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Region Breakdown: Oakland

Gonzaga, Morrison will prove to be best in the West

Posted: Tuesday March 21, 2006 12:38PM; Updated: Tuesday March 21, 2006 5:07PM
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Adam Morrison will have to play like the nation's leading scorer in order to lift his Zags over UCLA.
Adam Morrison will have to play like the nation's leading scorer in order to lift his Zags over UCLA.
John W. McDonough/SI
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By Julia Morrill, SI.com

What to Look For: Gonzaga-UCLA
Don't miss the showdown between these two West Coast basketball powerhouses. Historically, the teams have differences: The Bruins represent the proud tradition of West Coast basketball -- 11 national championships and names like John Wooden, Lew Alcindor and Bill Walton. The Zags are new school. Since 1992 they have more wins than any other Division I team on the West Coast (357-114). Thursday, however, will feature an even matchup of dynamic and versatile scorers -- UCLA's Arron Afflalo and Jordan Farmar versus Gonzaga's Adam Morrison.

Upset Special: Bradley over Memphis
You have to hand it to the top-seeded Tigers, who silenced all of the doubters by cruising through the first two rounds. Led by forward Rodney Carney (17.4 points per game), Memphis dominated both opponents, Oral Roberts (94-78) and Bucknell (72-56). Now here comes yet another dangerous mid-major -- upstart Bradley, the No. 13 seed. Yes, Memphis proved it deserves respect, but I still can't shake the feeling the Tigers are headed for an upset. Based on the remarkable performance thus far by 7-foot center Patrick O'Bryant, the Braves are primed to accomplish what fellow mids Oral Roberts and Bucknell could not be the first team in the tourney to topple a No. 1 seed.

Player Under the Gun: Morrison
The nation's leading scorer, Morrison had an uncharacteristically low 14 points on 5-of-17 shooting from the field, including 0-for-3 from beyond the arc, in the Zags' victory over Indiana. Thankfully, five other players scored in double figures, but this is a huge game, and Morrison must deliver.

The Pick: Gonzaga
This is a tough one, but after a rough outing against Indiana, I believe Morrison will bring it, and I think he has the talent to elevate this team. He has produced in tight games all season and against big-time programs. (Remember the epic game against Michigan State back in November?) In the end, Gonzaga will be the best in the West and move on to Final Four.

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