NCAA Tournament East Region: Top first-round matchups, upsets, predictions

John Fanta

College Basketball Broadcaster and Reporter

Welcome to the East Area breakdown, or as I can time period it, The Area of Nightmares. 

Why? Since you’ve were given the reigning nationwide champion UConn Huskies, who’re 37-3 in this system’s extreme 40 video games. Upload within the convention event champion from the most efficient league in The united states, the Fat 12, with an Iowa Order group that defines toughness, has a dynamic freshman in Milan Momcilovic and a veteran backcourt. Next there’s the Fat Ten Event champion, Illinois, who has the 1-2 duo in Terrence Shannon Jr. and Marcus Domask, and is 7-1 in its extreme 8 video games. Now not excellent plethora for you? The 4-seed, Auburn, is disrespected on that wrinkle. The Tigers are peak 5 in KenPom and Torvik, proudly owning a 27-7 report later successful the SEC Event and boasting a celeb within in Johni Broome. Bruce Pearl’s group may give the Huskies an actual take a look at in the second one weekend. That being stated, there are some mid-majors on this pocket that might handover a scare too! 

Let’s get to it. 

1. Of the peak 4 seeds, who has essentially the most favorable draw? 

For starters, this pocket is the actual proof that the committee doesn’t take note of convention tournaments up to we predict, as a result of Iowa Order wasn’t even related to the 1-line and Auburn didn’t stand to the 3-line later successful the SEC Event. To reply to this query particularly, I honestly consider UConn might be untouchable on this pocket. In truth, the draw is tougher than it will have to be with Fat 12 Event champion Iowa Order, Fat Ten Event champion Illinois and the Tigers to around out the peak 4. 

However there’s deny possible method the Huskies don’t construct it to the Candy 16 in Boston. I do get that Auburn, with a KenPom ranking of four and an elite protection, may give the Huskies some suits with the best way they barricade however I don’t assume it’s definitive that Auburn will get to the second one weekend as a result of I despise its draw. Up to I wish to say Iowa Order would problem the Huskies extra, I nonetheless would instead play games the Cyclones than 2-seeds Tennessee or Arizona. Sure, I’m neatly mindful that Iowa Order beaten Houston within the Fat 12 Event championship sport however I nonetheless have some considerations about its offense. 

There’s in reality deny evil draw for this 31-3 UConn group. They’re that excellent. 

2. What’s the maximum mischievous first-round matchup on this pocket? 

For me, it’s Washington Order and Drake. 

Kyle Smith has finished a fantastic task with the Cougars, taking them to the large dance for the primary generation since 2008. It’s simply the fourth generation in program historical past that they’re within the NCAA Event, with a top-30 KenPom protection and 4 gamers averaging in double-figures with Isaac Jones and Myles Rice eminent the best way. 

However right here’s the problem: they’re a 7-seed taking part in a de facto street sport in opposition to Drake in Omaha within the first around. The Missouri Valley Convention champion Bulldogs are handiest 135 miles from and feature a father-son duo of head lecturer Darian DeVries and celebrity Tucker DeVries (21.8 PPG) eminent them. This has the makings of a admirable one within the Thursday evening (10:05 p.m. ET tip) window, and it would now not component huge-name manufacturers, however relating to a sport, it can be a super affair between groups that do issues in several tactics. 

3. Who’re 3 must-see gamers on this pocket? 

• Tristen Newton, UConn – The All-American barricade does so, such a lot for this Huskies group and averaging 15/7/5 at the season.
• Jaedon LeDee, San Diego Order – The 6-foot-9 senior has been unstoppable this season in eminent the Aztecs again to the large dance, averaging 21.1 issues and eight.4 rebounds according to sport week capturing 56 p.c from the ground. If SDSU will get on any other run, which is solely imaginable, be careful.
• Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois – He’s going to be as mentioned as any participant on this NCAA Event in part because of his investigation and rape trial coming in Might, and him getting a short lived restraining line granted through a pass judgement on permitting him to play games. As for what he’s doing at the courtroom, Shannon led the Illini to this system’s 2nd Fat Ten Event identify in 4 years on Sunday, following up a 40-point efficiency within the semifinals with a 34-point one within the identify sport. Refuse barricade is taking part in higher than him at this time.

4. Which group will have to be on disenchanted alert within the opening around?

It’s Auburn for me. I in reality do assume that Yale can select off the Tigers. The Bulldogs have 5 gamers averaging in double-figures and will decelerate the pace of the sport at 327 within the nation in that column. Sure, I’m neatly mindful Auburn rolled to an SEC identify. However, we’ve realized within the large dance, now not a lot within the month issues. Don’t amusement at the Ivy League, Auburn. 

5. Which group do you view as the possible Cinderella of this pocket? 

It’s Drake. That’s a 28-6 group with a top-40 offense that can be a double-digit seed within the bracket, however is a ways from that during how they play games and the celebrity they have got in Tucker DeVries. They reasonable 9 made 3s according to sport and don’t must exit a ways, with the ability to play games in Omaha. Darnell Brodie is a succesful put up presence, and guards Atin Wright and Kevin Overton are forged in supplementing what DeVries does. This group performed and beat fellow event groups Nevada and Oakland week additionally taking part in Akron and UAB. Plus, the Bulldogs passed Indiana Order (First 4 out) two of the Sycamores‘ six losses. 

6. Who might be within the regional ultimate? 

UConn vs. Iowa Order. I just like the Huskies as a result of the scoring intensity that they possess in a matchup like this, and don’t assume the Cyclones would fit up neatly with unicorn Donovan Clingan. Give me Dan Hurley’s group to win the regional identify and journey to Arizona. I don’t assume any one’s choosing in opposition to UConn on this pocket. 

John Fanta is a countrywide school basketball broadcaster and essayist for FOX Sports activities. He covers the game in plenty of capacities, from calling video games on FS1 to serving as manage host at the BIG EAST Virtual Community to offering statement on The Farmland of 68 Media Community. Observe him at @John_Fanta.

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