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EAST
1. Indiana
Record: 27-6 (14-4 in Big Ten)
Coach: Tom Crean (272-177, 14 seasons; 82-81, five at Indiana)
Tournament record: 62-31
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 8
Key players: Cody Zeller (16.8 ppg); G Jordan Hulls (48.7 3FG pct.)
Best win: 72-71 at Michigan
Worst loss: None
Scouting the Hoosiers: G Victor Oladipo has 74 steals, tying Isiah Thomas for the Indiana season record. Zeller has 10 double-doubles. The Hoosiers had three or more players score in double figures in 31 games. Indiana is 6-2 against the Top 25 and 7-2 against the RPI top 25.
2. Miami
Record: 27-6 (15-3 in the ACC)
Coach: Jim Larranaga (497-340 in 28 seasons; 47-18 in three at Miami)
Tournament record: 4-6.
Last tournament appearance: 2008
Bid: Automatic RPI: 4
Key players: G Shane Larkin (13.7 ppg, 4.4 assists per game); F Kenny Kadji (13.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg)
Best win: 90-63 vs. Duke
Worst loss: 80-65 at Wake Forest
Scouting the Hurricanes: The Hurricanes start with defense. If Larkin or Durand Scott don’t steal it, Julian Gamble and Kadji block your shot. Much has been made of Miami’s age and physical maturity, but it’s usually the point guard, Larkin, who must be the calming influence on what looks like a possible Final Four team.
3. Marquette
Record: 23-8 (14-4 in the Big East)
Coach: Buzz Williams (133-70 in six seasons, 119-53 in five at Marquette)
Tournament record: 5-4
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-Large. RPI: 12
Key players: G Vander Blue (14.3 ppg.), G Junior Cadougan (4.1apg.)
Best win: 49-48 vs. Georgetown
Worst loss: 49-47 at Wisconsin-Green Bay
Scouting the Eagles: Marquette is a grind-it-out team – it does most of its scoring in the lane and limits teams to one shot per possession. The Eagles are poor along the 3-point line (30 percent), but they have one of the country’s top sixth men in Davante Gardner (11.5 ppg). Do not foul Gardner – he makes 84 percent of his free throws.
4. Syracuse
Record: 26-9 (11-7 in Big East)
Coach: Jim Boeheim (915-313 in 37 seasons at Syracuse)
Tournament record: 48-28 in 29 seasons
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large. RPI: 14
Key players: SF James Southerland (41 percent from 3-point); PG Michael Carter-Williams (7.8apg)
Best win: 70-68 at Louisville
Worst loss: 83-79 vs. Temple
Scouting the Orangemen: This team’s postseason rests on Southerland continuing to make 3s. Syracuse struggles in the half-court offense, and Southerland consistently bailed it out in a Big East tournament victory over Pittsburgh. Carter-Williams gets assists in bunches, but he’s capable of perplexing turnovers, too. Guard Brandon Triche is the senior who holds this team together.
5. Nevada-Las Vegas
Record: 25-9 (10-6 Mountain West)
Coach: Dave Rice (51-18 in two seasons at UNLV)
Tournament record: 33-18
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 22
Key players: F Anthony Bennett (16.2 ppg, 8 rpg), G Anthony Marshall (10.6 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.5 apg)
Best win: 64-55 vs. New Mexico
Worst loss: 61-52 vs. Fresno State
Scouting the Rebels: UNLV built its tournament resume by playing defense. The Rebels led the Mountain West by holding opponents to 39.6 percent on field goals and was the conference’s best rebounding team. The Rebels also led all MWC teams with 7.5 steals a game.
6. Butler
Record: 25-8 (13-6 Atlantic 10)
Coach: Brad Stevens (193-40, six seasons at Butler)
Tournament record: 18-11
Last tournament appearance: 2011
Bid: At-large. RPI: 23
Key players: G Rotnei Clark (16.7 ppg); C Andrew Smith (11.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg); F Roosevelt Jones (10.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 3.5 apg).
Best win: 64-63 vs. Gonzaga
Worst loss: 62-47 at Xavier
Scouting the Bulldogs: Butler, the 2011 NCAA darling (and champion), had several quality wins this season, zapping Gonzaga, Indiana, North Carolina and Marquette. But the Bulldogs never could solve A-10 rival Saint Louis. They were swept in three meetings with the Billikens, including in the A-10 semifinals. Stevens, 36, remains among the best in the business.
7. Illinois
Record: 22-12 (8-10 Big Ten)
Coach: John Groce (107-68 in five seasons, 22-12 first at Illinois)
Tournament record: 39-30
Last tournament appearance: 2011
Bid: At-large RPI: 40
Key players: G Brandon Paul (16.3 ppg); C Nnanna Egwu (4.5 rpg)
Best win: 85-74 at Gonzaga
Worst loss: 68-54 vs. Northwestern
Scouting the Illini: After firing Bruce Weber, the Illini won their most games since putting up 24 victories in 2008-09. They’ve held opponent to fewer than 60 points in seven of their past nine wins. Illinois has won four games after erasing double-digit deficits, rallying from 16 down at Hawaii, 11 down at Gonzaga, 12 down at Minnesota and from 14 down at home against Indiana.
8. N.C. State
Record: 24-10 (11-7 in ACC)
Coach: Mark Gottfried (325-176 in 16 seasons, 48-20 in two at N.C. State)
Tournament record: 34-21
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 33
Key players: F Richard Howell (12.6 ppg), F C.J. Leslie (14.9 ppg), G Lorenzo Brown (12.1 ppg)
Best win: 84-76 vs. Duke
Worst loss: 86-84 at Wake Forest
Scouting the Wolfpack: N.C. State can score with anyone, with five players averaging double figures, and has the talent to beat any team in the field. Conversely, the Wolfpack could lose to any team in the field. The season-long problems have been putting together complete games, especially on the defensive end. The best chance to make a run back to the Sweet 16 or beyond is to get Leslie and Brown going at the same time.
9. Temple
Record: 23-9 (11-5 Atlantic 10)
Coach: Fran Dunphy (467-237 in nine seasons, 157-74 in seven at Temple)
Tournament record: 32-29.
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At large RPI: 42
Key players: G Khaliff Wyatt (19.9 ppg, 1.65 steals per game); F Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson (1.07 blocks, 1.77 steals per game)
Best win: 83-79 vs. Syracuse
Worst loss: 84-83 vs. Duquesne
Scouting the Owls: Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Wyatt does a little bit of everything. He can shoot the 3 as evidenced by a national ranking in 3-pointers made, but not one for 3-pointers taken. They can be beaten from outside.
10. Colorado
Record: 21-11 (10-8 Pac-12)
Coach: Tad Boyle (123-100 in seven seasons, 67-34 in three at Colorado)
Tournament record: 10-13
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 38
Key players: PF Andre Roberson (11.3 rpg); SG Spencer Dinwiddie (15.5 ppg)
Best win: 76-53 vs. Oregon
Worst loss: 58-55 at Utah
Scouting the Bears: Andre Roberson is the Pac-12’s defensive player of the year and the country’s leading rebounder. He is also capable of guarding any position from shooting guard to center. The Buffs have Dinwiddie, a capable shooting guard, to go with freshman Xavier Johnson, who is 6-foot-9 with range and a large wingspan. Colorado played one of the nation’s most difficult schedules.
11. Bucknell
Record: 28-5 (12-2 Patriot League)
Coach: Dave Paulsen (357-185 in 19 seasons, 98-64 in five at Bucknell)
Tournament record: 2-5
Last tournament appearance: 2011
Bid: Automatic. RPI: 51
Key players: C Mike Muscala (19 ppg, 11.2 rpg), G Cameron Ayes (12.5 ppg)
Best win: 74-66 vs. LaSalle
Worst loss: 63-62 at Lafayette
Scouting the Bison: Muscala needs to dominate like he did in the Patriot League, where he was a two-time MVP. Don’t expect the Bison to be intimidated: They beat Purdue on the road. This is a veteran team with four senior starters.
12. California
Record: 20-11 (12-6 Pac-12)
Coach: Mike Montgomery (652-304 in 31 seasons; 108-57 in five at Cal)
Tournament record: 19-17
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 53
Key players: SG Allen Crabbe (18.6 ppg); PG Justin Cobbs (15.1 ppg)
Best win: 77-69 at Arizona
Worst loss: 79-69 (OT) vs. Utah
Scouting the Bears: Crabbe is the Pac-12 Player of the Year, a versatile scorer capable of putting 30 points up. His backcourt mate Cobbs is more a combo guard than pure point guard. Cal has a short bench, however, and will play Crabbe, Cobbs and David Kravish almost the entire game.
13. Montana
Record: 23-6 (19-1 Big Sky)
Coach: Wayne Tinkle (139-77 in seven seasons at Montana)
Tournament record: 2-10.
Last tournament appearance:2012
Bid: Automatic RPI: 74
Key players: F Matthias Ward (14.8 ppg); G Kareem Jamar (14.2 ppg, 4.1 assists per game)
Best win: 76-74 vs. Weber State
Worst loss: 78-68 at San Francisco
Scouting the Grizzlies: Ward has a bad foot injury. Efficient offensively, they shoot the 3-pointer well and hit their free throws (fifth best percentage in the nation). Their turnover margin and rebounding margin both are near even, so against Big Dance competition, expect both to be problems.
14. Davidson
Record: 26-7 (17-1 Southern)
Coach: Bob McKillop (452-278 in 24 seasons at Davidson)
Tournament record: 8-12
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic RPI: 61
Key players: PF Jake Cohen (14.8 ppg); SF De’Mon Brooks (13.8 ppg)
Best win: 63-60 vs. West Virginia
Worst loss: 70-57 at Georgia Southern
Scouting the Wildcats: Davidson rides the nation’s longest active winning streak at 17 games. The nation’s best free-throw shooting team (80.1 percent), Davidson also is 37 percent from the 3-point line. The Wildcats go as Cohen and Brooks go, but they might have sixth man F Clint Mann back from injury this week, which would help their frontcourt depth.
15. Pacific
Record:20-15 (13-5 Big West)
Coach: Bob Thomason (561-400 in 32 seasons; 434-324 in 25 at Pacific)
Tournament record: 4-9.
Last tournament appearance: 2006
Bid: Automatic RPI: 99
Key player: G Lorenzo McCloud (11.4 ppg).
Best win: 76-66 vs. St. Mary’s
Worst loss: 66-53 vs. UC-Santa Barbara
Scouting the Tigers: Has the look of one and done, despite a seven-game win streak. Might get emotional boost that Thomason is retiring.
16. James Madison
Record: 20-14 (11-7 Colonial)
Coach: Matt Brady (160-131 in nine seasons, 87-81 in five at James Madison)
Tournament record: 3-4
Last tournament appearance: 1994
Bid: Automatic. RPI: 182
Key players: F Rayshawn Goins (12.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg), G Devon Moore (4.9 apg, 11.6 ppg)
Best win: 64-50 vs. Delaware
Worst loss: 76-58 at Miami (Ohio)
Scouting the Dukes: Three starters average between 12.7-11.6 ppg. Upsets are in the Dukes’ history: their three wins are against Ohio State, Georgetown and West Virginia.
16. LIU-Brooklyn
Record: 20-13 (12-6 Northeast)
Coach: Jack Perri (40-22, 2 seasons; 20-13, 1 at Long Island)
Tournament record: 0-5
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic RPI: 179
Key players: Jamal Olasewere (18.9 ppg, 8.5 rpg), G Jason Brickan (8.5 apg)
Best win: 91-70 vs. Mount St. Mary’s
Worst loss: 77-74 vs. Morehead St.
Scouting the Blackbirds: Will the third consecutive NCAA appearance be the charm? Julian Boyd, the reigning conference player of the year, was lost for the season in December with a torn ACL and was averaging 18.5 ppg. Brickman leads the nation in assists per game. The Blackbirds were 7-9 away from home.
SOUTH
1. Kansas
Record: 29-5 (14-4 Big 12)
Coach: Bill Self (505-163, 20 seasons; 298-58 in 10 at Kansas)
Tournament record: 93-40
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic RPI: 5
Key players: G Ben McLemore (16.7 ppg); C Jeff Withey (4.0 bpg)
Best win: 74-66 at Ohio State
Worst loss: 66-55 at Texas Christian
Scouting the Jayhawks: Kansas is coming off a ninth consecutive regular-season Big 12 championship and its ninth tournament championship in 16 years. The Jayhawks lead the nation with 13 wins against the RPI top 50 but also have one of the country’s most curious losses, 62-55 Feb. 6 to TCU, ranked 237 in the RPI.
2. Georgetown
Record: 25-6 (14-4 Big East)
Coach: John Thompson III (275-120, 209-88 in nine at Georgetown)
Tournament record: 7-7
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large. RPI: 10
Key players: SF Otto Porter, Jr. (16.4 ppg); G Markel Starks(12.5 ppg.)
Best win: 53-51 vs. Louisville
Worst loss: 61-58 at South Florida
Scouting the Hoyas: Porter might be the most complete player in college basketball. The Hoyas’ deliberate, Princeton-style offense is effective in the NCAA tournament, when games slow and there are fewer transition baskets. Holding Syracuse to 47 points shows how stifling Georgetown’s defense can be.
3. Florida
Record: 26-7 (20-2 SEC)
Coach: Billy Donovan (447-185 in 19 seasons; 412-165 in 17 seasons at Florida)
Tournament record: 32-13, NCAA titles in 2006, 2007
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 6
Key players: G Kenny Boynton (12.5 ppg); F Erik Murphy (53.4 pct from the field, 46.6 pct. 3-pt.)
Best win: 82-49 vs. Marquette
Worst loss: 80-69 at Arkansas
Scouting the Gators: Good defense (No. 4 field-goal percentage defense, a plus for March) and extremely balanced scoring. Donovan been worried about rebounding recently and we’re not talking about bouncing back from losses.
4. Michigan
Record: 26-7 (12-6 Big Ten)
Coach: John Beilein (668-402, 35 seasons; 117-84 six at Michigan)
Tournament record: 43-22
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 19
Key players: G Trey Burke (19.2 ppg); F Glenn Robinson III (5.5 rpg)
Best win: 58-57 vs. Michigan State
Worst loss: 84-78 at Penn State
Scouting the Wolverines: Burke was the Big Ten Player of the Year and is averaging career-bests in points, assists, field-goal percentage, free-throw percentage and steals. He’s the seventh Michigan sophomore to reach 1,000 points.
5. Virginia Commonwealth
Record: 26-7 (12-4 Atlantic 10)
Coach: Shaka Smart (110-35 in four seasons at VCU)
Tournament record: 11-11.
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 24
Key players: G Treveon Graham (15.7 ppg); G Briante Weber (2.77 steals per game), Darius Theus (2.6 steals per game)
Best win: 84-52 vs. Butler
Worst loss: 86-74 at Richmond
Scouting the Rams: They love Havoc. Executing Havoc, the name for the Rams’ full-court pressure style, made the Rams national leaders in steals and turnover margin. But they’re 249th in field-goal percentage defense, suggesting a well-drilled team that keeps its head can pick up some easy buckets.
6. UCLA
Record: 25-9 (13-5 Pac-12)
Coach: Ben Howland (398-205 overall in 19 seasons; 230-105 in 10 seasons at UCLA)
Tournament record: 99-37
Last tournament appearance: 2011
Bid: At-large RPI: 26
Key players: SF Shabazz Muhammad (18.3 ppg); Larry Drew II (7.7 apg)
Best win: 84-73 at Arizona
Worst loss: 70-68 vs. Cal Poly
Scouting the Bruins: UCLA lost freshman Jordan Adams in the Pac-12 tournament semifinals when he broke his foot on the last play of the game. It’s a huge blow. Not only can he score, but he also led the conference in steals. Freshman Shabazz Muhammad is expected to be a lottery pick. The Bruins are susceptible in the middle, however, rarely playing with a true center.
7. San Diego State
Record: 22-10 (9-7 Mountain West)
Coach: Steve Fisher (464-265 in 22 seasons, 280-170 in 14 at San Diego State)
Tournament record: 2-8
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 32
Key players: G Jamaal Franklin (16.7 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 3.2 apg), Chase Tapley (13.5 ppg)
Best win: 55-34 vs. New Mexico
Worst loss: 58-45 at Wyoming
Scouting the Aztecs: Perhaps no better finishers: The Aztecs have won 91 consecutive games after leading with five minutes remaining. San Diego State is battle-tested, too, having faced seven Top 25s, though going only 2-5.
8. North Carolina
Record: 24-10 (12-6 ACC)
Coach: Roy Williams (699-179 in 25 seasons, 281-78 in 10 at UNC)
Tournament record: 108-41
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: at-large RPI: 18
Key players: F Reggie Bullock (14.2 ppg), G P.J. Hairston (14.3 ppg), F James Michael McAdoo (14.4 ppg)
Best win: 79-73 vs. Nevada-Las Vegas
Worst loss: 85-67 at Texas
Scouting the Tar Heels: Going to a four-guard starting lineup led to a six-game winning streak toward the end of the season. When the Tar Heels are making their outside shots, they can play with anybody in the country. Hairston and Bullock are as capable as any shooters in the nation, and McAdoo can be formidable on the interior. Still, the Tar Heels failed to get a real signature victory.
9. Villanova
Record: 20-12 (10-8 Big East)
Coach: Jay Wright (379-228 in 19 seasons, 257-143 in 12 at Villanova)
Tournament record: 12-9
Last tournament appearance: 2011
Bid: At-Large. RPI: 52
Key players: G JaVaughn Pinkston (13.1 ppg.) and G Ryan Arcidiacono (12.0 ppg.)
Best win: 67-57 vs. Georgetown
Worst loss: 75-57 vs. Columbia
Scouting the Wildcats: Villanova is first in Division I in free throws attempted (26 per game) and made (19 per game). Pinkston has taken 235 free throws (7.1 per game) and three teammates have taken at least 100. With that in mind, it’s surprising they rank only 223rd in offensive efficiency (99 points for every 100 possessions).
10. Oklahoma
Record: 20-11 (11-7 Big 12)
Coach: Lon Kruger (514-331 in 27 seasons, 35-27 in two at Oklahoma)
Tournament record: 35-26
Last tournament appearance: 2009
Bid: At-large RPI: 39
Key players: F Romero Osby (15.8 ppg, 7 rpg), F Amath M’Baye (10.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg)
Best win: 77-68 vs. Oklahoma State.
Worst loss: 70-67 at TCU
Scouting the Sooners: Oklahoma struggles rebounding, settling in the middle of the pack of the Big 12 in defensive rebounds and the bottom half as an offensive rebounding team. Osby, an all-conference performer who ranked third in points-per-game in the Big 12, led the Sooners in rebounding at 7.0 per game.
11. Minnesota
Record: 20-12 (8-10 Big Ten)
Coach: Tubby Smith (510-225 in 22 seasons; 123-80 in six at Minnesota)
Tournament record: 12-11
Last tournament appearance: 2010
Bid: At-large RPI: 34
Key players: G Andre Hollins (13.9 ppg); F Trevor Mbakwe (8.7 rpg)
Best win: 77-73 vs. Indiana
Worst loss: 89-73 at Purdue
Scouting the Golden Gophers: The Gophers haven’t gotten past their opening game of the NCAA tournament since reaching the Final Four in 1997. Hollins is the best free-throw shooter in Minnesota history at 84.5 percent.
12. Akron
Record: 26-6 (16-2 Mid-American)
Coach: Keith Dambrot (316-160 in 15 seasons, 210-93 in nine at Akron)
Tournament record: 0-3
Last tournament appearance: 2011
Bid: Automatic. RPI: 43
Key players: C Zeke Marshall (13.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.7 blocks/gm), F Demetrius Treadwell (11.3 ppg, 7.9 ppg).
Best win: 82-77 vs. Middle Tennessee St.
Worst loss: 81-67 at Buffalo
Scouting the Zips: Marshall gives Akron presence in the paint as a legit 7-footer. But point guard and team leader Alex Abreu (10.3 ppg, 6.0 apg) is under indefinite suspension after being arrested this month on a charge of marijuana trafficking. That leaves the ball in the hands of freshman Carmelo Betancourt.
13. South Dakota State
Record: 25-9 (13-3 Summit League)
Coach: Scott Nagy (318-197 in 18 seasons)
Tournament record: 0-1
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic. RPI: 62
Key players: G Nate Wolters (22.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 5.8 apg); F Jordan Dykstra (12.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg).
Best win: 70-65 at New Mexico
Worst loss: 66-63 at Hofstra
Scouting the Jackrabbits: The Summit League champs, they are led by Wolters. A 6-5 guard well-suited to Nagy’s offensive philosophy (spread the floor and get the ball to the shooters), Wolters is capable of having big games, as evidenced by the 53 he scored against Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne this season. Healso has been really good over time: through the past three seasons combined, he’s the NCAA’s second-leading scorer behind Creighton’s Doug McDermott.
14. Northwestern State
Record: 23-8 (15-3 Southland)
Coach: Mike McConathy (575-357 in 29 seasons, 223-212 in 14 at Northwestern State)
Tournament record: 2-2
Last tournament appearance: 2006
Bid: Automatic RPI: 78
Key players: DeQuan Hicks (14.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg), James Hulbin (12.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg), Shamir Davis (12.3 ppg)
Best win: 61-57 vs. Stephen F. Austin
Worst loss: 93-78 vs. Nicholls State
Scouting the Demons: Northwestern State leads the nation in offense, scoring 82 points a game, yet upset Stephen F. Austin with only 68 in the Southland championship game.
15. Florida Gulf Coast
Record: 24-10 (13-5 Atlantic Sun)
Coach: Andy Enfield (39-27 in two seasons at Florida Gulf Coast)
Tournament record: 0-0
Last tournament appearance: Never
Bid: Automatic. RPI: 94
Key players: G Sherwood Brown (15.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg); G Brett Comer (6.3 assists per game)
Best win: 63-51 vs. Miami
Worst losses: Lipscomb, 87-78 and 84-74
Scouting the Eagles: Led by Bernard Thompson, fifth in the nation in steals, Florida Gulf Coast is 18th in the nation in steals. The Eagles have outscored opponents by 162 in the first half, 72 in the second and been outscored by 15 in overtime.
16. Western Kentucky
Record: 20-15 (11-10 Sun Belt)
Coach: Ray Harper (373-98 in 14 seasons; 31-23 in two at Western Kentucky)
Tournament record: 19-23
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic RPI: 150
Key players: G T.J. Price (15.3 ppg); F George Fant (12.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg).
Best win: 65-63 vs. Florida International
Worst loss: 65-52 vs. Florida Atlantic
Scouting the Hilltoppers: The Hilltoppers make the tournament for a second consecutive season. As in 2012, they had to win four consecutive games in the Sun Belt tournament to get in. Fant had 17 points and 13 rebounds in the tournament final against Florida International.
MIDWEST
1. Louisville
Record: 29-5 (14-4 Big East)
Coach: Rick Pitino (655-235 in 27 seasons, 303-111 in 12 at Louisville)
Tournament record: 42-16
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic. RPI: 3.
Key players: SG Russ Smith (18.3 ppg.), C Gorgui Dieng (9.8 rpg.)
Best win: 53-51 at Georgetown 73-64
Worst loss: 73-64 at Villanova
Scouting the Cardinals: They might be the best defensive team in the country, with opponents averaging 58 points and 39 percent shooting. Big East referees typically allow a physical game, which works to Louisville’s favor. So if officials call it tighter in the NCAAs, the Cardinals will have to temper their aggression.
2. Duke
Record: 27-5 (14-4 ACC)
Coach: Mike Krzyzewski (954-295 in 38 seasons, 48-20 in 33 at Duke)
Tournament record: 96-32
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At large RPI: 1
Key players: F Mason Plumlee (17.2 ppg), F Ryan Kelly (14.3 ppg), G Seth Curry (17.0 ppg)
Best win: 76-71 vs. Louisville
Worst loss: 90-63 at Miami
Scouting the Blue Devils: No one has a more complete resume than the Blue Devils, who beat Louisville, Ohio State, Virginia Commonwealth Miami and North Carolina. Duke survived the 13-game absence of Ryan Kelly, but there’s still an adjustment to be made since his return. Kelly was fantastic March 2 against Miami, scoring 36 points, but he has averaged 11.3 points in three games since. The Blue Devils have plenty of motivation for a Final Four run after an opening loss to Lehigh a year ago in the NCAA tournament.
3. Michigan State
Record: 25-8 (13-5 Big Ten)
Coach: Tom Izzo (437-177 in 18 seasons at Michigan State)
Tournament record: 54-25
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 9
Key players: G Keith Appling (13.5 ppg); F Adreian Payne (7.5 rpg)
Best win: 67-64 vs. Kansas in Atlanta
Worst loss: None
Scouting the Spartans: Payne ranks fourth in career blocks for the Spartans. Branden Dawson is recovering from an ACL injury suffered last March and ranks fifth in the Big Ten in steals. The Spartans have won more than 70 percent of their games in March since 1998-99.
4. Saint Louis
Record: 27-6 (13-3 Atlantic 10)
Coach: Jim Crews (377-355 in 26 seasons; 27-6 in 1 as interim at Saint Louis)
Tournament record: 4-8
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic. RPI: 21
Key players: Dwayne Evans (13.6 ppg, 7.7 rpg); Cody Ellis (10.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg); Kwamain Mitchell (10.0 ppg); Mike McCall Jr. (10.0 ppg).
Best win: 60-46 vs. New Mexico
Worst loss: 82-80 (OT) vs. Rhode Island
Scouting the Billikens: This team rallied after the retirement and subsequent December death of coach Rick Majerus. The A-10 champions swept Butler in three meetings, and (with the exception of an ugly home loss to Rhode Island) looked tough every night. They’ve won 15 of their past 16 and figure to be a tough out.
5. Oklahoma State
Record: 24-8 (13-5 Big 12)
Coach: Travis Ford (294-209 in 15 seasons; 104-63 in five at Oklahoma State)
Tournament record: 38-24
Last tournament appearance: 2010
Bid: At-large RPI: 27
Key players: PG Marcus Smart (15.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.4 apg), G Markel Brown (15.3 ppg), G/F Le’Bryan Nash (14.1 ppg)
Best win: 85-80 at Kansas
Worst loss: 81-71 at Virginia Tech
Scouting the Cowboys: How far the Cowboys go likely depends on their freshman All-American, Marcus Smart, but their tournament lives will be short-lived if they don’t come out of an offensive funk during which they’ve shot 36 percent from the field in the past 60 minutes, including 31 percent in a Big 12 semifinal loss Friday.
6. Memphis
Record: 30-4 (16-0 Conference USA)
Coach: Josh Pastner (105-33 in four seasons at Memphis)
Tournament record: 32-24
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic RPI: 13
Key players: G Joe Jackson (13.4 ppg, 4.8 apg), Adonis Thomas (11.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg), G-F D.J. Stephens (conference-leading 67 percent FG)
Best win: 85-80 at Tennessee
Worst loss: 64-62 at Xavier
Scouting the Tigers: After two early-season losses, the Tigers rolled off 26 wins in their final 28, including 10 of 11 on the road. Memphis is a veteran team that has dealt with its share of adversity.
7. Creighton
Record: 27-7 (13-5 Missouri Valley)
Coach: Greg McDermott (351-227 in 19 seasons; 71-29 in three at Creighton)
Tournament record: 10-18
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic RPI: 25
Key players: F Doug McDermott (23.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg); G Grant Gibbs (8.6 ppg, 5.9 apg), C Gregory Echenique (9.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg).
Best win: 84-74 vs. Wisconsin
Worst loss: 74-69 at Drake
Scouting the Bluejays: This is the last go-round for the father-son tandem of Greg and Doug McDermott; the latter is a senior All-American who is lethal from the perimeter and is the top scorer in the NCAA over the past three seasons combined.
8. Colorado State
Record: 25-8 (11-5 Mountain West)
Coach: Larry Eustachy (427-266 in 22 seasons, 25-8 in one at Colorado State)
Tournament record: 3-10
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 18
Key players: F/C Colton Iverson (14.7 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 61 percent fg/conference), G Dorian Green (12.8 ppg, 3.8 apg), F Pierce Hornung (9.2 rpg), G Wes Eikmeier (14.2 ppg/conference)
Best win: 66-61 vs. Nevada-Las Vegas
Worst loss: 64-55 at Illinois of Chicago
Scouting the Rams: Colorado State led Division I in rebounding margin. Iverson (averaged double-double in points-rebounds in conference play), paces his team, which won four of five before a loss to Nevada-Las Vegas in the tournament. Colorado State lost six of seven away from home.
9. Missouri
Record: 22-9 (11-7 SEC)
Coach: Frank Haith (181-115 in nine seasons; 52-14 in two at Missouri)
Tournament record: 22-25.
Last tournament appearance:2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 35
Key players: G Phil Pressey (7.1 assists per game); F Laurence Bowers (14.8 ppg)
Best win: 63-60 vs. Florida
Worst loss: 70-68 at Texas A&M
Scouting the Tigers: Pressey, seventh nationally in assists, leads a prolific offense that’ll put up points (No. 15 in the nation) and ranks third in rebounding margin, led by Alex Oriakhi. Also, the Tigers hit their free throws, 74.4 percent.
10. Cincinnati
Record: 22-11 (9-9 Big East)
Coach: Mick Cronin (204-123 in 10 season, 135-99 in seven at Cincinnati)
Tournament record: 3-4
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large. RPI: 49
Key players: G-F Sean Kilpatrick (16.9 ppg.) and G Cashmere Wright (12.6 ppg.)
Best win: 71-69 vs. Marquette
Worst loss: 53-52 vs. St. John’s
Scouting the Bearcats: Cincinnati is a fine defensive team, allowing 0.89 points per possession (11th in Division I). However, this is not a strong offensive group, shooting 40 percent from the field and 32 percent from 3-point range. Jaquon Parker is their one real 3-point threat, shooting 41 percent from the arc.
11. Middle Tennessee State
Record: 28-5 (19-1 Sun Belt)
Coach: Kermit Davis (345-213 in 18 seasons; 208-138 in 11 at Middle Tennessee State)
Tournament record: 2-6
Last tournament appearance: 1989
Bid: At-large RPI: 29
Key players: G Marcos Knight (12.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg); G Bruce Massey (3.3 apg).
Best win: 65-62 vs. Mississippi.
Worst loss: 66-60 (OT) at Arkansas State
Scouting the Blue Raiders: Middle Tennessee State dominated the Sun Belt before losing to Florida International in the tournament, snapping a 17-game winning streak. Knight is the team’s best scorer and rebounder.
11. Saint Mary’s (Calif.)
Record: 27-6 (14-2 in West Coast)
Coach: Randy Bennett (235-117 in 11 seasons at Saint Mary’s)
Tournament record: 3-7
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 30
Key players: PG Matthew Dellavedova (15.8 ppg), Stephen Holt (11.8 ppg.)
Best win: 70-69 vs. Harvard
Worst loss: 65-56 vs. Georgia Tech
Scouting the Gaels: Saint Mary’s starts and ends with Dellavedova. He handles the ball a ton and took 145 more shots than the team’s second-leading scorer, Holt. The Gaels lost three times to conference rival Gonzaga. Saint Mary’s has few interior answers, where Gonzaga thrives.
12. Oregon
Record: 26-8 (12-6 Pac-12)
Coach: Dana Altman (481-279 in 24 seasons; 71-36 in three at Oregon)
Tournament record: 12-9
Last tournament appearance: 2008
Bid: Automatic RPI: 47
Key players: SF E.J. Singler (11.5 ppg); PF Arsalan Kazemi (9.4 rpg)
Best win: 83-79 at Nevada-Las Vegas
Worst loss: 91-84 (3OT) at Texas-El Paso
Scouting the Ducks: The Ducks lost their way when freshman point guard Dominic Artis was hurt. Oregon uses traps and presses to speed up the tempo of the game. It also relies on a deep bench. Oregon rallied to beat Washington in overtime of the Pac-12 tournament quarterfinals and won the title by beating under-manned UCLA.
13. New Mexico State
Record: 24-10 (14-4 Western Athletic)
Coach: Marvin Menzies (126-78 in six seasons at New Mexico State)
Tournament record: 10-21
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic RPI: 55
Key players: G Daniel Mullings (14 ppg, 47 percent FG pct), F Sy Bandja (11.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg)
Best win: 68-60 vs. Southern Miss
Worst loss: 86-83 at Niagara
Scouting the Aggies: The Aggies shoot the basketball well, 46 percent as a team, led by the Mullings, their sophomore guard. New Mexico State is hot, having won five consecutive and six of seven, including an 18-point victory over Louisiana Tech, the WAC regular-season champion.
14. Valparaiso
Record: 26-7 (13-3 Horizon League)
Coach: Bryce Drew (48-19 in two seasons at Valparaiso)
Tournament record: 2-6.
Last tournament appearance:2004
Bid: Automatic RPI: 58
Key players: F Ryan Broekhoff (15.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg); F Kevin Van Wijk (65 pct. FG percentage)
Best win: 82-60 vs. Eastern Kentucky
Worst loss: 63-54 vs. Loyola (Ill.)
Scouting the Crusaders: The Crusaders go 10 deep and fit the stereotype of an Indiana-based team: Capable of shooting from everywhere, seventh nationally in field-goal percentage, and they hit their free throws. But 14.2 turnovers per game doesn’t bode well for a long tournament stay.
15. Albany (N.Y.)
Record: 24-10 (9-7 America East)
Coach: Will Brown (172-190 in 12 seasons)
Tournament record: 0-2
Last tournament appearance: 2007
Bid: Automatic. RPI: 131
Key players: G Mike Black (15 ppg), F Sam Rowley (6.5 rpg)
Best win: 63-62 at Washington
Worst loss: 66-52 at Maine
Scouting the Great Danes: Only game vs. RPI top-50 was 18-point loss at Ohio State. In America East finals, Danes’ bench outscored starters. Albany is 3-0 in AE finals – all against Vermont.
16. Liberty
Record: 15-20 (6-10 Big South)
Coach: Dale Layer ( 333-260 in 20 seasons; 62-70 in five at Liberty)
Tournament record: 0-0
Last tournament appearance: First
Bid: Automatic RPI: 287
Key players: G John Caleb Sanders (14.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg); F JR Coronado (5.0 ppg, 8.4 rpg).
Best win: 67-66 vs. Charleston Southern
Worst loss: 68-60 at Presbyterian
Scouting the Flames: The Flames became the second team in history to make the tournament with 20 losses. Liberty, which lost its first eight games, finished fifth in the Big South’s Northern Division before winning four games in the league’s tournament.
16. N.C. A&T
Record: 19-16 (8-8 Mid-Eastern Athletic)
Coach: Cy Alexander (362-322 in 23 seasons, 19-16 in one at N.C. A&T)
Tournament record: 0-9
Last tournament appearance: 1995
Bid: Automatic RPI: 213
Key players: SF Adrian Powell (12.5 ppg); PF Austin Witter (7.1 rpg)
Best win: 59-57 vs. Savannah State
Worst loss: 60-52 at Cal State Bakersfield
Scouting the Aggies: Before the conference tournament, N.C. A&T hadn’t won more than two consecutive games all season. But after running the table last weekend, the Aggies are back in the tournament in Alexander’s first season as coach. Witter, at 6-foot-8, is the undersized Aggies’ best option in the paint with 6.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
WEST
1. Gonzaga
Record: 31-2 (16-0 West Coast)
Coach: Mark Few (373-92 in 13 seasons at Gonzaga)
Tournament record: 17-15
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic RPI: 7
Key players: PF Elias Harris (14.9 ppg); C Kelly Olynyk (17.5 ppg)
Best win: 69-68 at Oklahoma State
Worst loss: 85-74 at Illinois
Scouting the Bulldogs: The top-ranked team in the country is led by center Kelly Olynyk who has taken his game to another level. A year after redshirting because there weren’t going to be enough minutes for him, he’s become one of the dominant players in the country. Kevin Pangos gives Gonzaga craftiness and shooting at the point.
2. Ohio State
Record: 26-7 (13-5 Big Ten)
Coach: Thad Matta (349-103 in 13 seasons, 247-72 in nine at Ohio State)
Tournament record: 51-27
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic RPI: 11
Key players: F Deshaun Thomas (19.7 ppg); G Aaron Craft (4.5 apg)
Best win: 67-58 at Indiana
Worst loss: None
Scouting the Buckeyes: Ohio State won the Big Ten tournament championship Sunday. Craft was chosen MVP. The Buckeyes won 25 games for the 11th time in school history and for the sixth time in nine seasons under Matta. Thomas has scored in double figures in all 33 games for the Buckeyes this season.
3. New Mexico
Record: 29-5 (13-3 Mountain West)
Coach: Steve Alford (463-234 in 22 seasons, 155-51 in six at New Mexico)
Tournament record: 8-14
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic RPI: 2
Key players: Kendall Williams (13.5 ppg, 5.0 apg), Tony Snell (12.6 ppg), Alex Kirk (11.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg)
Best win: 91-82 at Colorado State
Worst loss: 70-65 vs. South Dakota State
Scouting the Lobos: The half-court game is the forte of New Mexico, whose RPI is among the best in the nation. Yet, the Lobos have played only one Top 25 team this season, a 60-46 loss to Saint Louis. Nonetheless, New Mexico is 9-3 in games against the top 50 in the RPI and is 6-0 on neutral courts.
4. Kansas State
Record: 27-7 (14-4 Big 12)
Coach: Bruce Weber (340-162 in 15 seasons, 27-7 in one at Kansas State)
Tournament record: 33-30
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 19
Key players: G Rodney McGruder (15.1 ppg); G Angel Rodriguez (5.5 apg)
Best win: 67-61 vs. Florida
Worst loss: None
Scouting the Wildcats: Kansas State finished tied for first in the Big 12 regular season with Kansas – clinching the Wildcats first conference championship since 1977 – but lost all three games against the Jayhawks. Weber employs a motion offense, but McGruder is the key. He scored 67 points in three games at the Big 12 tournament, eighth-best all-time.
5. Wisconsin
Record: 23-11 (12-6 Big Ten)
Coach: Bo Ryan (674-215 in 29 seasons, 291-112 in 12 at Wisconsin)
Tournament record: 25-17
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 28
Key players: G Ben Brust (11.2 ppg); F Ryan Evans (7.7 rpg)
Best win: 64-59 at Indiana
Worst loss: 69-56 vs. Purdue
Scouting the Badgers: Could have Big Ten final rematch with Buckeyes.
6. Arizona
Record: 25-7 (12-6 Pac-12)
Coach: Sean Miller (214-89 in nine seasons, 94-42 in four at Arizona)
Tournament record: 46-28
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 15
Key players: PG Mark Lyons (14.9 ppg); SF Solomon Hill (13.6 ppg)
Best win: 69-50 at Miami
Worst loss: 89-78 at Southern Cal
Scouting the Wildcats: Arizona is a load when it gets contributions from its young big guys Brandon Ashley, Kaleb Tarczewski and Grant Jarrett. Nick Johnson is one of the best wing defenders in the Pac-12. If the game is tight late, Mark Lyons will most likely take Arizona’s final shots, whether his coach wants him to or not.
7. Notre Dame
Record: 25-9 (11-7 Big East)
Coach: Mike Brey (384-192 in 18 seasons, 285-140 in 13 at Notre Dame)
Tournament record: 6-10
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 36.
Key players: F Jack Cooley (10.4 rpg.), G Jerian Grant (13.4 ppg., 5.7 apg.)
Best win: 104-101 vs. Louisville
Worst loss: 67-63 at St. John’s
Scouting the Fighting Irish: Typical of Brey’s ND teams, this one is balanced and precise offensively. As a team, they shoot 47 percent from the field and 38 percent from 3-point range. No matter what defense you play, you must account for Eric Atkins, shooting 43 percent from 3-point range. Six Irish players average seven or more points this season.
8. Pittsburgh
Record: 24-8 (12-6 Big East)
Coach: Jamie Dixon (262-85 in 10 seasons at Pitt)
Tournament record: 11-8
Last tournament appearance: 2011
Bid: At-large RPI: 44
Key players: G Tray Woodard (11.8 ppg); C Steven Adams (2.0 bpg)
Best win: 73-45 at Georgetown
Worst loss: 67-62 at Rutgers
Scouting the Panthers: As measured by points allowed per opponent possession (0.91), the Panthers are among the country’s best defenses. They’re also sixth in the country in points allowed (55.4 per game). They shoot well overall (48 percent) but there isn’t much depth; Dixon is pretty reliant on his starters, so injuries can be pretty costly in the NCAA’s win-or-go-home format.
9. Wichita State
Record: 26-8 (12-6 Missouri Valley)
Coach: Gregg Marshall (327-152 in 15 seasons, 135-69 in six at Wichita State)
Tournament record: 8-10
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 37
Key players: F Cleanthony Early (13.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg); F Carl Hall (12.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg); G Malcolm Armstead (10.4 ppg); G Demetric Williams (8.3 ppg).
Best win: 53-51 at Virginia Commonwealth
Worst loss: 64-62 at Southern Illinois
Scouting the Shockers: One year after being upset in the first round as a five-seed by 12th-seeded VCU, the Shockers are back. It’s their first consecutive appearances since 1987 and 1988. This is Wichita State’s 10th tourney overall, including two under Marshall, who previously led Winthrop to seven appearances. The Shockers, who last won an NCAA game in 2006 when they defeated Seton Hall and Tennessee, open with Pitt in Salt Lake.
10. Iowa State
Record: 22-11 (11-7 Big 12)
Coach: Fred Hoiberg (61-38 in three seasons at Iowa State)
Tournament record: 13-14
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: At-large RPI: 45
Key players: G Will Clyburn (15.2 ppg); F Melvin Ejim (9.3 rpg)
Best win: 87-76 vs. Oklahoma State
Worst loss: 56-51 at Texas Tech
Scouting the Cyclones: Iowa State made 325 three-pointers this season, an average of 9.8 per game that leads the nation. The Cyclones have three players who’ve made 60 or more threes for the second straight season: Tyrus McGee, Chris Babb and Korie Lucious, a transfer from Michigan State.
11. Belmont (Tenn.)
Record: 26-6 (14-2 Ohio Valley)
Coach: Rick Byrd (663-345 in 32 seasons, 571-290 in 27 at Belmont)
Tournament record: 0-5
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic. RPI: 17
Key player: G Ian Clark (46.3 3-pt FG pct., 18.1 ppg)
Best win: 70-62 at Stanford
Worst loss: 80-69 at Tenn. State
Scouting the Bruins: Proven good at getting here, but unable to stick around … Coach Rick Byrd has taken the Bruins from NAIA to D-1. . . .Clark is 3rd in the nation in 3-pointer shooting accuracy.
12. Mississippi
Record: 26-8 (12-6 SEC)
Coach: Andy Kennedy (172-99 in eight seasons, 151-86 in seven at Mississippi)
Tournament record: 3-6.
Last tournament appearance:2002
Bid: Automatic RPI: 50
Key players: G Marshall Henderson (19.7 ppg); F Murphy Holloway (9.6 rpg)
Best win: 64-49 vs. Missouri
Worst loss: 73-67 at Mississippi State
Scouting the Tigers: The Rebels don’t turn the ball over and are ninth nationally in turnover margin, 30th in steals per game and 17th in blocked shots per game, mostly because of Reginald Buckner (2.74 blocks per game). Marshall Henderson is one of the nation’s most prolific three-point shooters, so a hot night by him.
13. Boise State
Record: 21-10 (9-7 Mountain West)
Coach: Leon Rice (56-25 in three seasons at Boise State)
Tournament record: 0-0
Last tournament appearance: First
Bid: At-large RPI: 41
Key players: G/F Anthony Drmic (17.3 ppg, 46 percent FG), Derrick Marks (16.3 ppg)
Best win: 83-70 at Creighton
Worst loss: 87-65 at Seattle
Scouting the Broncos: The Broncos were 12th in the nation in 3-point shooting percentage and held opponents to under 40 percent shooting during a seven-game stretch prior to a conference-tournament loss to San Diego State. The once-surging Broncos won five of seven to close the season, but lost two of their last three.
13. La Salle
Record: 21-9 (11-5 Atlantic 10)
Coach: John Giannini (437-285 in 24 seasons, 140-136 in nine at La Salle)
Tournament record: 11-9.
Last tournament appearance:1992
Bid: at large RPI: 46
Key players: G Ramon Galloway (17.4 ppg, 2.07 steals per game); G Tyreek Duren (15.0 ppg)
Best win: 69-61 vs. Virginia Commonwealth
Worst loss: 81-74 vs. Central Connecticut State
Scouting the Explorers: Galloway’s among the nation’s best three-point shooters, so if he gets hot, he can burn a team out on his own. La Salle applies pressure, but doesn’t foul much, hits their own free throws and has a high assist-to-turnover ratio. In other words, the Explorers don’t beat themselves.
14. Harvard
Record: 19-9 (11-3 Ivy)
Coach: Tommy Amaker (268-195 in 14 seasons, 92-56 in six at Harvard)
Tournament record: 0-3
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic RPI: 93
Key players: G-F Wesley Saunders (16.5 ppg, 53.6 fg pct.), Steve Moundou-Missi (5.1 rpg, 7.9 ppg)
Best win: 67-62 at California
Worst loss: 78-63 at Columbia
Scouting the Crimson: Harvard shoots well, hitting 48.2 of its FG attempts. One of the youngest teams in the field with just one senior and two juniors on the roster. Freshman Siyani Chambers (12.9 ppg) has started all 28 games and has Ivy Rookie of the Week six times. Before Amaker arrived, Harvard’s only tournament appearance was in 1946.
15. Iona
Record: 20-13 (11-7 Metro Atlantic)
Coach: Tim Cluess (190-66 in eight seasons, 90-46 in three seasons at Iona)
Tournament record: 1-9
Last tournament appearance: 2012
Bid: Automatic RPI: 97
Key players: PG Lamont Jones (23 ppg), G Sean Armand (262 3FGA, 41.2%), F David Laury (10.4 rpg)
Best win: 94-68 vs. Wake Forest
Worst loss: 105-104 at Marist
Scouting the Gaels: History suggests they’re unlikely to hang around. Jones, however, reached the Elite 8 as a starting PG at Arizona in 2011. Gaels have had four consecutive 20-win seasons.
16. Southern
Record: 23-9 (15-3 Southwestern Athletic)
Coach: Roman Banks (40-26 in two seasons at Southern)
Tournament record: 1-7
Last tournament appearance: 2006
Bid: Automatic RPI: 180
Key players: G Derick Beltran (15.9 ppg), G Malcolm Miller (15.8 ppg, 46 percent/3-pointers), C Brandon Moore (7.1 rpg)
Best win: 53-51 at Texas A&M
Worst loss: 68-57 at Texas Christian
Scouting the Jaguars: Southern, only one year removed from scandal and NCAA sanctions, will have to win a play-in game to be one of the actual 64. The Jaguars were 151st nationally in scoring, 148th in rebounding and 261st out of 345 Division I ranked teams in assists. Miller, a junior, is among the top five in the nation in 3-point shooting.
