If you like defense, this is your region. Some of the nation’s best units are here, from top-seeded Houston (2) and No. 2 Tennessee (3) to No. 5 Clemson (16) and No. 7 UCLA (17). Hint: Take the under in their games. There is also balance, with explosive offenses such as those of No. 3 Kentucky, No. 6 Illinois and No. 8 Gonzaga. The contrasting styles can make for some of the better games of the tournament, in what I believe is the most wide-open grouping of the four.
No. 8 Gonzaga: The Zags were under-seeded. They lack high-end wins, but they have been hot and are ranked high in all the predictive metrics. Gonzaga is one of 12 teams rated in the top 30 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. They have size and can shoot it from the 3-point line. Houston must be furious to see coach Mark Few’s team in its pod.
No. 13 High Point over No. 4 Purdue: The Boilermakers have been slipping, losing six of their past nine games. They are ripe to be taken down, and High Point’s top 25 offense can take advantage of Purdue’s iffy defense.
Guard Kezza Giffa (r.) leads High Point in scoring at 14.8 points per game. AP
No. 6 Illinois vs. No. 11 Xavier: The Musketeers get past Texas in the First Four, setting up a fascinating contest of teams that like to let it fly from distance. Xavier guard Ryan Conwell is coming off a brilliant 38-point showing in the Big East Tournament semifinals. Illinois has an answer in highly regarded NBA prospect Kasparas Jakucionis.
