The 2014 NCAA East Region has Virginia as the one seed. Michigan State, Villanova, Providence, Cincinnati, North Carolina, Connecticut, Iowa State round out this region of outstanding teams. The Cincinnati – Harvard first round game strikes me as a tough game for Cincinnati. Every year a 12 seed takes out a 5 seed. This is the one you have to look at with Harvard getting better under Tommy Amaker every year.
St. Joe’s could give UConn a game also depending on which Kevin Ollie team shows up. Virginia is good but they are going to have to play well to justify that one seed. Michigan State and Tom Izzo are poised to get hot at the right time after a season of injuries. I like them to go far in this region, even to the final game.
North Carolina – Providence is an intriguing first round game and one that UNC should not take lightly. If UNC prevails they have Iowa State waiting for them. The possibility of a Big Five matchup between Villanova and St. Joe’s would be a nice addition to this region. Villanova can go a few rounds if they get back to the way they played earlier in the year. If Michigan State plays their game they will advance but not without a few moments where they lose a lead and Izzo has to rein them in. This region is ripe with upset possibilities. I can’t wait to see who makes it rain in the East.
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