2016 NCAA Tournament: East Region Preview, Predictions

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, 2016

Regional 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.