NCAA South Region: Florida, Houston, Illinois Dominate

0:00On March 16, the South region of the NCAA tournament kicks off with Florida as the top seed and clear favorite to advance deep. Houston sits at number two with a stout defense, while Illinois rounds out the top trio boasting a high-powered offense. Game start Wednesday evening at 6.40pm Eastern, with the play-in match-up between Lehigh and Prairie View on True TV, followed by a packed Thursday. Slate including Troy against Nebraska and VCU facing North Carolina. Earlier this week, brackets lit up with these intriguing first-round clashes, like Penn taking on Illinois at 9.25pm in Idaho, challenging Houston late Thursday. Friday brings Iowa versus Clemson in the play-in winner against Florida, all broadcasts on TNT and True TV, with top announcers calling the action. Fans are buzzing about Florida's front court talent after sweeping Kentucky this season and Houston shot a revenge from last year's title game. Illinois features a star freshman guard averaging nearly 18 points, but their late skid raises questions.

1:03Underdogs like McNeese State, on a 10-game win streak, and VCU with just one loss since January, could spark upsets with strong defenses. Efficiency rankings from Kenpom put Florida first overall, Houston second, and Illinois seventh, highlighting top offenses and defenses that could. Odds reflect this, with Florida at plus 160 to win the region, Houston at plus 250, and Illinois at plus 320, while long shots. Like Troy and Idaho sit at plus 50,000, or worse. As the bracket unfold in Houston for the regional final, expect fireworks from these balanced teams, setting up potential Elite 8 thrillers.