There haven’t been any regions in NCAA tournament history that look like this year’s South region.

Destruction has been the main theme for this region, with no teams seeded one through four making it to the second weekend, representing the first time that’s ever happened in the history of the NCAA men’s tournament.

What should we expect for round 2, starting Thursday? If you think any team other than Kentucky should be favored, then you’ve likely been drinking the Kool-Aid from this region’s past weekend.

The Wildcats are heavily favored to win the region, and are actually tied for third for best odds to advance to the Final Four. Here’s the best bets heading into the Sweet 16 for the South region.

John Calipari should lead the Kentucky Wildcats to the Final Four out of the South region. Flickr/Keith Allison

Who’s going to the Final Four?

Kentucky

Nevada doesn’t play much defense. Loyola-Chicago doesn’t play much offense. And Kansas State is unreliable, especially on the offensive end.

That leaves Kentucky, which has had to battle through some growing pains this year with another young team, but is by far the most balanced and talented team left in this region.

The Wildcats are versatile and long on the defensive end. Unlike the other three teams left in this region, I trust the Wildcats to play different tempos and match up with every team remaining.

Kansas State, Loyola-Chicago and Nevada are among the five teams that have the worst odds to advance to the Final Four. Vegas isn’t always right, but in this case, they’re spot on.

Sweet 16 odds

Kansas State vs. Kentucky (-6)

This game will be close for about 33 of the 40 minutes. Then, Kentucky’s length and ability to score at a high level will take over, while Kansas State will fade.

Kansas State can play defense. They’ve shown that throughout the season against Big 12 competition.

The problem is they can’t score at a consistent rate. That’s what worries me, especially in late-game situations where Kentucky will find room to score. Kansas State will keep this close, only to see Kentucky pull away late. — Go Chalk with Kentucky

Loyola-Chicago vs. Nevada (-2.5)

This is a great contrast of styles. Loyola-Chicago is elite on the defensive end, ranking 13th in the country in defensive efficiency.

Nevada is elite on the other side of the ball, ranking eighth in the country in offensive efficiency.

It’s a similar contrast that we saw in the second round, when the Wolfpack registered an historic comeback against a dominating Cincinnati defense.

That won’t happen again. The Bearcats exposed some weaknesses in Nevada’s offense. Sometimes in basketball, when the momentum turns, it’s tough to find your way back, which is what happened to Cincinnati.

Loyola-Chicago is good enough on defense to find those same weaknesses, and I wouldn’t count on another furious comeback. I’ll take the points and the better defensive team. — Go Against The Chalk with Loyola-Chicago

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