2011 March Madness - East Region (First Weekend)

The East region has the best potential games out of any of the four regions. North Carolina alone could have must see games with Washington, Syracuse and Ohio State. 2006 Cinderella George Mason has a chance to make new history, as if they get past Villanova, they will get a shot at Ohio State in Cleveland. The region also features exciting players such as Jared Sullinger, Harrison Barnes, Scoop Jardine, and Kentucky's fabulous freshman.

Best Game: #8 George Mason vs. #9 Villanova

These teams last met just a little over a year ago in the Puerto Rico Shootout, with the Wildcats escaping with a narrow win. Since that time Mason is much improved, while the Wildcats have lost Scottie Reynolds, and enter the Tournament reeling. The Wildcats have lost five in a row, and don't have a good win since February 5th against West Virginia. Villanova is all about their guards, Corey Fisher, Corey Stokes, and Maalik Wayns. It will be up to Mason's guards, starters Cam Long and Andre Cornelius, and sixth man Isaiah Tate to contain the Wildcats three headed monster. The Patriots are an efficient team, that usually take advantage of every possession and create havoc on defense. Forwards Ryan Pearson, Luke Hancock, and Mike Morrison should have the necessary toughness and skills around the basket to give Villanova problems.

Player to Watch: Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger

Sullinger has been Mr. Everything for the Buckeyes this season. Sullinger has averaged 17.2 ppg and 10.1 rpg. He also is an effective free throw shooter, hitting 70% of his foul shots. Sullinger should have dominating games against either Villanova or Mason in the Third Round, as neither team has the bigs to battle with him.

Lowest Seed to Make It Through the First Weekend: #4 Kentucky

It is not exciting but I think this region will be mostly chalk. Kentucky has too much talent to lose to Princeton, and I think the Wildcats will avoid West Virginia in the Third Round, as I see the Moutaineers getting upset. Kentucky doesn't have much depth but they also don't have any weakness in their starting lineup. Brandon Knight has continued the John Calipari string of recruiting exciting guards, while Terrence Jones does the dirty work inside.

Best Potential Game: #2 North Carolina vs. #7 Washington

As a basketball fan I would love to see this game, but as a North Carolina fan, it terrifies me. The Huskies are one of the best offensive teams in the country, and a battle between the veteran Isaiah Thomas and the Freshman Kendall Marshall would be scintillating. Carolina will have to be at their defensive best to beat the Huskies, and can't have Marshall struggle like he did against Duke in the ACC Championship.

Predictions

First Round:

#16 UT-San Antonio over #16 Alabama State

#12 Clemson over #12 UAB

Second Round:

#1 Ohio State over #16 UT-San Antonio

#8 George Mason over #9 Villanova

#12 Clemson over #5 West Virginia

#4 Kentucky over #13 Princeton

#6 Xavier over #11 Marquette

#3 Syracuse over #14 Indiana State

#7 Washington over #10 Georgia

#2 North Carolina over #15 Long Island

Third Round:

#1 Ohio State over #8 George Mason

#4 Kentucky over #12 Clemson

#3 Syracuse over #6 Xavier

#2 North Carolina over #7 Washington