East Region Predictions
I think the East region has loads of possibilities. I am not seeing a lot of upsets in the first round but after that I think we could see many brackets torn up. In my estimation all 8 of the top seeds could wind up representing this region in the Final Four – I am not sure if that makes this one loaded or light.[ad-4468020]
The Elite (odds are to win East Region)
Virginia +325 – I know I should respect Virginia more but I don’t..and you can see from these odds the books really don’t either. Normally the ACC Champ is a no doubter top seed but that is not the case with the Cavs.
I know their defense is great but at some point you have to outscore someone.
Villanova +325 – Villanova is another team I just don’t trust and the odds support that. The new Big East is not what the old one is and I think they might have gotten too much credit for some early wins against teams that were trying to figure themselves out. I also don’t like that they are limited in terms of style of play.
They have a lot of the same kind of players.
Michigan State +245 – I am shocked they only got a #4 seed after winning the B10 tournament. They are a top 5 calibre team and now that they are healthy there is no limit to how far they can go.
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If they can stay that way than it would almost be a surprise to not see them in at least the Elite Eight.
The oddsmakers clearly agree too.
The Contenders
Iowa State +750 – The Cyclones can score points and that should push them through the first couple of rounds. They do lack size but I think that will only matter if they do ultimately have to slow down Michigan State above.
If someone else takes care of them than the +750 you can get with this former top 10 team seems like an amazing value.
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Memphis +2500 – All of the pieces are there for a deep tournament run. They have a bevy of good experienced guards and enough size to stare down most opponents. The interesting thing for Memphis in this bracket is seeing so many familiar faces.
They lost to Connecticut and Cincinnati in the regular season but I think they could beat them if they had another shot.
Sleepers
Connecticut +1550 – For a lot of the same reasons I like Memphis I like the Huskies. Even though their odds are better than the Tigers I feel like they are more of a sleeper – not sure why. The key for them is getting production up front.
If they can’t the farthest they will get is into next weekend…not beyond.
Cincinnati +1800 – The Bearcats definitely peaked too soon. Still it would not surprise me if Sean Kilpatrick led them on one of those senior who won’t quit drives into the second weekend. If this team were good enough to knock off the Spartans everyone would have a huge debt of gratitude to pay.
5 Predictions
- There won’t be a lot of upsets in the round of 64. Other than Harvard no double digit seed looks like much of a threat.
- The games will not be very exciting. There are some good teams but more lean to being physical and defense than supercharged offense…and that includes North Carolina
- This is the best bracket for point guards: Shabazz Napier, Joe Jackson, Marcus Paige, Keith Appling, and DeAndre Kane.
- Virginia will sweat the first game. This is rarified air for the Cavs and Coastal Carolina’s coach has lots of experience. I could see a tough shooting night equaling some intense moments down the stretch.
- The East winner will not get by the South (most likely Florida…I know – BOLD)
