Florida, Albany/Mount St. Mary's, Colorado, Pittsburgh, VCU, Stephen F. Austin, UCLA, Tulsa, Syracuse, Western Michigan, Ohio State, Dayton, Kansas, Eastern Kentucky, New Mexico, Stanford
Team That Will Overachieve: VCU
While I don't see a deep run for them, I don't see one from any of the other lower seeds. VCU also finds itself going up against a two loss Stephen F. Austin team that hasn't lost since November 23rd. Then, most likely, they'll have to go up against a UCLA team that finished second in the Pac-12 regular season, then won the Pac-12 tournament, capping it off with a 75-71 win over number one Arizona. Still, I think Shaka Smart will have his team ready. They've beaten Virginia and St. Louis this year and have tournament experience. I see them making it to the Sweet 16, pushing Florida for a half, but eventually falling.
Team That Will Underachieve: Syracuse
Man, what has happened with Syracuse lately? After starting the season 25-0, which included wins over Duke, Pitt, Villanova, Baylor, and North Carolina, Syracuse has now lost five out of its last seven games including losses to Boston College, Georgia Tech, and North Carolina State. This team certainly has the talent to go far led by C.J. Fair and Tyler Ennis, and when their 2-3 zone is clicking, it is next to impossible to run an effective offense against them. This team, along with North Carolina, are the two hardest teams to figure out this year. I'm going to bet on the bad, recent Syracuse showing up. They might struggle in the first round against Western Michigan, but should still win. The second round will be a different story, especially if Ohio State gets through. I don't see this team making the Sweet 16, and certainly not the Final Four.
Bold Prediction: No First Round Upsets
Upsets are what make the NCAA tournament exciting. If that's the case, consider this round in this region boring. While I have my doubts about Syracuse and concerns with VCU's matchup, I think all the higher seeds will prevail in their first games. Ohio State and New Mexico might also be primed for an upset, but should be okay.
Difficulty of Region (1-10): 6
As mentioned in my Bold Prediction section, I don't see this region as being very deep. I think the top two seeds in Florida and Kansas have the potential to win the National Title this year. VCU, Syracuse, and UCLA are interesting 3-5 seeds, but I don't see any of them having a chance to reach the Final Four. As the number one overall one seed, Florida certainly got a fairly easy road to the Final Four.
Winner of Region: Florida
Florida has it all. An experienced coach in Billy Donovan who has won back to back titles before, a big presence in the paint with 6'9", 240 pound Patric Young, and a talented guard in Scottie Wilbekin. They have been absolutely rolling as of late and haven't lost since December 2nd by one point to UConn. I think they make the Final Four rather easily and turn their sights to the National Championship game.
Upcoming Regional Breakdowns
Monday - Midwest
Tuesday - West
Wednesday - East & Final Four
Matty O
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