For the most part, the East region has stayed relatively quiet.
There were scares and one major upset, but this region stayed mostly true to form. It also exposed one of the biggest favorites remaining in the tournament.
Here’s the best bets heading into the Sweet 16 and beyond in the 2018 NCAA tournament’s East region.
Who’s going to the Final Four?
Villanova Wildcats
Vegas knows. You know. And pretty much all of college basketball knows. Villanova is among the top two teams to beat in the NCAA tournament.
Heading into the first weekend, oddsmakers had already tabbed the Wildcats with the best shot of winning the tournament. Now, oddsmakers are pegging them at No. 2, slightly behind Duke.
Both teams are heavier favorites than the rest of the top-five in terms of best odds to win the title, which includes Kentucky, Gonzaga and Kansas.
Villanova steamrolled through the first two rounds, showing off a defensive intensity that can make consistent stops, along with NBA talent on the offensive end. Talent-wise, probably only Duke can match up with the Wildcats. However, Villanova owns the edge in experience.
The Wildcats gave no reason to doubt them in the first two rounds, and with all the experience currently residing on that roster, I don’t expect a hiccup in the second weekend.
Sweet 16 odds
West Virginia vs. Villanova (-6)
I’ve gone back and forth with this one, especially since I’m favoring too many favorites in the Sweet 16.
But despite my reservations, I’ll take the Wildcats at this high of a number. It’s not that I don’t believe Villanova will win. See above for that reason. The Wildcats are tops in the nation in offensive efficiency and can play multiple styles on that end of the floor. It’s just West Virginia is good, too, and won’t be an easy out.
But while some may believe a bad shooting day could hamper the Wildcats, I just don’t see that being a major flaw. A bad day shooting for Villanova is still one of the best days shooting for West Virginia.
West Virginia is going to ugly-up this game. That won’t be a problem for such a talented offensive unit as Villanova. This will be close in the first half, but Villanova’s offense will wear out the Mountaineers in the second half. — Go Chalk with Villanova
Texas Tech (+1.5) vs. Purdue
Finally an upset. Kind of.
The Red Raiders are freakishly athletic. That has always been a problem for the Boilermakers in the past (see last year’s blowout Sweet 16 loss to Kansas for an example).
Texas Tech does such a good job on the defensive end that it should negate Purdue’s offensive prowess.
This will be a contrast of styles, but the athleticism from Texas Tech is just too much to overcome for Purdue. This will be close, but I’ll give the Red Raiders an edge. — Go Against The Chalk with Texas Tech
