NCAA Tournament 2021: Michigan, Alabama headlines East Region

By Adam Childs | Mar 15, 2021

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 12: Isaiah Livers #2 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a three-point basket during the first half of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Crisler Arena on January 12, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

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NCAA Tournament Michigan Wolverines Mike Smith Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

(1) Michigan vs (16) Texas Southern / Mount Saint Mary’s

The Wolverines have struggled recently and the loss of Isaiah Livers doesn’t help, but it shouldn’t matter in this game. Neither Texas Southern nor Mount Saint Mary’s can matchup with the Wolverines. Michigan is bigger and better and it will show.

Expect Juwan Howard’s club to pound it inside and let Hunter Dickinson have his way inside. Wagner also should have a big day. It will be good for the Wolverines to get a game under their belt without Livers in the tournament before what could be a tough second-round matchup.

Prediction: Michigan

(8) LSU vs (9) Saint Bonaventure

Some experts out there think an eight seed was a little low for the Tigers, but their 2-5 record against the top 25 didn’t help their case. The Tigers love to run and score, but defense can be a liability. On the other hand, the Bonnies are giving up just 60 points per game and love to play defense. It is a very interesting battle of a great offense versus a great defense. The Bonnies keep this one close but the Tigers pull out the win.

Prediction: LSU

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