East Region preview: The most underrated grouping in the tournament
The Favorite
Villanova
No. 1 Villanova comes into the tournament on a 15-game win streak. The winner of the Big East conference is led by an outstanding two-way player in forward Daniel Ochefu, who's averaging 10.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in his last six games.
The Wildcats will frustrate opponents with efficiency, as they barely turn the ball over but are adept at finding open shooters. They utilize quality play at the guard position and strong defense from forwards Ochefu and JayVaughn Pinkston.
The Contenders
Virginia
No. 2 Virginia smothered teams with the best defense in the nation, holding opponents to an average of just 50.7 points. After going 29-3 and missing out on a No. 1 seed, Virginia will definitely play with something to prove.
Louisville
The No. 4 Cardinals are another one of the better defending teams in the group, allowing just 59.5 points with 8.3 steals and 5.5 blocks. Teams will need to be on point when playing this defensive powerhouse.
The Sleepers
LSU
The No. 9 Tigers are a force to deal with in the post, with a pair of First-Team All-SEC forwards in Jarell Martin and Jordan Mickey, helping the Tigers average 39.2 rebounds and 6.2 blocks. Teams are in for a blue-collar clash against LSU.
Michigan State
The No. 7 Spartans don't posses the defensive prowess of previous years, but they've been strong on the offensive end. They rank seventh nationally with a 1.47 assist-to-turnover ratio and fourth nationally with 17.1 assists per game, while making 47.1 of their shots.
Player to watch
Louisville F Montrezl Harrell
One of the most intimidating forces in college basket is this 6-foot-8, 240 pound junior with seemingly an endless supply of energy. Montrezl Harrell is a rare talent that combines great size and length - he has a 7-foot-4 wingspan - in the post with leaping ability. He also possesses an unappreciated mid-range jumper. He does his damage not from being the best fundamentally, but the best athletically.
Harrell averaged a near double-double with 15.7 points and 9.5 rebounds and has been on a tear as of late, averaging 19 points and 12 rebounds on 55 percent shooting over his last three games. Expect his name to be a common point of conversation as NBA scouts take notice of Louisville in the tournament.
Upset special
No. 12 Wyoming over No. 5 Northern Iowa
While Northern Iowa showed grit by rallying from down 18 to win the Missouri Valley Championship, they face a Wyoming team that's back at full strength with forward Larry Nance Jr. in the fold.
The Cowboys' 12th seed is misleading, they were hurt by the loss of Nance and lost games while he sat out and then got reacclimated with the team. His lanky 6-foot-8, 235-pound frame with outside shooting ability could be too much for the Panthers to handle.