2015 NCAA Tournament: East Region Predictions and Analysis

Round of 64

(1) Villanova vs. (16) Lafayette

A 16 seed has never defeated a one seed. While it's not impossible that a 16 seed will win a game, this one is not the matchup where this will happen. The Wildcats were the top team in the Big East this season, and are coming off a Big East Tournament title.

Pick: Villanova

(8) NC State vs. (9) LSU

Most 8-9 seed games are a toss up in the Tournament. While this will be a close one, pick NC State. NC State finished with a 20-13 record overall, and defeated Duke and UNC, among others, this season.

Pick: NC State

(5) Northern Iowa vs. (12) Wyoming

Wichita State wasn't the best team in the Missouri Valley Conference this season, Northern Iowa was. The Panthers won the MVC Tournament and stacked up well in almost every non-conference contest the team played this season.

Pick: Northern Iowa

(4) Louisville vs. (13) UC Irvine

Louisville defeated Virginia without Chris Jones, and the Cardinals will be fine in the Tournament without him as well. UC Irvine have a pair of seven footers, but the Cards still have a starting five full of some of the best talent in the nation.

Pick: Louisville

(6) Providence vs. (11) Dayton/Boise State

Led by Kris Dunn and LaDontae Henton, Providence finished in fourth place in the Big East. The Friars lost to Boston College and Brown early in the season, but the team overcame this, and played well in the rest of non conference play and overall.

Pick: Providence

(3) Oklahoma vs. (14) Albany

Albany had a comeback win in the American East Conference Championship, but the upset won't happen for the Great Danes against Oklahoma. The Sooners will defeat Albany with ease as it finished third in the Big 12, and had practically no bad losses.

Pick: Oklahoma

(7) Michigan State vs. (10) Georgia

Michigan State started off the season shaky, but ended up winning four out of their last five games, and finished third in the Big Ten. Georgia will fall short against Michigan State in the Round of 64.

Pick: Michigan State

(2) Virginia vs. (15) Belmont

UVA has struggled as of late, but there is no doubt that the Cavaliers are still one of the best in the nation. Justin Anderson will return to his old self for Virginia, and help his team defeat Belmont.

Pick: Virginia

Round of 32

(1) Villanova vs. (8) NC State

Villanova will take care of The Wolfpack in Round of 32. NC State had a solid season, but in this one, the team will be no match for the Wildcats.

Pick: Villanova

(5) Northern Iowa vs. (4) Louisville

Terry Rozier and Montrezl Harrell, among others, will lead the Cardinals to the win over the Missouri Valley Conference's Northern Iowa.

Pick: Louisville

(6) Providence vs. (3) Oklahoma

Providence has not had any good non conference wins this season, excluding their victory over Notre Dame in the beginning of the season. Oklahoma will win this one.

Pick: Oklahoma

(7) Michigan State vs. (2) Virginia

Michigan State has been on a roll recently, but it is not the same Michigan State team of past seasons, and will lose versus Virginia.

Pick: Virginia

Sweet 16

(1) Villanova vs. (4) Louisville

Louisivlle is still a strong team without Chris Jones, but the Wildcats are not lacking star power and will dominate in every facet to win this game.

Pick: Villanova

(3) Oklahoma vs. (2) Virginia

Virginia's Justin Anderson will be back to normal to lead the Cavaliers over Oklahoma. UVA only lost three games in the regular season, and all three were against ranked conference opponents.  Once Virginia gets to this point in March Madness, the Cavaliers will advance without a problem.

Pick: Virginia

Elite Eight

(1) Villanova vs. (2) Virginia

Villanova's winning streak will end against  Virginia. Villanova has not faced off against tough nonconference competition, and in this contest when the Wildcats do, it will be an issue for them.

Pick: Virginia