Bracket Breakdown: East Region
Later today, we'll begin rolling out our Tidbit previews of each team/first-round matchup, but to kick us off, we're gonna look at each region. Here's the East region. We're so glad they're calling it "East" again, instead of the decidedly unromantic "East Rutherford."
Best Storyline: North Carolina potentially playing Kevin Durant and Texas in the Sweet 16. Worst Storyline: Will Tim Floyd and Reggie Theus have a Former Bulls Disasters matchup in the second round? Everybody's Favorite Upset: Oral Roberts is the hip pick to upset Washington State in the first round, using Oral's famed "swirly move." Odd Fact: The team in the region that has gone the longest between NCAA tournament appearances? Washington State, which hasn't been in the tourney since 1994. Most Handsome Man: NMSU coach Reggie Theus, barely edging Texas Tech coach Bobby Knight. Most Skipable First-Round Game: Vanderbilt-George Washington.
And, some predictions from around the Internets:
• Dick Vitale: North Carolina. • Jay Bilas: Georgetown. • Andy Katz: Georgetown. • Stuart Mandel: Georgetown. • Gregg Doyel: North Carolina. • DEADSPIN: North Carolina. Last year, we thought they were going to be terrifying when they grew up. They are. And not just Hansbrough's face.
Your thoughts, bring 'em, if it's not too early in the morning.
Related
Three Eastern Conference Trade Deadline Winners to Watch
Top Three Trade Destinations for Colts QB Anthony Richardson
Why The Darryn Peterson Backlash Has Gone Too Far
Three Best College Basketball Bets For Feb. 25th's Slate
10 NFL Combine Sleepers Ready to Boost Their Draft Stock
Three Best NBA Bets for Tuesday Feb 24th's Slate
- Three Best NBA Bets for Tuesday Feb 24th's Slate
- NL East Future Betting Picks: Season Win Totals and Division Predictions
- Monday College Basketball Betting Picks for Houston-Kansas and Louisville-UNC
- Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Betting Picks: USA vs. Canada Predictions
- Three MLB Futures Picks to Beat Los Angeles Dodgers in 2026
- UFC Houston Predictions: Strickland vs. Hernandez Betting Picks
- Friday NBA Odds & Best Bets: Feb. 20th Top Basketball Betting Picks

