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Marching Through the Madness: East Region
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Add Feedback | Send this Article | Published 3/21/03


Graphic By: Matt Witherow

East Region
First Round
Oklahoma vs. South Carolina St.
In all honesty, if this game were to be played outside of Oklahoma, it could get interesting.  Just keep on listening.  In recent years, teams from the MEAC have done a good job at making names for themselves as Coppin State did, as well as Hampton on a few occasions.  But OU is too good, and playing in Oklahoma City helps matters.

California vs. NC State
All year the Wolfpack have been considered a bubble team.  The ACC tournament proved to the nation they weren't.  Despite giving up their 15-point lead against Duke in the ACC final, NC State's Julius Hodge and Marcus Melvin can play with Cal's Joe Shipp and Amit Tamir, but I think Cal has what it takes to pull out a victory.

Mississippi St. vs. Butler
I was sure glad to see Butler make it into this year's tourney after being snubbed last year, but poor Butler must face Miss. St.  Butler would upset any other number five seed (excluding UConn) but will have no answer in shutting down Mario Austin and the rest of Miss. St.

Louisville vs. Austin Peay
Don't ask me how in the world AP played its way into getting a 13 seed, but they did and now have the task of facing Louisville.  Pitino has a whole stack of talent with Gaines and Kentucky transfer, Marvin Stone.  Watch it though, Austin Peay is one of those unheard of teams that could sneak up on a big dawg.

Oklahoma State vs. Pennsylvania
If the Quackers can shoot the 3-ball like they have been doing all year, Oklahoma State doesn't have a chance.  OSU has a bunch of transfers and Mr. Fresh has a feeling that Penn can Cinderella itself to at least the second round.

Syracuse vs. Manhattan
In the battle of the two hottest teams in New York, this game could be closer than everyone expects.  Sure, no one on Manhattan can match up with 'Cuse's Carmello Anthony, but open your eyes and ears for Luis Flores, who averages 25 points a game for the Jaspers.  I just think 'Cuse is too good to lose, but it could be a good one.

St. Joseph's vs. Auburn
A lot of people feel Auburn shouldn't be in this tournament (I am one of them) so they'll have some motive to play well.  I think the Nelson and West-led Hawks are too strong and will send Auburn where they belong... home.  

Wake Forest vs. East Tennessee State
There are some people out there who feel Wake should not be a number two seed.   They're wrong.  Wake, who is led by one of the nation's best players in Josh Howard, should have no trouble with the Bucs of ETSU.  

Second Round
Oklahoma vs. Cal
I should just say see above.  If this game were to be played outside the state of Okla., Cal would upset the Sooners.  But that's not the scenario; the Sooners win behind a home town crowd in a close one.

Louisville vs. Mississippi St.
A great match up of the dirty south in the east.  Both teams have been roller coaster teams this year, but Miss St. are 7-1 in their last eight.  Mario Austin verses Marvin Stone is a college basketball guru's dream.  Miss St. with the upset!

Syracuse vs. Penn
I see Penn stuggling behind the arc in this game, with Cuse coming off a close first round game with Manhattan. The Orangemen will realize Albany is one game away and will prevail.

Wake Forest vs. St. Joseph's
Maybe I should start to think before I type.  What a matchup Wake's forwards against St. Joe's guards would be.  This is a tossup, but I've got to give the upper hand to Wake.   [an error occurred while processing this directive]

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