2024 NCAA Tournament South Region bracket strategy: Will Houston advance? Bracket busters and more

The East may be the "Region of Death" this year, but the South isn't far behind. 

Houston is the deserving top seed. The Cougars rolled to a 30-4 record in their first season in the Big 12. Houston ranks top 20 in both offensive and defensive efficiency on KenPom, making them one of the most complete teams in the country. 

While Houston may be tough to beat, the committee wasn't kind to the Cougars. Teams that beat Houston need to do two things: Make shots and compete on the boards. The South is full of offensive juggernauts that can make shots against anyone, led by No. 2 Marquette, No. 3 Kentucky, No. 4 Duke and No. 7 Florida, all who rank top 20 in offensive efficiency. 

Houston has the team to cut down the nets, although their path to a championship won't be an easy one. 

Odds to win South Region (FanDuel)

• Houston +145
• Marquette +500
• Duke +650
• Kentucky +700
• Wisconsin +1200
• Florida +1500
• Texas Tech +1500
• Nebraska +3000
• Colorado +3500
• Texas A&M +3500
• North Carolina State +4500
• Boise State +6500
• James Madison +7500
• Oakland +25000
• Vermont +25000
• Western Kentucky +25000
• Longwood: +25000

Which team will win the South Region? And which upset could bust brackets? Join SportsLine right now to see South Region bracket strategy, all from the expert who is on a 20-3 ATS run at SportsLine, returning $1,663 to $100 bettors!