis vs. 3. Missouri (Thursday, March 27, Glendale, AZ)

It doesn't matter if this is Utah State, Cornell or these Mizzou Tigers served up as regional semifinal fodder. Memphis is on a mission to get to the UConn showdown in order to prove its merit as the country's top team. Marching on: Memphis.

Regional final

1. Connecticut vs. 2. Memphis (Saturday, March 29, Glendale, AZ)

With both teams so far from home, neither has a definite advantage. Thabeet's 7-foot-3 presence has melted many teams, but Memphis' pressure in the halfcourt will prove to be the great equalizer. In an ugly game where defense and rebouding becomes vital, Memphis will ride the winningest players in NCAA Tournament history, Antonio Anderson and Robert Dozier, to a second consecutive Final Four. Marching on: Memphis.

Final Four

1. Pittsburgh vs. 2. Oklahoma (Saturday, April 4, Detroit, MI)

Griffin vs. Blair. Fields vs. Warren. This has the makings of a classic. After defeating tournament favorite UNC, the Sooners will be on a cloud, making them very vulnerable against a deep, disciplined athletic team that can outwork you at every spot on the floor. Yep, that sounds like Pitt. Marching on: Pittsburgh.

1. Louisville vs. 2. Memphis (Saturday, April 4, Detroit, MI)

The stingy Cardinals have more weapons than Memphis, can handle the pressure better due to their guard depth and have Rick Pitino to come up with a game plan good enough to end what will at this point be a 29-game winning streak for the C-USA champs, denying John Calipari's squad an opportunity to succeed where they failed a year ago. Marching on: Louisville.

National Championship Game

1. Pittsburgh vs. 1. Louisville (Monday, April 6, Detroit, MI)

The Big East has run college basketball this season, overshadowing even anointed North Carolina, who some were thinking might be the best team ever. Pittsburgh and Louisville have shown time and again that their toughness is a weapon, and it's that attribute that lands them here. I'm convinced that if you lock them in a gym 10 times in a neutral setting, they split 5-5. On the first Monday in April, the Panthers make one or two more shots. Champions: Pittsburgh.

Tony Mejia is senior writer for Pro Basketball News. He can be reached at mejia@probasketballnews.com.