Technically, there are seven teams and Alabama Basketball in half of the East Region bracket. Only five are detailed below because Alabama will defeat Robert Morris and Wisconsin is a heavy favorite over Montana.
After dispensing with the Robert Morris Colonials, the Alabama Crimson Tide will play the winner of St. Mary's vs. Vanderbilt. St. Mary's is favored over the Commodores, but Vandy could pull off an upset.
St. Mary's vs. Vanderbilt
The Gaels are 28-5, with a SOS of No. 90. Their top wins over Gonzaga in the regular season. The Zags beat St. Mary's in the WCC Tournament. Ken Pomeroy has the Gaels ranked No. 22. Evan Miyakawa gives them a 23.2% chance to advance to the Sweet 16. Only two NCAA Tournament teams play at a slower pace than St. Mary's. Ken Pomeroy has them ranked as the No. 8 defensive team in college basketball and No. 56 offensively. St Mary's Quad 1 record is 4-3.
Vanderbilt is 20-12, with a SOS of No. 33. Vandy has good wins over Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and Missouri. They are ranked No. 49 by KPom, and Miya gives them just a 3.8% chance to advance to the Sweet 16. Pomeroy ranks them No. 30 offensively and No. 83 defensively. Vandy's Quad 1 record is 5-9.
St. Mary's with their outstanding defense is the bigger threat to Alabama in the Second Round. The Gaels are also the No. 1 team in Div. 1 in Rebound Margin. In order to use tempo as advantage against St. Mary's the Crimson Tide would have to rebound well. Alabama should have too much talent for St. Mary's for the game to be close.