NCAA Tournament: Duke, Michigan State headline East Region primer

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 14: Teammates Zion Williamson #1 and RJ Barrett #5 of the Duke Blue Devils react against the Syracuse Orange during their game in the quarterfinal round of the 2019 Men's ACC Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 14, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 15: A LSU Tigers cheerleader performs. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

East Pod C – Jacksonville, FL

(6) Maryland vs. (11) Belmont/Temple

Maryland has been one of the more inconsistent teams in the nation throughout the year. While they can dominate the paint with players like Jalen Smith and Bruno Fernando, they have definitely struggled from time to time throughout the year. The Terps are entering the Big Dance having lost three of their last four games and could be in danger of being upset. With regards to their opposition, both Belmont and Temple have the potential to knock them off. Starting with Belmont, this is one of the most efficient offensive teams in the nation and Dylan Windler is a very difficult player to match against. Temple, on the other hand, is guard-oriented with Shizz Alston Jr. and Quinton Rose and can be “hit or miss” with their offense. Prediction: Belmont over Maryland OR Maryland over Temple.

(3) LSU vs. (14) Yale

I really want to pick this upset. LSU is definitely the more talented team in this matchup but the cloud hanging over them right now is quite real. Because of this, it is hard to predict exactly how the team will perform. If, though, they play as they have so far this season, then this will likely be no contest. Yale, though, does boast some interesting offensive weapons that could cause some problems for the Tigers’ defense. In the end, though, I think that the talent will win out. Prediction: LSU.

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