NCAA Tournament 2013: Will Ohio State Buckeyes Win West Region?

(9)Wichita State Shockers

No, I don’t believe anyone anticipated the Missouri Valley runner-up to make it this far, but they’ve been the most impressive team out of the region. One of their strengths have been able to control the boards against the entire MVC. But in the win against Gonzaga they were outrebounded by nine thanks to a huge mismatch with the Bulldogs’ Kelly Olynyk and Mike Hart grabbing 13 offensive rebounds and 25 combined boards.

In their first two wins of the tournament, the keys have been efficient shooting by passing the ball better than their opponent and getting a higher assist-to-field goals made. If they can get past La Salle on Thursday night, they could be set up the best to take down Ohio State or Arizona.

Mar 24, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; La Salle Explorers guard Tyreek Duren (3) shoots as Mississippi Rebels guard Jarvis Summers (32) defends in the second half of the game during the third round of the NCAA basketball tournament at the Sprint Center. La Salle won 76-74. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

(13)La Salle Explorers

It was an ugly third round for the Atlantic 10, but the Explorers survived and was the lone team to make it to the Sweet 16 after staving off the Marshall Henderson Show. Now they’re poised to try their best VCU impression and be the second team to make it to the final four after starting out in the first four.

Similar to Wichita State, being outrebounded doesn’t matter to La Salle. What’s got them here is a high assist-turnover ratio and getting to the foul line. That must be the formula for them to continue.

Prediction

Honestly, all four teams haven’t gotten here by a fluke. Outside of Wichita State not being able win the rebounding battle in both games, all teams have played their style of basketball and haven’t made critical mistakes to cost them a chance to win.

Ohio State has the most talent left in the field, but my bold prediction is for the La Salle Explorers to win the region. This could make me either the smartest or dumbest person on the planet by Saturday night (or Thursday, even), but they don’t rely on rebounding to win games. They match up very well with the remaining teams, and have experienced big games since the A-10 has been a great conference all season.