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 Jahvon Quinerly Alabama Crimson Tide (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

(7) UConn vs (10) Maryland

This is probably the best first-round matchup in this region. The Huskies are led by Bouknight, while the Terrapins have Big Ten defensive player of the year in Darryl Morsel and leading scorer Eric Ayala. Maryland has the ability to get very hot from deep and when they do they have proven they can beat the best teams.

The problem is they are so inconsistent in doing that. UConn, though, is a very good defensive team and is going to make you grind out possessions, and the Terrapins struggle with that. That will be the difference in this game.

Prediction: UConn

(2) Alabama vs (15) Iona

If you want a fun storyline this will have it. Rick Pitino is back in the tournament leading his third team there as Iona won their conference tournament to get a berth. It is a fun story and one to watch, but this Alabama team is too good.

Next. Biggest winners from Selection Sunday. dark

As long as they come out focused they should have little problem with the Gaels. The Tide have shown they can shut teams down and this shouldn’t be any different. It may be close early as the Tide settle in, but it won’t be for long.

Prediction: Alabama

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