Bodog Beat

After missing the past two NCAA tournaments, the Washington Huskies won their first outright conference title since 1953. (AP Images)

Any tourney success hinges on whether Isaiah Thomas can handle the pressure of the big games. Washington needs to force the tempo to win, otherwise its backcourt can be exploited defensively in a half-court game.

When the Huskies take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the opening round the key matchup will likely be Jon Brockman vs. Jarvis Varnado.

Before he gets a shot at Hasheem Thabeet of UConn, Varnado will have his hands full in the opening round against Brockman. Varnado leads the nation in blocks and swatted away 22 shots in four SEC tournament games. He should face a tougher challenge against Brockman, who averages 14.9 points and 11.2 rebounds.

The Bulldogs don’t have enough offensive firepower to survive too long, but Varnado’s presence makes them capable of an early upset. Be sure to get your NCAA basketball betting with Bodog before the big game!