The #1 overall seed, the #1 NBA prospect in the NCAA, the #1 team in the American Conference and the #1 team in the SEC (tied with Auburn in regular season).   The South region of the 2018 NCAA tournament has some real hard nosed competition.  I Talk Sports and That’s It contributor talked with me about the highlights of these region.  Let’s break it down!!

First Round Upsets to watch: Wright State over Tennessee, Loyola- Chicago over Miami

Potential Bracket Buster: Loyola- Chicago

Loyola-Chicago, champions of the Missouri Valley, come into the tournament with a lot of confidence. The Ramblers play a ball control and efficient style.  MO Valley player of the year Clayton Custer leads a team with multiple long range threats, while freshman Center Cameron Krutwig plays at a 5 star recruit level. Miami can sometimes have problems scoring, this matchup favors Loyola.  If they get by Miami , most likely Tennessee will be waiting, another matchup that can be favorable for the Ramblers.  Remember this team took down Florida this year, they are not afraid of the big boys.

Most Intriguing Potential Matchup: Kentucky vs Arizona

If the south plays out a we all hope a potential Wildcat matchup could be the highlight of the first week of action.  John Calipari seems to be pushing the right buttons of late for Kentucky as they impressively took care of business in the loaded SEC tournament.  Arizona has the scandals behind them, while also featuring the hottest player in the Country right now Deandre Ayton. The future lottery pick led his team through the PAC12 tournament without breaking a sweat.  NCAA fans coaches and multiple agents would really enjoy this matchup.  A game of great talent and great controversy, but damn it will be fun.  Keep your fingers crossed we get to see this.

Bracket Winner: Arizona Wildcats

The selection committee made it clear, if you are being investigated by the FBI we are going to make excuses why you don’t belong.  Arizona got a 4th seed,  most would argue that they really were more of a 2 or 3 seed.  Arizona, has the best player in the country and is loaded with talent at multiple positions.  Virginia is a great team but Arizona has so much size and athleticism, its is going to be tough to matchup.  Virginia will breeze into this matchup but they do not possess the scoring necessary to stick with Alonzo Trier and Deandre Ayton.  The PAC12 Champs toughest matchup will be Kentucky, but we believe Kentucky will be tested big time by Davidson.  Deandre Ayton will dominate this bracket.