Midwest Bracket

MIDWEST

(10) Davidson (28-6, 20-0 Southern) vs. (3) Wisconsin (31-4, 16-2 Big Ten)

Davidson

Key Player: Stephen Curry-Who else would it be for the Wildcats. Curry will need to carry the scoring the way he's done in the first two NCAA Tournament games. He is as good of a shooter as anyone in the country. If anyone can beat Wisconsin's tough defense and find some good shots, it's this guy. They will need every bit of his best game in order to upset the Badgers.

Under The Radar: Thomas Sander-Sander, who averaged over 13 ppg as a junior last season, has watched his game slip a bit this season, but is still a good big man to grab rebounds. He has not contributed consistently offensively all season, and that won't be where he does the work. They will need 10+ rebounds from Sander, and some good offensive ones that lead to second chance buckets.

How Davidson can beat the Badgers: Stephen Curry, Stephen Curry, Jason Richards, and Stephen Curry. It's going to be mostly Curry doing the scoring for Davidson, but Richards will have to be the guy to get him the ball. One of the best point guards left, he'll have to do some scoring as well. For Davidson, it's all about the guard play.

Wisconsin

Key Player: Jason Bohannon-I don't think Trevon Hughes will have a big game here like he did against Kansas State. It will take a team effort, and sharpshooter Bohannon will lead the way. He came off the bench and played well in the first round, finishing in double digits. I expect the same here, and he'll hit at least a trio of threes.

Under The Radar: Joe Krabbenhoft-Krabbenhoft plays like a big man despite being a 6'7" guard. He'll play the same role he did in the win over Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament, in which he contributed a double-double. He'll be right under the basket, beating out Andrew Lovedale for rebounds. Not only that, his offensive rebounds will turn into instant offense.

How Wisconsin can beat the Wildcats: Setting their pace will be enough. If Wisconsin can slow the game down the way they have all season, Curry won't be able to put up gaudy numbers and win the game by himself. I think Wisconsin can force their crawling tempo on almost anyone, and they will here.

Prediction: Stephen Curry will still have a good game, but there won't be enough possessions for Davidson to pull off the upset. Wisconsin's Michael Flowers will do a solid job on Curry and keep him around his season average of 25, instead of his NCAA Tournament average of 35. Wisconsin 71-62

(12)Villanova (22-12, 9-9 Big East) vs. (1) Kansas (33-3, 13-3 Big XII)

Villanova

Key Player: Dante Cunningham-I think the Jayhawks will be so focused on Scottie Reynolds that he'll be shut down, so Cunningham is next in line. The tall, lanky forward put up 14 points in the second round game against Siena, and they will need his inside production if the shots aren't falling as hot as they were the first weekend. He's an efficient shooter, 55% on the season.

Under The Radar: Shane Clark-Clark was huge in the Wildcats win in the Big East opening round game against Syracuse, but has struggled to find scoring opportunities ever since. I think he's someone who can come out and put some points up to keep 'Nova in the game against Kansas. He is a bit undersized, but still manages to get to the basket.

How Villanova can beat the Jayhawks: I think they will need to play over their heads in order to beat one of the best teams in the nation. Kansas isn't going to give Villanova anything, so it's Scottie Reynolds and Dante Cunningham will have to carry them.

Kansas

Key Player: Darnell Jackson-Jackson hasn't been the star in the NCAA Tournament so far, but his big build should help him against a young Villanova team who isn't as mature as him. He should get inside and use his body to get to the rim. I think he'll turn out to be the go to guy for the Jayhawks in this matchup.

Under The Radar: Sasha Kaun-Kaun's an experienced veteran who brings size and strength off the bench. He hasn't seen much action in this years NCAA Tournament, but his size should get him some minutes against Villanova. He has offensive ability, and will control the paint on defense. Getting Kaun into the game could be crucial.

How Kansas can beat the Wildcats: Getting into the paint and bullying Villanova's big men. Villanova doesn't have the big men to play with Kansas's athletic forwards, and the Jayhawks would be smart to exploit that weakness. Jackson, Kaun, and Darrell Arthur can get inside and bring in offensive rebounds as well as scoring points. Villanova will have a tough time rebounding on both ends of the floor.

Prediction: Kansas is just too athletic for a young Villanova team who's best years may be ahead of them, as long as Scottie Reynolds stays in college. The size and strength of Kansas is unmatched by most teams, and they'll be a tough out the rest of the way. Kansas 85-70

Expect the final South bracket tomorrow before the games.