Syracuse Orangeman In The Final Four?

It surprised many observers that Syracuse was the No.1 seed that was sent out West (after two games in Buffalo), but the Orange lost its last regular-season game and its only conference tournament game. Geography aside, Syracuse appears to have an easier path to the Final Four than other No. 1 seeds. Among the most intriguing first-round match-ups: No. 8 Gonzaga against No. 9 Florida State and No. 11 Minnesota against No. 6 Xavier.

Upset Special: No. 11 Minnesota over No. 6 Xavier: The Gophers reached the Big Ten tournament finals and are on a nice roll. With a 3-point shooter like Blake Hoffarber, Tubby Smith's team won't go away immediately.

Don't Overlook: No. 9 Florida State. The Seminoles aren't flashy but they play grinding defense that can frustrate opponents, and center Solomon Alabe is a force inside.

Keep An Eye On: Seventh-seeded Brigham Young. The Cougars didn't get a lot of national attention but played in a strong Mountain West Conference. They will force Florida to work hard on the defensive end.

Seeded Too Low: No. 12 UTEP. The Miners are one of those teams that can put points on the board and they're strong inside, meaning they have the potential to cause some mayhem.

Bet You Didn't Know: This is the first time Syracuse, one of college basketball's traditional powers, has been a No. 1 seed since 1980.

EAST REGION

If there's a surprise here, it's that the No. 1 team assigned to this region is Kentucky, not Syracuse, which was shipped west. There's little doubt the Wildcats have the most talent in the region, but two of their top players - point guard John Wall (Raleigh) and forward DeMarcus Cousins - are freshmen. West Virginia made a case for being a top seed, too, after winning the Big East tournament this weekend. Kentucky's second-round matchup would be against one of two under-achieving teams - Texas or Wake Forest.

Upset Special: No. 11 Washington was a desperate team in winning the Pac 10 championship. That could carry over into its first-round game against sixth-seed Marquette.

Don't Overlook: Wofford, which is playing in its first NCAA tournament. The last time Wisconsin - the Terriers' first-round opponent - played a Southern Conference team in the tournament, the Badgers lost to Davidson.

Keep An Eye On: Clemson, which has made the past two NCAA tournaments, has also lost two straight. Look for the Tigers to at least make it to the second round by beating Missouri.

Seeded Too Low: Temple. The fifth-seed Owls were the class of the Atlantic 10 and could have been a slot or two higher. Would be tough regional semifinal matchup for Kentucky.

Bet You Didn't Know: Wofford forward Noah Dahlman works on the grounds crew at Carolina Panthers training camp in the summer. David Scott

SOUTH REGION

If you're a fan of top-seed Duke, you've got to feel pretty good about the Blue Devils' advancing to the regional final. If Duke gets Purdue in the regional semis, it will face a Boilermakers team without its top player, Robbie Hummel, who's out with a knee injury. Second-seed Villanova has superior guard play and could give Duke's Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith problems.

Upset Special: Siena over Purdue.

Don't overlook: St. Mary's.

Keep An Eye On: Notre Dame. The Irish are back in form with star forward Luke Harangody back in the lineup. Harangody missed several games with a bone bruise in his leg.

Bet You Didn't Know: Ryan Rossiter, Siena's all-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference forward, is the younger brother of Davidson's Steve Rossiter. David Scott

MIDWEST REGION

Kansas is the overall No. 1 seed of the tournament but there is no cakewalk to the Final Four in this region. Among the obstacles awaiting the Jayhawks in their quest for their second NCAA title in the last three seasons are Ohio State, which made a case for a No. 1 seed, and Georgetown, which made it to the final of the Big East tournament after knocking off another NCAA top seed, Syracuse.

Upset Special: San Diego State has been much overlooked but has been solid all season and just the type of team to give Tennessee problems.

Don't Overlook: The Ohio State Buckeyes have one loss since Jan. 23 and that was to Purdue. Junior forward Evan Turner is a beast (19.9 ppg, 9.1 rpg).

Keep An Eye On : Maryland. The Terrapins lost to Georgia Tech in the ACC tournament semifinals but have a late-season win over Duke, one of the top four NCAA seeds.

Seeded Too Low : Michigan State, no question. The Spartans deserved better than a five seed, but a Sweet 16 matchup with Kansas would make it better.

Bet You Didn't Know : The nation's leading scorer, 6-4 guard Aubrey Coleman (25.6 points a game) plays for the Tom Penders-coached Houston Cougars.