UConn, Memphis, Missouri 2009 NCAA Tournament Odds

UConn, Memphis, Missouri and Washington were all listed with 2009 NCAA Tournament odds in the single digits to win the West Region.  So too were Purdue and Marquette.

"This was the region that is going to screw up everyone's brackets," suggests Don Shapiro of Gambling911.com.

It's easy to see why.

The top eight seeds in order were:  Connecticut, Memphis, Missouri, Washington, Purdue, Marquette, California and BYU.  The top eight favorites to win the West Region in order were:  Connecticut, Memphis, Missouri, Washington, Purdue, Marquette, California and Mississippi State.

Okay, so all the seedings jived with the posted odds except for Mississippi State, which was playing Washington. 

"A lot of folks out there believe that Mississippi State can beat Washington in the first round," says Shapiro.

But that's not the only potential bracket buster here.

Texas A&M was favored slightly more than BYU to win the West Region, though at press time the two teams had odds of +5000 for a payout potential of $5000 on every $100 bet at Sportsinteraction.com. 

And then there's Memphis, which had better odds of winning its region (the West) than any other number two seed had of winning their respective region.  Memphis was only about a half point off from the favorite to win the West.  Connecticut had odds that would pay $175 on a $100 bet and Memphis would pay $225.

Then there is this from the SportingNews regarding the Washington/Mississippi matchup:

"Washington is by far the most vulnerable of the 4 seeds. Washington is winning just 51.9 percent of simulations over SEC tournament champion Mississippi State. Washington is coming off a double-digit loss to Arizona State in the Pac-10 tournament. Besides momentum being in favor of Mississippis State, the big issue for Washington is offensive efficiency.

"Against other tournament teams, Washington shot 42.1 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from 3-point range, while opponents shot 43.0 percent overall and 34.3 percent from three.

"Washington committed more turnovers than their tournament team opponents. Washington won games thanks to a good edge in rebounding (plus-5.3 per game).

"For the season, Mississippi State was minus-4.5 rebounds per game against tournament teams. However, in the SEC tournament, Mississippi State outrebounded three of its four opponents by 15 total rebounds (nearly four per game). If the Mississippi State continues to rebound like it has the past few weeks, they could upset Washington."

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