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2024 NCAA Tournament West Region bracket strategy: Will North Carolina advance? Bracket busters and more

SportsLine expert Thomas Casale, who's on an incredible 20-3 ATS run, shares his West Region breakdown

By@TheTomCasaleUpdated: Mar 19, 2024 2:03PM UTC . 2 min read

North Carolina is a top seed in the NCAA Tournament for the 18th time, the most of any team in college basketball history. The Tar Heels return to the one line a year after missing the tournament entirely. 

North Carolina's resurgence starts on the defensive end. Last season there were too many games where the Tar Heels played with little emotion on defense and it cost them. Hubert Davis fixed those issues in the offseason. UNC enters the NCAA Tournament ranked No. 6 in defensive efficiency on KenPom. 

North Carolina will need a strong defensive effort to get out of the West. This region is loaded with good offenses. No. 2 Arizona, No. 3 Baylor and No. 4 Alabama all rank top 10 in offensive efficiency and could give the Tar Heels matchup problems. 

The West should be the most entertaining region in this year's tournament. Can North Carolina get through and reach its 22nd Final Four in program history? It won't be easy. 

Odds to win West Region (FanDuel)

  • Arizona +210
  • North Carolina +350
  • Baylor +700
  • Alabama +700
  • Saint Mary's +1000
  • New Mexico +1700
  • Michigan State +1700
  • Clemson +2000
  • Mississippi State +2500
  • Nevada +2500
  • Dayton +3000
  • Grand Canyon +4500
  • Charleston +15000
  • Colgate +25000
  • Long Beach State +25000
  • Howard +25000
  • Wagner +25000

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