Blatant Homerism 2025 NCAA Tournament Preview: East Region
Blatant Homerism 2025 NCAA Tournament Preview: East
The story: Cooper Flagg’s ankle
Duh. Flagg entered this season as one of the most heralded prospects to land in the college game in years. He didn’t disappoint, leading the best team in the country in every statistical category.
It was disappointing, however, to see Flagg leaving the ACC tournament last week with a bum ankle. All indications point to him taking the floor for No. 1 Duke in the big dance. If he’s limited, though…
The favorite: Duke
OK, so we just talked about how important Flagg is to the Dukies’ title hopes. News flash: This team probably ends up in the Elite Eight even without him. Since he likely will be a go, the Blue Devils remain the odds-on favorites to head to San Antonio.
Best bet: No. 7 Saint Mary’s (-4) vs. No. 10 Vanderbilt
The Commodores may have the resume to be in this affair, but they don’t have the team. Vandy checks in at 48th overall in net efficiency, per Kenpom.com. That’s the second-worst metric for the at-large squads, ahead of only Utah State.
The ‘Dores get the misfortune of playing an underseeded St. Mary’s team with something to prove after last year’s upset loss to Grand Canyon in round one. A fired-up bunch of Gaels are going to romp on Friday.
Hold your nose: No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 12 Liberty
In one corner, you’ve got Dana Altman. In the other, the progeny of Jerry Falwell.
Gross.
The pick: Duke over Alabama
The Blue Devils probably won’t break a sweat before the Sweet 16. At that point, No. 4 Arizona can hang with them for a half or so – assuming the Wildcats defeat former conference mate Oregon in the round of 32.
That sets up a clash with No. 2 Alabama in the Elite Eight. The Crimson Tide could get a scare from Randy Bennett’s Gaels in the second round. Don’t sleep on No. 3 Wisconsin upsetting Bama in the Sweet 16, either.
Duke-Bama for a spot in the Final Four sounds like fun. Expect points, but Jon Scheyer’s team will cut down the nets when all is said and done.
*Bonus
Final Four: Florida over Michigan State; Houston over Duke.
Championship: Houston over Florida.