2022 March Madness Sweet 16 Bracket East Region Breakdown & Preview

The East Region of the NCAA Basketball Tournament is completely wide open heading into the Sweet 16 as the top two seeds have already been eliminated. Baylor and Kentucky were number 1 and 2 in the East, but both teams failed to reach the second weekend. 

With so many upsets having taken place in the East, it could set up for a fun and interesting second weekend. The final four teams left are Purdue, UCLA, North Carolina, and Saint Peter’s, and they are seeded 3, 4, 8, and 15 respectively. 

Here is a look at the two Sweet 16 games set to take place, and what team should come out on top of East. 

Purdue Boilermakers -12.5 vs. Saint Peter’s Peacocks

Surprise! The Saint Peter’s Peacocks are in the Sweet 16 as a number 15 seed after upsetting both Kentucky and Murray State. Things now get even harder for the Peacocks as they have to take on a terrific Purdue. 

The Boilermakers have been sharp up to this point in the NCAA Tournament, and that is a team that is loaded with talent. Jaden Ivey is capable of scoring over 20 points in any game, but the Boilermakers also have plenty of size. 

Saint Peter’s has been sharp on both sides of the floor up to this point, but they won’t be able to sneak up on anyone now. Purdue will now have a couple of days to prepare for the Peacocks and they will come up with a game plan that slows them down.

Purdue wins this game and covers the large spread. 

UCLA Bruins -2.0 vs. North Carolina Tar Heels

The best Sweet 16 game in the East Region will take place second as UNC is set to take on UCLA. This is a matchup of blue blood college basketbally programs and both teams have been playing well in the NCAA Tournament. 

North Carolina was up 25 points over Baylor in the Second Round, but they also blew that lead in a game that went to overtime. Brady Manek poured in 26 points in that win over Baylor, but his ejection changed the game. 

UCLA struggled in the First Round against Akron, but the Bruins were able to make enough clutch plays late. The Bruins then put together a dominant and impressive performance against Saint Mary’s over the weekend. 

This game will be tight, but UCLA has the big game experience. Take the Bruins -2.0 over the Tar Heels. 

Purdue Proves Too Tough

There were plenty of people that predicted Purdue to win the East Region once the brackets were announced, and they are clearly the favorites at this time. Purdue has taken care of business so far in the NCAA Tournament and they are just two wins away from the Final Four.

The Boilermakers should have little trouble in the Sweet 16 game, and the same thing could be true in the Elite Eight. Purdue has been a top pick to win the NCAA title all season long, and they should have a shot to get it down after winning the East. 

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