2015 Bracketology Picks: NCAA Tournament East Region Odds, Predictions & Bracket Projections

2015 Bracketology Picks: NCAA Tournament East Region Odds, Predictions & Bracket Projections: The East Region of the NCAA Tournament Bracket could be nicknamed the black and blue region because whichever team emerges to cut down the nets is going to have been in plenty of battles. The East Region is loaded with defensive-minded teams that prefer to win games by wearing down their opponents with tough, physical play. Survive and advance is the name of the game in March, and that will be especially true in the East Region of the NCAA Tournament Bracket.

NCAA East Bracket Favorites to Make the Final Four

Virginia: The Cavaliers won the ACC regular season title, and despite losing two of their final three games, it is tough to discount a team that won one of the toughest conferences in the country. Yes, they have struggled offensively at times, but they are one of the top defensive squads in the country. More importantly, guard Justin Anderson is returning just in time for the NCAA tournament, giving Virginia its most efficient and clutch scorer back. At full strength, the Cavaliers could make a run to Indianapolis.

Villanova: It is tough to gauge the revamped Big East conference, but give the Wildcats credit. They are 32-2 with both losses coming on the road, including one in overtime. They are also one of the more balanced teams in the country, stifling opponents on the defense end and ranking in the top 25 nationally in scoring. In a region littered with stout defensive teams, the Wildcats’ offensive punch could separate them from the pack.

Michigan State: It’s March, and like clockwork, Tom Izzo’s team is rounding into form. The Spartans closed the year by beating four straight teams that made the NCAA tournament before falling to Wisconsin in overtime of the Big Ten title game. Out-of-conference matchups against Duke, Kansas and Notre Dame should have the Spartans prepared for the level of competition they will face this time of year, and Michigan State’s physicality and toughness is a perfect fit for a region loaded with teams that try to win on the defensive end.

NCAA East Bracket Upset Specials

Boise State/Dayton over Providence: This pick is about my lack of confidence in Providence more than anything else. Yes, they gave Villanova a good game in the Big East tournament, but the Friars are a very inefficient offensive team, and they have ugly losses to Marquette, Boston College and Brown on their resume. Providence is an over-seeded team that is ripe for an upset.

LSU over North Carolina State: The Tigers bring a solid duo of big men into the matchup in Jarrell Martin and Jordan Mickey, and LSU is one of the best rebounding teams in the country overall. Heck, the Tigers held their own inside against Kentucky, falling by just two points. More importantly, North Carolina State has been basketball’s version of Jekyll and Hyde. Will the team that beat Duke show up for the NCAA tournament or the team that lost to Boston College, Wake Forest and Wofford? I don’t trust the Wolfpack to suddenly figure out how to give a consistent effort.

NCAA East Bracket High Seeds on Alert

Louisville: It hasn’t exactly been a smooth year for the Cardinals, and while they have had some big wins, they are a horrible shooting team, especially from the perimeter. Not to mention the fact that guard Chris Jones was dismissed from the team, leaving Louisville with even less perimeter firepower. Yes, the Cardinals will grind it out on the defensive end, but at the end of the day, they aren’t going to be able to overcome their prolonged scoring droughts in a region loaded with stout defensive teams.

NCAA East Bracket PREDICTION: Michigan State Spartans

Odds to Win the East Region
Villanova #1
9/5
Virginia #2
9/4
Northern Iowa #5
8/1
Oklahoma #3
9/1
Michigan State #7
12/1
Louisville #4
14/1
LSU #9
25/1
NC State #8
25/1
Providence #6
33/1
Dayton #11
50/1
Georgia #10
50/1
Wyoming #12
50/1
Boise State #11
66/1
Albany #14
150/1
Belmont #15
150/1
UC Irvine #13
150/1
Lafayette #16
300/1