NCAA March Madness: Midwest region preview

As March Madness begins, the question arises which region is the toughest, and who will produce this year's winner?

Houston enters the NCAA Tournament as a top contender, earning the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region after a dominant 30-4 season that saw them win both the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles.

After a Sweet 16 exit last year, the Cougars are focused on revenge under head coach Kelvin Sampson. With a 25-2 record since December, Houston is peaking at the right time despite being an overlooked one-seed.

A potential second-round matchup with Gonzaga could challenge Houston’s defense and be the bracket-breaker all basketball fans dread. Meanwhile, teams like Kentucky and Tennessee look to uproar on this difficult route.

With the Final Four in their home state, Houston is determined to make history. Under Sampson, the Cougars have become one of the nation’s most consistent programs, and this year may offer their best chance at a national title.

As for the other 15 teams in the region, the Midwest Region is stacked with high-scoring teams.

Kentucky and Purdue rank among the top offensives, with Kentucky averaging 85.3 points per game and Purdue ranking seventh in efficiency.

Gonzaga, who received a shockingly low No. 8 seed, remains an offensive powerhouse bringing in previous year success. Other teams to be on the lookout for consist of Illinois and Clemson who are tucked away sleepers.

However, for those tucked away sleepers they will have to take care of business against Mid-majors like McNeese and High Point who also have high scoring offenses capable of turning games into shootouts.

Potential Cinderella: McNeese or Troy
McNeese returns to the tournament for the second straight year, looking to bounce back from last year’s loss to Gonzaga. The team will be led by transfers Quadir Copeland and Brandon Murray.

Ranked 15th nationally in opponent points per game, McNeese could be a dangerous underdog. This would include them first having to upset Clemson. A team many believe could finally have a shot at glory after getting hot at the perfect time

As for Troy, their Cinderella run comes more from who they are lined up to play and not so much on their direct skill and depth. The team is faced with No. 3 seed Kentucky, who fell in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament to Alabama with an embarrassing blowout of 99-70.

Kentucky holds no real defense, allowing Troy on a hot shooting day to take an early lead. If the team can force the upset, they will then get the winner of Illinois/Xavier, both teams who have not had the most consistent season.

There is no clarity as to how this region will shape, and who will escape into the Final Four from it, but in the end, this is March.

Bronwyn Liber is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email brl5354@psu.edu.