East Region

TD Garden, Boston Friday: Villanova vs. West Virginia (7:27 p.m. ET, TBS) and Purdue vs. Texas A&M (approx. 9:57 p.m. ET, TBS) No. 1 VILLANOVA (32-4) Why they can advance: Shooters almost everywhere. Between Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, the Wildcats probably have two of the top 10-15 players in the country, and both are capable of taking over a game. But the best part about Villanova’s offense is how well it shares the ball and creates opportunities with the extra pass. What could stop them: A hot-shooting team. Villanova has scored at least 70 points in all but three games this season (and all but once in its last 30 games). Taking a “first-to-60” approach against the Wildcats won’t get it done. No. 2 PURDUE (30-6) Why they can advance: Exceptional offense. Even with Haas’ injury, the Boilermakers have three seniors on the floor (Vincent Edwards, Dakota Mathias and Vince Edwards) with a great understanding of how to play with each other. Toss in super sophomore Carsen Edwards running things, and few are capable of slowing down Purdue.

What could stop them: A litt lelessdepth. Redshirt freshman MattHaarm sm ade his first career start in th e second round and had seven points and six rebounds, and he’s a fine rim protector. But he’s not Haas, an integral piece of Purdue’s stellar season. No. 3 TEXAS TECH (26-9) Why they can advance: There’s two excellent reasons. One, Keenan

Evans (already one of the

Big 12’s best players coming into the season) has scored at least 20 points in each of Texas Tech’s last four victories. Two, the Red Raiders have a plethora of defense-minded wings who can make life miserable for opponents on the perimeter. What could stop them: Two vulnerabilities on offense could lead to an exit in this round. The Red Raiders shoot just 69.6 percent at the foul line and have a pedestrian turnover percent age(18.1 percent, 148th nationally per KenPom. com). Those aren’t glaring weaknesses, but they’re not strengths, either. No.5 W ESTVIRGINIA (26-10)

Why they can advance: They alw aysplaytotheir strengths. Since Bob Huggins went to the “Press Virginia” style three seasons ago, the Mountaineers have reliably forced a bunch of turnovers and thrived off a strong presence on the offensive glass. What could stop them: What’s Plan B? This is the recurring problem for the Mountaineers. When they run into teams capableofhan dling their pressure, is thereare sponse beyond trying to apply more pressure?

CHANCES OF REACHING FINAL FOUR

Villanova •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 40% Purdue •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 32% Texas Tech ••••••••••••••••• 17% West Virginia ••••••••••• 11%

Bottom line: After last year’s stumble in Round of 32, Wildcats seem to be on a mission to get another title shot, just like 2016.