Despite North Carolina's loss against Maryland and Oklahoma's two losses without Blake Griffin, the top four seeds are all but set.
Memphis might sneak up on those teams with a few more losses, but it isn't likely. The Tigers' resume lacks quality wins, and would be the thinnest resume for a top seed in awhile.
It also looks like the location of the top four teams is also locked in. Pitt will likely be the top overall seed, and the closest locations for Pitt is actually in Midwest, as a trip to the Final Four would go through Dayton and Indy. UConn would then obviously get the East, North Carolina to the South and Oklahoma in the West.
The No. 2 seeds also are getting close to locked in. Missouri could make a run down the stretch with its remaining schedule which might be enough to steal the No. 2 seed in their region. Clemson and Kansas are also alive for No. 2 seedings, but it will be tough. The Tigers, however, have a better chance than the Jayhawks.
Arizona State and Washington as a No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, is simply a judgement call at this point. Thursday's game between the two teams will likely decide who gets which come tournament time.
It may look like UCLA is too low as a No. 8 seed, but someone try to convince me using the logic other than "it's UCLA" why the Bruins deserve anything better than that.
If it wasn't for Arizona's non-conference losses, the Wildcats would be in that position. Arizona will likely win three of its final four games (if not all four), so there's still a solid chance 'Zona will end up ahead of UCLA.
UAB and Temple may seem as shockers, but if the Blazers can beat Memphis at home and the Owls finish strong like they should, both teams will have the wins to make it into the tournament.
The Bracketbuster losses by Utah State and Davidson killed their at-large chances if they lose their conference tournaments. The Aggies probably have the talent to be in as an at-large, but they killed themselves with a poor non-conference schedule.
Here is a look at my predicted NCAA Tournament field, complete with seedings, and broken down by region. (continues on next page)
11 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete