Bracket Projection: Saint Louis

The Saint Louis Billikens overcame the passing of former coach Rick Majerus and head into the 2013 NCAA tournament playing some of the best defense in the nation. What has to go right for Jim Crews' squad to make a deep run in the Big Dance, and what mishaps could mean an early exit?

ESPN Insider has your answers, as Joe Lunardi has enlisted a team of Bracketologists to compile advanced metrics, key scouting intel and best- and worst-case tournament scenarios for all 68 teams, all in order to help you make smart picks in your bracket. Plus, as Lunardi fills out his bracket, he'll give you his prediction on how each team will fare.

Lunardi's Logic

When you effectively choke off the other team's offense and can score from all five spots at the other end of the floor, that's a really good formula. And Saint Louis is a really, really good team. I'd like their chance for the Elite Eight (or more) in any other region but this one, where the emerging Louisville juggernaut dwarfs everything. The Billikens are a Sweet 16 team, though, and Rick Majerus would be proud.

TOURNEY PROFILE

Best wins: New Mexico, Butler (twice, home and away), VCU

Worst losses: Rhode Island

To read the complete tournament guide preview for the Saint Louis Billikens, and to gain access to all of ESPN Insider's NCAA tournament coverage, sign up today.

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