Midwest Region bracket preview: Teams, prediction and odds (National Championship favorite Houston is No. 1 seed)

Houston has a lot going for them in 2023.

The Cougars are the No. 1 seed in the Midwest, backing up their claim as the National Championship favorite, ahead of the Final Four in their native city of Houston. Can the Cougars get to the National semifinals and potentially win in their hometown?

Let’s find out by looking at the Midwest Region odds, schedule and any potential dark horses to make some noise and spoil the party for the Cougs.

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Midwest Region odds

Midwest Region bracket

Houston is the No. 1 seed in the East, but there are worthy challengers such as No. 2 seed Texas and No. 3 seed Gonzaga. Here’s the full bracket:

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Midwest Region tournament schedule (Dates, time, channel)

Midwest Region prediction and pick

A big concern for Houston ahead of the NCAA Tournament is health. Star guard Marcus Sasser hurt his groin in the team’s semifinals win over Cincinnati and sat out of the AAC title game against Memphis for precautionary reasons. While he will repotedly be ready ahead of Thursday’s opening round matchup against Northern Kentucky, it’s something to monitor moving forward.

Houston should be able to navigate the top half of the bracket against Indiana’s leaky defense and Saint Mary’s inability to match their physicality, if there aren’t any upsets ahead of potential Sweet 16 matchups, but the bottom half is full of dangerous squads.

We’ll start with Texas, who won the Big 12 Championship over Kansas and boasts a loaded roster, but have two overqualified No. 7 and No. 10 seeds in Texas A&M and Penn State, respectively, in the second round.

I believe the winner of that Round of 32 matchup is well positioned to go to the Final Four given that No. 3 seed Xavier’s defense has been a big concern this season and they are without lead forward Zach Freemantle.

I do think Texas A&M is live to stun in-state foe Texas in a potential matchup, but the Longhorns will be rightful favorites with their blend of shot-making and ability to generate turnovers. If you are looking for a longshot to go to the Final Four it’s the Aggies with star guard Wade Taylor IV.

As long as Houston stays healthy, they are the class of the region and should advance to the Final Four in their native city.

PICK: Houston

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