March Madness 2016: Top Bracketology Predictions from Around the Web

Almost everyone loves the buildup to Selection Sunday. It’s fun.

Unless you’re a bubble team.

Every year, there are several squads holding their breaths right up until the last second. This year’s pool features some high-profile hopefuls, including a 2013 Final Four team.

Let’s take a look at what bracketologists and experts around the sport are saying.

Wichita State

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Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet are playing their final season as Shockers—they have to get in, right?

Not exactly.

According to CBS Sports bracketologist Jerry Palm, Wichita State is in “probably out” territory:

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Wichita State has a win over Utah and that's pretty much it. The complaints about how some of their losses came without Fred VanVleet ring hollow when you consider that he played in their three worst losses, including the most recent one in the MVC tournament to Northern Iowa. There just isn't much here to merit selection.

"

ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, however, has the Shockers slotted in as a No. 9 seed with a first-round showdown against Butler.

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Matt Norlander of CBS Sports backed Lunardi. On Monday, Norlander broke it down by the numbers:

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Here's what is on Wichita State's side: No eligible team ranked 21st or higher in the 14-year history of KenPom has ever been left out of the NCAAs. ...

Almost every year since '02, the highest-rated team in KenPom not to receive at an-large bid keeps falling lower and lower in the rankings. Over the past 14 years, the average ranking of the highest-rated snub: 33rd.

Wichita State is 11th.

"

Boom.

If the Shockers get in, you know what to expect. This team went on a miraculous run to the Final Four back in 2013 and made it to the Sweet 16 last year.

They’re dangerous.

Monmouth

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Yeah, Monmouth can dance and celebrate with the best of ‘em.

The Hawks can play ball, too.

After falling to Iona in the MAAC title game on Monday by a score of 79-76, though, everyone’s favorite sideline performers are in danger of missing out on the biggest dance of all.

A win would’ve sealed the deal.

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“I think our kids have earned the right [to play in the NCAA tournament], but I don't get a vote,” head coach King Rice said, via ESPN. “Those kids made the plays down the stretch. My kids gave it everything they possibly could. They came up short. Now, we're just gonna be ready to play if we get called.”

Iona coach Tim Cluess echoed that sentiment, via ESPN: “I definitely think they deserve it. With the year they had, I expect them to get in.”

Palm seems to give Monmouth a shot, but he certainly isn’t betting the farm on a berth:

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Monmouth will be an interesting case for the committee if the Hawks need an at-large bid. Their collection of wins is better than any of the other non-majors, maybe even all of them combined. However, they already have three 200+ RPI losses, and that is definitely in the danger zone for getting a bid. Getting blown out at home by Iona isn't a good look either.

"

If nothing else, the committee should think of what that bench will be able to concoct on the biggest stage in college hoops.

Give the Hawks a chance, for all of our sakes.

Florida

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The last time Florida failed to make the NCAA tournament was 2009. Seven years later, the Gators are staring rejection right in the eyes.

Lunardi has Florida as one of the first four teams out. Palm does, as well.

The problem with Florida is the 13 losses. If the Gators win the SEC tournament, of course, they’re automatically in. But with big dogs like Vanderbilt and Kentucky lurking ahead, the No. 8-seeded Blue and Orange are in trouble.

As Palm noted, “Only six teams have received at-large bids with 14 losses.” Unless Florida wins the conference tournament, that’s what the team will have.

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If Arkansas beats Mike White’s team in the first round on Thursday, that’s pretty much it.

White addressed the tourney talk on Monday, via Mark Long of the Associated Press:

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Beat Arkansas. That’s all we can worry about really. I mean, at the end of the day, it comes down to those people in that room, those decisions that they make. I can make arguments for us right now in terms of our schedule strength. … But I think it’s fruitless to waste time and energy on any of that. It takes away from your focus on the Hogs.

"

Florida’s chances of getting into the NCAA tournament are slowly slipping away, but a win on Thursday would at least give the Gators a pulse.