Team to watch

Southern Mississippi

Coach: Larry Eustachy (139-109 at Southern Mississippi, 399-254 overall)

Top scorer: Guard Neil Watson (12.2 points per game), who comes off the bench, is one of six players averaging 9 points per game or more.

Top rebounder: Forward Jonathan Mills (5.9 rebounds per game) has the school's eagle logo and his No. 24 jersey number etched into his haircut.

Did you know: Of the Eagles' 14-player roster, 10 are transfers either from junior college or another Division I school.

Why they matter: The Eagles, who have been to the NCAA tournament just twice in school history, don't have a great resume beyond their win-loss record (22-5), but are ranked No. 11 in RPI.

Ken Sugiura