2012 Sweet 16 East Region Vegas Odds, Predictions and Free Picks – NCAA Tournament Betting Preview: With the exception of third-seeded Florida State going down, the East Region in the 2012 NCAA tournament bracket has been kind to higher seeds. Three of the top four seeds remain alive, and sixth-seeded Cincinnati would be considered the Cinderella of the bunch. The East Region is probably the most physical, as well. All four remaining teams can play suffocating defense and aren’t afraid to grind out wins. Whoever emerges from this group is going to have to earn it.
2012 Sweet 16 East Region Matchup Previews
No. 4 Wisconsin vs. No. 1 Syracuse: This matchup will put two of the most unique styles in college basketball head to head. The Orange plays a 2-3 zone that can forces opponents into tough shots, while Wisconsin has one of the most methodical offenses in the country. Both teams pride themselves on their defensive intensity, and neither side takes many bad shots. As a result, a low-scoring, defensive battle should be on tap.
Although Jim Boeheim’s team is comfortable playing in the half court, Syracuse’s best chance of winning may come from pushing the tempo. The Orange is the deeper and more athletic team, and speeding up the pace of the game could create some easy scoring opportunities. In a game where points could be tough to come, the opportunity to get some easy baskets can’t be squandered. Not to mention the fact that creating a faster pace would get the Badgers out of their comfort zone.
In the end, Wisconsin presents somewhat of a matchup nightmare for Syracuse. The two soft spot in the 2-3 zone are the perimeter and the foul line area. The Badgers have one of the most skilled group of big men in the country, and all five of Wisconsin’s starters have range out to the 3-point line. As a result, the Badgers have the perfect personnel to exploit Syracuse’s defense. Wisconsin should be able to solve the tricky zone and hit enough shots to sneak by the Orange in a tight one.
2012 Sweet 16 East Region Projected Winner: Wisconsin
No. 6 Cincinnati vs. No. 2 Ohio State: As if a chance to reach the Elite Eight wasn’t enough motivation, this matchup adds a little in-state rivalry to the mix. Since Bob Huggins left Cincinnati, the Bearcats have seen the Buckeyes as emerge as the dominant college basketball program in Ohio. Ohio State would like to keep it that way, but a victory for Cincinnati on such a big stage would be a good first step into taking back some of OSU’s thunder.
In terms of pure talent, the Buckeyes have the edge. William Buford, Deshaun Thomas and Jared Sullinger are all averaging more than 15 points a game, and Sullinger is an All-American candidate. Meanwhile point guard Aaron Craft is one of the best perimeter defenders in the country. However, Cincinnati is playing its best at the right time, and the Bearcats are tenacious and physical on the defensive end. More importantly, forward Yancy Gates gives Cincinnati a big body capable of keeping Sullinger in check.
The officiating could have a big impact on the outcome, especially if Cincinnati isn’t allowed to play its nasty, in your face defense. The Buckeyes have struggled all season against physical teams like Michigan State, and while Cincinnati may not have the scoring ability of the Spartans, the Bearcats do come to play on the defensive end. As long as Sullinger and company aren’t living at the foul line, Cincinnati should be able to turn this into an ugly game and pull off the upset.
2012 Sweet 16 East Region Favorite to Make the Final Four
Wisconsin: After struggling to hit their stride all season, the Badgers have finally found just enough rhythm on the offensive end to make a run to the Final Four. Point guard Jordan Taylor is an excellent leader, and the rest of the starters are getting it done from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s stingy defense and clock bleeding offense frustrates even the best offensive teams. Thanks to their style of play, the Badgers know all about playing in and winning close games. The experience of playing in pressure-packed situations on a regular basis is one more benefit on their side as they make a push towards New Orleans.
2012 Sweet 16 East Region Projected Winner: Cincinnati
EAST REGION ODDS TO WIN
Cincinnati +950
Ohio State +115
Syracuse +150
Wisconsin +450
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