Entering the tournament's as the favorites in the National Championship odds, the UConn Huskies have run roughshod through March Madness. The top-seeded team in the tournament, and far away favorites to win the National Championship will be the East Regions’ representatives in the Final Four.
After beginning the tournament as -110 favorites to win the East, the Huskies have exceeded expectations. In fact, UConn became the first team in tournament history to win and cover the spread in 10 straight tournament games after their 77-52 demolition of Illinois in the Elite Eight.
Dan Hurley’s squad have won their four tournament games by an average of 27 points. Sportsbooks odds for the Final Four have the Huskies as massive favorites to blow Alabama out of the water and progress to their second straight National Championship game.
UConn smacked San Diego State in a rematch of last year's National Championship game by a score of 82-52. Making that three straight blowouts to begin their quest to become the first back-to-back title winners since Florida in 2006-2007.
UConn grabbed 21 offensive rebounds and used 21 second-chance points to fuel their rout of the Aztecs. Four players scored in double digits for the Huskies as Hassan Diarra, Stephon Castle, Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer all got it going.
UConn boasts an incredible array of talent, and has the chemistry and teamwork necessary to win back-to-back National Championships. The Huskies have now won their three March Madness tournament games by an average of over 28 points. UConn is a massive favorite to represent the East Region in the Final Four for good reason.
Region To Win March Madness
I agree with the odds that an East Region team is the most likely to win the tournament. We've already covered UConn's dominance and Iowa State's potential value, but even Illinois has the talent to go on a deep run here. Whatever team makes it out of the East has a great shoot to cut down the nets.
East Region Recent History
Two years ago, the East Region had one of the biggest upsets in March Madness history as the No. 15 Saint Peter’s Peacocks knocked off the No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats to begin their magical run to the Elite Eight.
In 2023's March Madness things went crazy as well No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson shook things up by knocking out No. 1 Purdue in the opening round, marking only the second time in tournament history that a 16 took out a 1. Just like that, the East was wide open, and the No. 9 seed Florida Atlantic Owls took full advantage to take the region and advance to the Final Four.
March Madness East Region Historical Information
Only two top seeds have won the East Region over the past 13 years. Of those two champs, North Carolina in 2016 lost in the national final to Villanova, while in 2018 it was Villanova coming out of the East and winning its second title in three years.
Here’s a look at the March Madness East Region results since the 2010 season: