NCAA Tournament: North Carolina, UK headline Midwest Region primer

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 15: Coby White #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on against the Duke Blue Devils during their game in the semifinals of the 2019 Men's ACC Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 15, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 14: The Washington Huskies mascot. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Midwest Pod A – Columbus, OH

(1) North Carolina vs. (16) Iona

North Carolina should have no trouble in this matchup. The Tar Heels have been playing very well as of late and they will have matchup nightmares all over the court. Even though Iona’s offense is relatively solid, they will likely have no chance in slowing down North Carolina on the other end of the floor. North Carolina is bigger, stronger, faster, and more talented. UNC likely will not get to the free throw line all that much in this battle but that likely won’t even be necessary. The Tar Heels should absolutely dominate on the glass and walk away with an easy victory in their first game of the NCAA Tournament. Prediction: North Carolina.

(8) Utah State vs. (9) Washington

There are two numbers that need to be monitored in this game, in my opinion. First, Washington could seriously dominate the turnover margin. While Utah State does have its fair share of strong decision-makers, the Huskies’ potent defense ranks fourth in the country in turnover rate forced and Matisse Thybulle is bound to disrupt a few possessions. On the other hand, though, Utah State has the potential to absolutely dominate the glass and create second and even third-chance opportunities on occasion. Both of these teams have a few stars but I lean in favor of Utah State winning in a low-scoring affair. Prediction: Utah State

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