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2025 March Madness Bracket Predictions: East Region

by Ryan Cobbett - 3/17/2025

March Madness bracket predictions East Region John Tonje Wisconsin Badgers

The Midwest Region has some exciting underdogs to track. High Point, McNeese, and Utah State are all bracket busting potential squads to keep an eye on as you fill out your brackets. Houston seems to have an easy path to reach the Sweet 16, but this region has the most variance potential out of the four this season.

The West Region is not as strong as the South or Midwest, but there are still some exciting games to watch. Florida looks like the best team in the country, and their path to the Region Finals is not entirely difficult. St. John’s was slept on heavily heading into the season and has far exceeded expectations, and they could give Florida some trouble in a potential Elite Eight matchup. There may not be many upsets in this region, so expect some tough games in the later rounds.

The South Region is the toughest region in this tournament. Despite being the No. 1 overall seed, the Auburn Tigers have the toughest trip to the Final Four than any other one-seed. Immediately having to play Louisville or Creighton in the second round puts Auburn on notice earlier than they’d like. Michigan State has an easier path within this region, but keep your eyes on the winner of the Louisville and Creighton game to make some real noise in this tournament.

The East Region is incredibly top heavy, with Duke and Alabama headlining the region as the top two seeds. This region may not be as deep as some regions, but don’t sleep on the winner of the BYU vs VCU game to make a deep run. Let’s take a look at the top seeds in the region and identify some key matchups.

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*Value in parentheses reflects odds to win the region

No. 1 Seed: Duke Blue Devils (-125)

The Blue Devils greatly benefited from the down year the ACC had. Duke lost just three games this season by a combined 14 points, and they are bringing an 11-game winning streak into the tournament. Duke averaged 82.7 PPG, which ranked 16th in the country, while their defense allowed just 61.9 PPG, which was the seventh best mark in the country. Duke is the only team in the country to rank inside the Top 20 in both offensive and defensive scoring. The Blue Devils also ranked inside the Top 10 in 3P% differential with a +6.8% mark. Cooper Flagg has dominated all season, leading the team in PPG (18.9), RPG (7.5), APG (4.1), SPG (1.5), and BPG (1.3). Tyrese Proctor (12 PPG) and Kon Knueppel (14.4 PPG) have been an incredible supporting cast for Flagg while also anchoring the incredible defensive play of the Blue Devils.

The big question for Duke is the health of Flagg’s ankle. He missed the final two games of the ACC Tournament. And while he is on track to play Friday, the freshmen may not be 100%. Maliq Brown, who brings it on defense, is also questionable with a shoulder injury. With Flagg, the Blue Devils could be a legit National Championship contender, as they are the most complete team in the country, and they are also in one of the easier regions of this tournament. They will make a deep run to the Elite Eight and beyond.

No. 2 Seed: Alabama Crimson Tide (+410)

The Crimson Tide, being in the SEC, have been playing an intense schedule for much of the season and are one of the most battle-tested teams in the nation. They led the nation in scoring and were the only team to average more than 90 PPG (91.1). Alabama has already played three of the top seeded teams, going a combined 2-3 against the likes of Houston, Auburn, and Florida. Mark Sears has been incredible for Alabama this season and is one of six Alabama players averaging 10 PPG or more. Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Aden Holloway, and Chris Youngblood give the Crimson a lethal deep threat, as the trio shot a combined 40.8% from beyond the arc this season. The defense is a problem. Alabama finished last in the SEC in scoring defense, allowing over 81 PPG, despite holding opponents to just 30.8% shooting from deep.

Alabama plays fast and is loaded with scorers, but their defense is an issue, especially if the opponent heats up from deep. In five of Alabama’s eight losses this season, the opponent shot 38% or better from beyond the arc. Alabama needs to secure the perimeter during the tournament for them to have a legit shot at winning it all while avoiding the turnovers. They have already beat Vanderbilt (potential Round of 32 opponent) by 16 this season, but Saint Mary’s has one of the best defenses in the country, which could make for an interesting matchup. If Vanderbilt is able to sneak past the Gaels, Alabama should find themselves in a shootout in the Sweet 16. However, the Gaels could end their season sooner than expected.

No. 3 Seed: Wisconsin Badgers (+1000)

Wisconsin began the season winning their first eight games. However, a three-game skid back in December had us scratching our heads and questioning their legitimacy. Looking back, those losses came at the hands of the Big Ten Tournament winner in Michigan and Marquette and Illinois on the road. The Badgers earned the three seed thanks to their revitalized play in the conference tournament, as they picked up keys wins against UCLA and Michigan State before losing to in a hard-fought game against Michigan in the championship. John Tonje and John Blackwell have been one of the most underrated duos in the country, with both guards averaging more than 15 PPG. Tonje has turned himself into a star this season, as he is also shooting 91% from the charity stripe and 39.8% from beyond the arc.  

Tonje is definitely a player to watch for these Badgers, as he averaged 21.3 PPG in the Big Ten Tournament. However, the depth behind him and Blackwell is a bit concerning. Both players will need to be mindful of getting into foul trouble throughout the tournament, as the bench lacks offensive depth.  Montana isn’t a team to sleep on. They are an efficient offensive team that can match just about anyone from beyond the arc. If you want to assume the Badgers avoid the first round upset, they could very well be knocked off by VCU or BYU in the next round. The Badgers earned the three seed thanks to their last four games, but they might be riding just a little too high.

No. 4 Seed: Arizona Wildcats (+800)

Arizona has been inconsistent this season and hard to get a read on. They had an abysmal start to their season, going 4-5 in their first nine games. The Wildcats then turned things around by going 13-1 over their next 14 games, including an 11-1 start to conference play. However, since February 11th Arizona is just 5-6. Five of those six losses were to tournament teams, and they did make it to the Big 12 title game. The Wildcats led the conference in scoring, averaging 81.7 PPG, and they are one of the best rebounding teams in the nation. Arizona has six players averaging more than four RPG and another four players with 44 or more offensive rebounds on the season. It also helps that they have Caleb Love, who is not only leading the team offensively (16.6 PPG), but he also brings invaluable March Madness experience.

Arizona is a wild card team. Their return to inconsistency at the end of the regular season is concerning, but they could potentially have the second highest ceiling of the East Region teams. They don’t play the best defense, and they don’t shoot well from beyond the arc, so it is crucial that the Wildcats avoid falling in too big of a hole early. Arizona should find themselves in a position to have a rematch with the Blue Devils in the Sweet 16. They could find their way to the Elite Eight if Duke gets upended, but that will be their ceiling as the bottom half of this region has some elite scoring teams and they would match up well against Arizona.

No. 5 Seed: Oregon Ducks (+3000)

Oregon started the season going 16-3. They picked up some huge wins against Alabama and Texas A&M. However, after their hot start, they hit a five-game skid. Four of those five losses were by 12 points or less, and four of them were on the road, with three coming to tournament teams. However, they answered the five-game losing streak by closing out the regular season with a seven-game winning streak. They lost in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament to Michigan State. Nate Bittle was the biggest offensive weapon for Oregon, as the big man averaged 14.1 PPG and 7.4 RPG while also recording 2.2 BPG on defense. Bittle was complimented by Jackson Shelstad (13.2 PPG), TJ Bamba (10.4 PPG), and Keeshawn Barthelemy (10.1 PPG), with Shelstad and Barthelemy showcasing some sharpshooting potential.

Though their fellow Big Ten member Wisconsin may be the most over hyped team in this region, the Ducks might be right on their heels. Oregon finished just 12th in the Big Ten in scoring and just seventh in scoring defense. Though they utilize a nine-man rotation, the depth is weak and aside from Bittle’s play and Barthelemy’s three-point ability, there is nothing scary about the Ducks. If they can sneak past Liberty and Akron can knock off Arizona, then the Ducks will reach the Sweet 16. However, if Arizona takes care of business, the Ducks tournament time will be short.

No. 6 Seed: BYU Cougars (+2000)

The Cougars dominated down the stretch as they have won nine of their last 10 games. They got thumped by Houston in the Big 12 Tournament, but they picked up big wins over Kansas, Arizona, and Iowa State (twice) over the course of their nine-game winning streak. The Cougars had a shaky first half of conference play. However, after starting just 2-4 in the Big 12, they finished with a 14-6 record in the conference. Richie Saunders was the biggest offensive weapon for BYU this season, as he averaged 16 PPG while shooting 43.3% from beyond the arc. Aside from Saunders, this BYU squad feeds off their depth, as they have eight players averaging more than seven PPG while playing more than 16 MPG. BYU ranked inside the Top 30 in the nation in scoring while also shooting over 37% from deep as a team.

BYU has a tough first round opponent in the VCU Rams. The Cougars are on upset alert, and they will need to be able to find success from deep. VCU has a Top 10 defense, and they have one of the best perimeter defenses in the country. The winner of this game has an Elite Eight ceiling. Their two wins over Iowa State over the past 12 days have each felt like National Championship games, but this is a team who failed to score 75 against Utah and Providence. BYU might make a farther run next season, but the Rams are going to upset the Cougars.

Upset Alert (First Round): No. 11 Seed: VCU Rams vs No. 6 Seed: BYU Cougars

This game is perhaps the most intriguing first-round matchup in the East Region. BYU has looked unbeatable at times this season, but they have been inconsistent and have picked up some bad losses. The rebound battle will be a key factor in this one, as both of these teams rebound really well and both of these teams like to create a spark from deep. BYU is 3-7 in games where they scored less than 75 points, and the Rams have allowed more than 75 points in just four games this season. If the Rams defense can get going, the Cougars will be packing their bags early.

Upset Alert (First Round): No. 12 Seed: Liberty Flames vs No. 5 Seed: Oregon Ducks

Oregon has played well, and they are a difficult team to pick apart. They have a lot of experience on their roster, but they just posted average numbers this season. Liberty, on the other hand, has quietly been one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country. They are shooting 39% from deep, with their top two scorers, Taelon Peter and Kaden Metheny, shooting a combined 42.5% from beyond the arc. Oregon does not have the offensive firepower to keep up with the Flames if they get hot early. The Ducks have held opponents to just 31.7% from deep this season, but they have yet to face a team with this many capable shooters. In addition to the deep threat, Zach Cleveland and Isaiah Ihnen can be thorns in Bittle’s side all game long. Liberty has the right pieces in place to pull off the upset.

Dark Horse Team: No. 11 Seed: VCU Rams

The VCU Rams are the East Region’s dark horse team. The Rams have won 12 of their last 13 games and they showcased their defensive potential in the Atlantic 10 Tournament. They have held opponents to just 62.4 PPG this season and have dominated the perimeter, holding opponents to less than 30% from deep. Their offense is averaging 77.4 PPG, and they are an incredible rebounding team. Max Shulga is a name to follow, as the guard led the team with 15 PPG, shoots 38.8% from deep, and leads the Rams in offensive rebounds. BYU is a good team. However, if they can sneak past the Cougars, they could upend the Badgers in the Round of 32 and bring a big wave of momentum into the Sweet 16. The winner of the VCU and BYU game could find their way into the Elite Eight.

Over Hyped Team: No. 3 Seed: Wisconsin Badgers

As I stated earlier, the Badgers are benefiting from their play in their conference tournament. This team went 2-3 to close out the regular season. And aside from their wins in the tournament, their resume is less than impressive for a three seed. Not only are these Badgers being over hyped, but their path in this tournament is also incredibly difficult. Montana is a potential Cinderella squad, and then you get either BYU or VCU, who are tough, followed by a Sweet 16 matchup against Alabama assuming they avoid being upset. Wisconsin has a Sweet 16 ceiling, but they are already on upset alert.

March Madness East Region Predictions

Though Liberty, VCU, and Montana are highlighted as potential bracket busting squads, the East Region is Duke’s to lose. They are by far the most complete team in the region, and it helps when the two and three seeds could be knocked out before they get to the Blue Devils. Arizona is the wild card team here. And if Flagg’s ankle injury lingers, the Blue Devils may be in trouble. With a healthy Flagg, it is hard to see anyone in the East Region taking down the top seeded Blue Devils. There is a lot of noise around the tournament, but don’t forget that 13 of the last 17 National Champions were No. 1 Seeds. Duke may just win it all, and they’ll own the East Region on their way.

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