To assist in your annual plight to win the NCAA Tournament office pool. Brad Evans breaks down his favorite picks section by glorious section. Bold and very disputable, here’s his breakdown of the East Region. Fade or follow? That’s up to YOU!
Region winner -- Iowa State Cyclones (To reach Final Four +245, DraftKings)
Surprised? Ardent chalk supporters are likely offended by this selection, but the justification is warranted. The Cyclones played exceptional ball in the Big 12 Tournament, sunk only by a Jayden Bradley jumper at the buzzer in the title matchup. At No. 7 overall on BarTorvik the last 30 days, they enter the Dance on a high note. They're experienced, often deadly from three and feature several key role players who excel doing the little things. Stars Joshua Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey and Milan Momcilovic are also wonderfully versatile. Most outstandingly, Iowa State's blanketing pressure defense ties ball handlers in knots. If they reach the Elite Eight, turnover-heavy Michigan could crumble -- especially down backup point guard LJ Cason. Final buzzer: the pride of Ames may be the lone non-No. 1 seed to reach Circle City.
Cinderella special (12+ seed) -- Akron Zips (+260 ML vs. Texas Tech)
As their nickname suggests, the Zips are an uptempo team capable of running with -- if not outright defeating -- presumed Goliaths. John Groce's group is one of the best scoring squads in the entire field. Over the last 30 days, they're No. 28 nationally in effective field-goal percentage offense, converting 57.4 percent from two and 37.4 percent from three. Also combative on the defensive end, Akron is a plus rebounding team and generates a turnover on over 17 percent of opponent possessions. It's lack of three-point contests aren't a selling point, but against a Texas Tech team without JT Toppin and with a potentially limited Christian Anderson, the daddies of the MAC could make backers "Jump, Jump!" That's right -- a classic 12-over-5.
Sleeper shot (No. 3-No. 11 seed) -- Alabama Crimson Tide (To reach Sweet Sixteen +120, DraftKings)
Late Monday morning, news dropped second-leading scorer Aden Holloway was arrested on first-class marijuana possession charges. At print time, his availability for the NCAA Tournament is completely unknown. With or without its standout guard, Alabama has the potential to shoot its way into the Sweet Sixteen and maybe further. The Tide live and die by the three. Over 53 percent of their fires come from distance where over 41 precent of their points are logged. Yes, their defensive and rebounding flaws are well-documented, but if habanero hot from outside, they can eliminate anyone in the country. Holloway's status is indeed a complication. Still, LaBaron Philon, Amari Allen, Houston Mallette and Aiden Sherrell can seriously stroke it.
Best opening round bet -- SMU/Miami OH OVER 164.5 (-110, BetMGM)
Two stat sheet stuffing offenses. Two breakneck paces. Two spectacular backcourts. Two turnstile defenses. SMU and Miami OH has first to 90 points written all over it. Since February 1, the Mustangs and Redhawks each rank inside the top-40 nationally in effective field-goal percentage offense, netting a combined 56+ percent from two and 37+ percent from three. They also both slot inside the top 90 in adjusted tempo and stand unattractively outside the top 150 in several defensive categories. With Miami's campus not far from Dayton, the atmosphere inside UD Arena is sure to buzz. In what should be a highly entertaining First Four matchup, the over could hit with ease ... maybe.