The East Regional is the toughest in my opinion. North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Louisville, and Washington State help make up at least four top notch teams that opponents will have to worry about. We also have teams like Indiana, Notre Dame, Butler, and Oklahoma that should be feared. Take a closer look at this regional by reading below.
 vs. 
3/21 - 7:10 - Raleigh, NC
| Mt St. Mary's experienced the high of their NCAA Tournament run Tuesday when they beat Coppin
State in the play-in game at Dayton. The upcoming game for the Tarheels is a great opportunity
for them to rest ailing point guard Ty Lawson. If the Heels choose to give Lawson the extra time off
it shouldn't even matter. Prediction: UNC 93, MSM 61
|
 vs. 
3/21 - 9:30 - Raleigh, NC
| Indiana freshmen sensation guard Eric Gordon and center D.J. White make up a fierce tandem for the
Hoosiers. I know the Hoosiers haven't been playing that well and Arkansas has better athletes in my
opinion, but I just think that Indiana is more fundamentally sound to walk away with the win in this
first round battle. Prediction: Indiana 65, Arkansas 63 |
 vs. 
3/20 - 9:40 - Denver, CO
| Notre Dame has plenty of offense between point guard Kyle Mcalarney and center Luke Harangody.
However, the questions for the Irish remain on the defensive end. George Mason still have some
experience left over from their Final four run from two years ago, but I think they're bid for an upset
this time around will fall short. Prediction: ND 80, GMU 73
|
 vs. 
3/20 - 7:20 - Denver, CO
| I've been trying to root for Washington State all season long because I just always felt that when they
are actually able to put things together they would be able to beat anyone. Unfortunately, I never
saw any signs that this team is coming together before the NCAA Tournament hit. Still, I expect them
to control the pace in this game and come away with the win. Prediction: WSU 69, WU 61
|
 vs. 
3/21 - 7:10 - Birmingham, AL
| The first upset from the East Regional will take place when Pat Calathes and the St. Joe's Hawks sqeak
by the Oklahoma Sooners. I think this is going to be a highly competitive game that will be closely
contested to the end. Prediction: St. Joes 64, OU 63 |
 vs. 
3/21 - 9:30 - Birmingham, AL
| The U of L is a fan favorite among NCAA "bracketologist". Louisville has really played well towards the
end of the season, perhaps justifying many people's opinions. his is a great matchup for the Cardinals
because all Boise State wants to do is get into the open court and run. Unfortunately, Louisville is as
conditioned as any team in the nation and they will prevail. Prediction: UL 79, BSU 62 |
 vs.
3/21 - 2:30 - Birmingham, AL
| #10 seeded South Alabama was fortunate enough to get matched up with another mid-major team
essentially at home since the game is being played in Alabama-Birmingham. The bad news is I think
the Butler Bulldogs feel as though they got jipped as a #7 seed, so expect Butler to bring the pain in
the opening round against an inferior team. Prediction: BU 63, USA 55
|
 vs. 
3/21 - 2:15 - Birmingham, AL
| The Tenneesee Volunteers will come out of the gates rockin as soon as they hit the court against
American. Tennessee may not have the best defense, but they have plenty of offense to handle
one of the lower-tier programs in the country. Prediction: UT 95, AU 71 |
