The east region of the 2015 NCAA tournament had a great slate of games in the first and second round. Dayton won the first round game, and their second round game. Also getting second round wins: Villanova, NC State, Northern Iowa, Louisville, Oklahoma, Michigan State, and Virginia. Dayton was the only team to upset their opponent, so we should see some high quality basketball being played here.
2015 NCAA Tournament Round of 32 Preview: East Region
#1 Villanova v. #8 NC State — March 21st, 7:10pm (TBS)
The Wildcats have had an excellent season, but not many people realize it. They share the ball, and that led them to a big win over Lafayette. That said, NC State has had wins over top-notch programs like Duke and North Carolina this season, and they won’t roll over. They’re a quality eight-seed, but Villanova has the fundamentals and experience to close a game like this.
Prediction: Villanova Wildcats
#5 Northern Iowa v. #4 Louisville — March 22nd, 9:40pm (TBS)
There were many doubts about Louisville about halfway through the season. They had no depth, and starter Chris Jones was dismissed from the team. They have found a groove, though. Northern Iowa has been consistently good all season, but their pace is the exact opposite from Louisville’s. Whoever controls the pace will have a good grasp to win this game. Also, watch for Louisville’s Montrezl Harrell to have a big assignment in checking Northern Iowa’s Seth Tuttle.
Prediction: Louisville Cardinals
#11 Dayton v. #3 Oklahoma — March 22nd, 6:10pm (TNT)
The Dayton Flyers have made most of their week of home games, taking down sixth-seeded Providence last night. They will be at home again when they face the Sooners, who won their first game by nine over Albany. The last two years Oklahoma was bounced out after their first game, but things were different this season. This game comes down to coaching, though, and Dayton’s Archie Miller will have the advantage in that department.
Prediction: Dayton Flyers
#7 Michigan State v. #2 Virginia — March 22nd, 12:10pm (CBS)
It’s a rematch of the Sweet Sixteen game last season, a game Michigan State won, and it should be another good one. Both teams play physical defense, and both are up-and-down when it comes to scoring the ball. 15-seed Belmont had a chance at beating Virginia with the three point shot, and if Michigan State can make theirs, the Spartans could pull the upset. Another reason to pick Michigan State? Tom Izzo is ridiculously good at turnaround games in March.
Prediction: Michigan State Spartans
