TEAM TO BEAT: Purdue. Zach Edey. That 7'4 form of length in the paint that is so difficult to defend and nearly impossible to get around. A guy like that uplifts his teammates and allows them to take opportunities others aren't afforded. Edey was asked to take on more this season, and here is the time to shine. TEAM THAT WILL WIN THE REGION: Purdue. They've been right there over the last few years and I think Matt Painter finally gets it done.
TEAM TO WATCH FOR (LESS THAN A NO. 3 SEED): Duke. The Blue Devils aren't their typical dominating selves heading in the NCAA tournament but they are certainly playing at their best. They have such a young team that has finally found itself ... as has their first year head coach, Jon Scheyer.
YOUR CINDERELLA: Oral Roberts. Having said that, the last two times Duke wasn't a top four seed, they lost in the first round. And their first round opponent, Oral Roberts, is as dangerous a 12th seed as you will see. Max Abmas and Connor Vanover are dangerous players. If ORU has made a Sweet 16 run two years ago and could do it once again.
WORST SEEDING ERROR: Duke. They've really come on of late and dominated the ACC tournament. I think they're better than a No. 5 seed.
HOME COURT ADVANTAGE: Michigan State. Really no one has that great of advantage, but Columbus will a relatively easy trip for Purdue, Marquette and Michigan State. Ah, but Michigan State should have quite the crowd in Ohio's capital if they face Marquette in the second round.
MUST WATCH GAME: Duke vs Oral Roberts. There are a lot of great first round matchups in the East, but this Duke-Oral Roberts game is just so intriguing. We all know how dangerous ORU can be and Duke is equally playing its best basketball right now but also isn't the powerful entry it usually is. Both teams could actually go far in this tournament.
MUST WATCH (POTENTIAL) SECOND ROUND GAME: Purdue vs Memphis. Look, Memphis just beat another No. 1 team this past Sunday, Houston. This is Penny Hardaway and he's not going to have his team scared of anyone. Purdue doesn't have that flex like the other No. 1 seeds but they do have the best player in college basketball in Edey. We all look for a top seed to miss the second weekend and this could be the game that makes that happen.
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