2016 NCAA Tournament: East Region Preview, Predictions

Chuck Burton, APThe NCAA Tournament is finally upon us and your preview for the East Region is here. It’s time to get your brackets, and emotions ready.By Gregg CambareriThis year’s edition of the NCAA Tournament is sure to be as unpredictable as ever.No team stands out as the clear cut best team in college basketball so parity figures to rule the day.In the East Region, your guess is as good as mine.North Carolina comes in as everybody’s favorite – thanks to their recent ACC triumph – but teams such as Xavier, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia prove how stacked this bracket is.It’s loaded. So much so that classic college hoops matchups have a chance to take place all over the map on this side of the bracket: Kentucky-Indiana, North Carolina-Kentucky, North Carolina-Indiana.Keeping that in mind, let’s break down the East Region:Ready for tomorrow. #ForIndiana #MarchMadness https://t.co/p6YfSsq1CL— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) March 17, 2016Early Action1 North Carolina vs. 16 Florida Gulf CoastThe first matchup of the region features perennial powerhouse North Carolina against 2013 upset specialists Florida Golf Coast. “Dunk City” became the first ever 15 seed to reach the Sweet 16 in 2013, but this veteran laden Carolina squad will be too much for FGCU. There’s a reason why a 16 has never beaten a 1.8 USC vs. 9 ProvidenceYou might remember USC coach Andy Enfield–the man that commandeered FGCU to the Sweet 16 in 2013. After taking the USC job following his March Madness success, he’s landed the Trojans in the dance for the first time since 2007. Their high octane offense (80.8 PPG) will be the headline for their opponents.Providence is led by one of the best 1-2 punches in all of college basketball. Forward Ben Bentil (21.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG) can score from anywhere on the court and poses matchup problems for whichever team must defend him. Guard Kris Dunn is arguably the best and most versatile guard in the country (16.3 PPG, 6.4 APG, 5.7 RPG). The future lottery pick didn’t return for his senior season to leave with a first round exit. The Friars edge the Trojans in a close one.5 Indiana vs. 12 ChattanoogaAhh, the dreaded 5v12 matchup. Since 2008, the 12 seed has pulled the upset 15 out of 32 times. There’s cause for concern here, as Indiana dropped the first game of the BIG 10 Conference tournament, leaving a long layoff between games. Could the Hoosiers be upset by a Chattanooga team that lost just five games all year?It’s never easy to pick an upset, and this isn’t going to be one of them. Despite the Hoosiers early BIG 10 exit, there’s still a reason why they won their conference outright in the regular season. Senior guard Yogi Ferell and forward Troy Williams form one of the better outside-inside combos in college hoops.4 Kentucky vs. 13 Stony BrookSome felt a four seed was low for John Calipari’s men, but it won’t matter against a Stony Brook side ranking 98th in BPI. Wildcats point guard Tyler Ulis spearheads one of the youngest rosters in college basketball, as Kentucky and Carolina are likely to clash in the Sweet 16.6 Notre Dame vs. 11 Michigan/TulsaLast year’s Fighting Irish came within one possession of one of the greatest upsets in NCAA Tournament history, nearly topping a legendary Kentucky squad. This year’s team isn’t as deep as last season’s, but coach Mike Brey has players that know how to win. Guards Demetrius Jackson and Steve Vasturia form a formidable backcourt while forward/center Zach Auguste features as one of the better rebounders in college basketball. Regardless of their oppoenent in the first round, the Irish should get it done.3 West Virginia vs. 14 Stephen F. AustinBob Huggin’s “Press Virginia” team rebounds well and forces turnovers all game long. Forward Devon Williams can score and clean up on the glass down low. No team forces more turnovers than West Virginia…except Stephen F. Austin.Yes, SFA and WVU are two best turnover forcing teams in America. The difference? West Virginia has flat out more talent and big game experience than their opponents which should help them avoid the upset.7 Wisconsin vs 10 PittMichigan State, Maryland, Iowa, Indiana, and VCU– all of whom have been defeated by the Wisconsin Badgers this season. Pitt’s only impressive victory comes at home against Duke. When comes the NCAA Tournament, you gotta love a team that’s battle tested, making Wisconsin the favorite to get it done.2 Xavier vs 15 Weber StateSo here comes upset city right? Not exactly.The East Region has a chance for some upsets but not until after the first round is over. Weber State ranks 130th in BPI and shouldn’t pose too much of a threat to a Xavier team that’s played consistent ball all year. Guards Trevon Bluiett and Myles Davis form one of the more under appreciated backcourts in the country. Look for the Musketeers to survive the weekend.Lots of good hoops content in this week’s issue of CAROLINA: https://t.co/IcvZ3qslTz #UNCBBall pic.twitter.com/MLisCjMqyi— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) March 15, 2016Regional Semi-FinalsCarolina and Kentucky are on a collision course to play in the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16. The two storied programs feature top flight coaches, talents, and fan bases. John Calipari hasn’t had an issue getting young teams to the Final Four, but this year’s team lacks the veteran leadership that can be found on Roy William’s UNC squad. Marcus Paige and Brice Johnson are two on floor leaders that will propel the Tarheels to the Elite 8, but who will they meet for a right to Houston?Xavier’s depth should get them by Wisconsin while Notre Dame’s ball security and timely shooting should upset a West Virginia team that lives off forcing turnovers, leaving us with a 2 vs 6 matchup. Xavier should advance for several reasons–they possess four players who average double figures in scoring (plus two more who average over 9 PPG). Xavier has also been consistent, ranking in the top ten for most of the season. Notre Dame has had it’s share of ups and downs, but will fall a little short against a deep Musketeer team.PREVIEW: Xavier heads to St. Louis for NCAA Tournament First Round. https://t.co/zSZvxTkmOi #LetsMarch pic.twitter.com/QPfgYSH68x— Xavier Basketball (@XavierMBB) March 15, 2016Regional Final A classic 1 v 2 matchup awaits.To be honest, I really like this Xavier team. They don’t get as much love for playing in a watered down Big East, but they just do so many things the right way. Balance, ball distribution, and consistency have rightfully earned them a shot against a Carolina team that many are picking to reach the Final Four.At first glance, it’s easy to pick UNC. Number 1 seed, ACC champs, most of their roster from last season is intact, etc. However, there’s a quiet confidence about Chris Mack’s men.Carolina will be favored to win this game, but in a region that shouldn’t feature too many upsets, Xavier saves the best upset of the East for last.