Written by Rohit Ghosh
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2017 NCAA Tournament Bracketology: South Region
Odds to Win South Region
North Carolina 5/4
Kentucky 11/4
UCLA 5/1
Butler 10/1
Wichita State 10/1
Cincinnati 14/1
Dayton 28/1
Minnesota U 28/1
Middle Tennessee St 40/1
Arkansas 50/1
Seton Hall 50/1
Wake Forest 75/1
Kansas State 100/1
Kent State 200/1
Northern Kentucky 200/1
Texas Southern 200/1
Winthrop 200/1
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Deserving of the Nod?
Not everyone agrees on UNC getting the No. 1 seed, having lost to Duke two-of-three times this season. With 11 top-50 wins this season tho, it was tough for voters to shy away.
If you don't agree with AccuScore's upset pick of Middle Tenn. over UNC in the Elite 8, the Tar Heels just might deserve a lot more Final Four-related discussion than the sim data suggests.
Upset Alert, or Not
When the bracket was set, there was some notable action on No. 13 Winthrop taking it over No. 4 Butler. It's the highest the Bulldogs have ever been seeded and the public seems to disagree. AccuScore sim data, however, would go with the seeded-favorite in this first-round matchup.
Players to Watch
With UCLA in the field, we already know Lonzo Ball will garner more than enough attention. At 6'6", the freshman guard has made a name for himself and will look to catapult that legacy to the pro level with his play in the tourney.
Beyond the hype, though, most hoops fans know not to overlook Kentucky's Malik Monk in this region. Averaging nearly 21 points per game, watch for Monk to try and lead his No. 2-seeded UK squad to the Final Four.
Value Pick & Final Word
If you're scowering the bracket looking for value picks -- either to reach the Final Four or win the tourney -- look no further than the South region.
At 40:1 odds, Middle Tennessee provides some hidden value -- a lot for a little. What's hidden though is the fact that while it has a 40:1 chance to win the region, it -- by far -- has the best odds for a No. 12 seed to win the tourney at 250:1. Nevada and Princeton are at 500:1, while NC Wilmington is at 1000:1.
AccuScore data has Middle Tennessee reaching the Elite 8 for a matchup against the UCLA Bruins.
AccuScore’s Bracketology Previews
West Region
Midwest Region
