2024 NCAA Tournament East Region bracket strategy: Will UConn advance? Bracket busters, odds to win region and more

The Connecticut Huskies are the reigning, defending champions of college basketball. UConn will try to be the first college basketball team to repeat since the Florida Gators did it in 2006-07. 

The committee didn't do the Huskies any favors. The East is this year's "Region of Death." To return to the Final Four, UConn will need to get through No. 2 Iowa State, No. 3 Illinois and No. 4 Auburn. You know, three teams that just won their conference tournaments. 

To be fair to the committee, maybe they stacked this region to make it interesting. The Huskies have been the best team in college basketball all season, losing just one game since Christmas. UConn ranks first in offensive efficiency and 11th in defensive efficiency. Pick against them at your own risk.

Odds to win East Region (FanDuel)

• Connecticut +110
• Iowa State +450
• Auburn +550
• Illinois +750
• BYU +1500
• San Diego State +2000
• Florida Atlantic +3000
• Washington State +3500
• Drake +4500
• Northwestern +6000
• Yale +13000
• UAB +15000
• Duquesne +15000
• Stetson +25000
• North Dakota State +25000
• Morehead State +25000 

Which team will win the East Region? And which upset could bust brackets? Join SportsLine right now to see East Region bracket strategy, all from the expert who is on a 20-3 ATS run at SportsLine, returning $1,663 to $100 bettors!