Buckeye Blogger NetworkThe field is set for the men’s 2013 NCAA college basketball tournament. This afternoon we’ll take a look into the East regional that culminates March 30-31 in Washington, DC. If you’ve already filled it out, this will be your chance to review the work you did for our Tournament Challenge this year.
The East regional is topped by the Indiana Hoosiers followed by Miami (Fl), Marquette and Syracuse rounding out the top four seeds. Along with the Hoosiers, the Illinois Fighting Illini will also represent the Big Ten in the region.
Eastern Road To Atlanta
The Favorite: Ranked as the top team in the region, the Hoosiers are the obvious favorite to win the region. Despite falling to Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament semi-finals, they were considered by the selection committee as a lock for a number one seed. The Miami Hurricanes are the “sexy” pick by the national pundits to take the region. The ‘Canes are on a roll winning both their regular season conference championship and the ACC tournament. If anyone can take down the Hoosiers, “The U” may be the ones to do it.
Cinderella: While I don’t see a traditional “Cinderella” team, I do see a few that are in the middle of the pack that may very well make some noise.
While seeded 10th, the Colorado Buffaloes come into the tournament on the heels of their third consecutive 20 win season, the first time that has happened in school history. Though they fell in the second round of the PAC-12 tournament to Arizona, confidence is high amongst head coach Tad Boyle’s team that they can be a player in the East region. Read More
Mike Morrison was flying high against Villanova
On Sunday the Buckeyes will continue their 2011 NCAA Tournament journey when they take on the George Mason Patriots, who prevailed in their first round game against Villanova on Friday. George Mason’s victory was one of the numerous thrilling finishes from this year’s tournament thus far, as the Patriots came back from being down six in the final two minutes to claim the win. A three-pointer from sophomore Luke Hancock with 21 seconds remaining gave George Mason the lead over Villanova, and they were able to hold on for the final few ticks to advance in the bracket.
George Mason is most well known for its epic run to the Final Four in the 2006 Tournament, where they lost to eventual champion Florida in the semifinal game. The Patriots have been back to the tourney since then, but have failed to advance beyond the first round until this year. Jim Larranaga, the coach of that Final Four team, is still at the helm for George Mason and is happy to facilitate hopes of another run through the Big Dance. Ohio State should beware, as this team is focused on making their own story and not just making an appearance for the sake of saying they participated. Read More
