2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament: East Region Preview
Mar 16, 2014; Greensboro, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers forward Anthony Gill (13) huddles up with teammate in the final second against the Duke Blue Devils in the championship game of the ACC college basketball tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. Virginia defeated Duke 72-63. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The University of Virginia Cavaliers grabbed the number one seed in the East region of the 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament, deservingly so. They routed the ACC, filled with some of college basketballs strongest teams this year. The Cavaliers, however, were not dealt an easy hand when it comes to their road to the Final Four. They have the chance to meet Villanova, Michigan State, Iowa State and the most confusing team of the year, UNC, along with a handful of other bracket buster teams.
2014 East Region Bracket
1. Virginia (28-6) vs. 16. Coastal Carolina (21-12)
8. Memphis (23-9) vs. 9. G. Washington (24-8)
5. Cincinnati (27-6) vs. 12. Harvard (26-4)
4. Michigan State (26-8) vs. 13. Delaware (25-9)
6. North Carolina (23-9) vs. 11. Providence (23-11)
3. Iowa State (26-7) vs. 14. NC State (28-5)
7. Connecticut (26-8) vs. 10. St. Josephs (24-9)
2. Villanova (28-4) vs. 15. Milwaukee (21-13)
Now we’re going to break down bracket and TV schedule
Mar 16, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Gary Harris (14) is congratulated by guards Keith Appling (11) and Denzel Valentine (45) after dunking against the Michigan Wolverines in the championship game for the Big Ten college basketball tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Games in Raleigh, North Carolina on March 21 and 23
1. Virginia vs. 16. Coastal Carolina – 9:25 PM on TBS
8. Memphis vs. 9. G. Washington – 6:55 PM on TBS
Games in Spokane, Washington on March 20 and 22
5. Cincinnati vs. 12. Harvard – 2:10 PM on TNT
4. Michigan State vs. 13. Delaware – 4:40 PM on TNT
Games in San Antonio, Texas March 21 and 23
6. North Carolina vs. 11. Providence – 7:20 PM on TNT
3. Iowa State vs. 14. NC State – 9:50 PM on TNT
Games in Buffalo, New York on March 20 and 22
7. Connecticut vs. 10. St. Josephs – 6:55 PM on TBS
2. Villanova vs. 15. Milwaukee – 9:25 PM on TBS
Best First Round Games
This region is filled with teams that could win on any given night against one of the best teams in the country and lose to one of the worst. It’s not a bracket that is overfilled with talent or one that’ll be a breeze for a certain team. This bracket could be a bracket buster for many because of the immense amount of mediocracy and equal talent within the middle of the bracket.
5. Cincinnati vs. 12. Harvard
Cincinnati had a rough out in the AAC Tournament and are going to have their hands full with a Harvard team that are hungry for a win in the NCAA Tournament. The Bearcats went 3-8 over their last 11 games, while Harvard went 9-1 in their last 10 games. Both teams have strengths on the defensive end. 5 players for the Crimson also average double figures in scoring, so it’ll be hard to handle hot hands for the Crimson if they get off to a good start against the Bearcats. I see this potentially being an upset, Harvard toppling Cincinnati.
6. North Carolina vs. 11. Providence
North Carolina has been one of the most mind boggling teams this season. They’ve won against the country’s top teams while also losing to teams such as Belmont and UAB. They’re facing a Providence Friar’s team, currently on a hot streak led by their guard, Bryce Cotton. Providence will have to step up their defensive game to come out of this game with the win and UNC just needs to be the team that beat the best teams, not lost to some of the lower tier schools.
Best Bet for the Upset
There are a ton of possibilities in this bracket, many teams capable of getting past their opponent on any given night, while also able to lose to the worst on other nights. Like I previously said, I think the best bet for the upset will be the hungry number 12 seed Harvard against the number 5 seed Cincinnati. It’ll be a close game, but I predict Harvard coming out with the W tonight.
Best Sentimental Choice
I can’t help but for want the Virginia Cavaliers to make it all the way. They’ve shown they can compete with the best teams in the country and even beat them. The beginning on the season was touchy for them, they lost to a decent Tennessee team by 35 points, which may have been the low point for this Virginia team, Tennessee wasn’t the strong and solid team they are right now. After reaching their low this season, this team hasn’t went anywhere but up. They’re led by senior Joe Harris and have a strong will to win, they have a rough road ahead, but they’re capable.
Best Players in the Region
Gary Harris, Michigan State
Melvin Ejim, Iowa State
Bryce Cotton, Providence
Sean Kilpatrick, Cincinnati
James Michael McAdoo, UNC
Predictions
Sweet 16: Virginia, Michigan State, Iowa State, Villanova
Elite 8: Michigan State, Iowa State
Region Winner: Michigan State