Sportz Assassin's East Region Preview

TEAM TO BEAT: Michigan. Up until the last two weeks of the season, the Wolverines have been hanging in that triumvirate with Gonzaga and Baylor. This is a talented offensive team with a bit on an edge coming into this tournament. 

TEAM THAT WILL WIN THE REGION: Alabama. The Crimson Tide are one of the best two way teams in the country. They are aggressive on both ends of the court and have a guy in Herbert Jones that can be everywhere. Well coached and the lone power conference school to win both the regular season and conference titles. 

TEAM TO WATCH FOR (LESS THAN A NO. 3 SEED): Florida State. This is a typical Leonard Hamilton team. They are tall, interchangeable and athletic.  Freshman sensation Scottie Barnes is a 6'9 point guard who is coming off the bench. 

YOUR CINDERELLA: Michigan State. Yeah, it sucks when you see a team with this kind of branding labeled a Cinderella, but it applies this year. They are talented ... they just don't play up to it. They've also dealt with players in and out of the lineup so continuity has been a problem. They can get UCLA in the First Four and BYU in the first round. From there, they can bang with Texas and get to the Sweet 16. Tom Izzo is a tournament legend, so it is tough to sell him short.   

WORST SEEDING ERROR: Georgetown. Sure, they are 13-12 ... but they did win the Big East tournament. Shouldn't that get them an 11th seed ahead of a First Four matchup between Michigan State and UCLA?     

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE: Michigan State. Not only will Spartans fans be able to come down into Indiana to watch their team play, but their First Four game is in Mackey Arena ... a place they played a month ago when they lost to Purdue. That little bit of familiarity will help. 

MUST WATCH GAME: Michigan State vs UCLA. Yes, a First Four game is the best matchup we have set. Two power programs who have had a skittish season facing off on a national stage Thursday night. 

MUST WATCH (POTENTIAL) SECOND ROUND GAME: Michigan vs LSU.  Michigan is without Isaiah Livers and will have to face Cameron Thomas, who led all freshmen in scoring this year. Michigan could be the first No. 1 seed to fall.