Time to put in on the line. Just know that having some knowledge about putting together an NCAA bracket projection and successfully picking actual tournament games are two separate things. That said, here’s my picks round-by-round, region by region … but first, the Final Four: Louisville, Connecticut, Duke, North Carolina … Read more…
The Butler did it. Cleveland State beat the Bulldogs to claim the Horizon League’s automatic bid. Butler is going to receive an at-large bid, so there’s one less spot now available as we prepare for all the major conferences to start action on Thursday.
Also from Tuesday, congratulations to North Dakota State which earns the bid from the Summit in the school’s first year of Division I eligibility. Western Kentucky won the Sun Belt title and returns to the Dance for a second straight year.
Upset day in the opening round of Big East play saw Cincinnati get bounced by formerly winless (in league) DePaul. Georgetown leaves early courtesy of St. John’s. Both are now officially eliminated from at-large consideration. Notre Dame did win it’s game against Rutgers to advance. Today’s game with West Virginia will determine whether the Irish keep at-large hopes alive.
The next bracket update will be out later today and will reflect the updates through Tuesday. I’ll try to provide daily updates from here on out (or as needed).
Dave the Bracketguy.
The regular season ended Sunday. Post-season has arrived. Championship Week hits high gear. Following are some quick takes and thoughts from Sunday and the week ahead. Our latest bracket projection will be out later today. Bubble Banter is updated through Sunday’s games. Follow results in Conference Tourneys – and look for more previews.
Finals are set in the West Coast, Southern, Northeast, MAAC, Colonial, America East, and Patriot tournaments. Championships start tonight. Ironically, the top seeds are still alive in every game. Also, the semifinals are set in the Sun Belt, Summit, and Big Sky. Again, all top seeds remain in place. Read more…
The second best week in NCAA hoops is here. Championship Week. A prelude to Selection Sunday, just a week away. As discussions heat up, team position’s change, and final decisions are made, welcome to Around the Rim (ATR). I’ll try to provide daily columns and insights until the Field of 65 is revealed. Also, Bubble Banter and Bracketology projections will be updated more frequently – sometimes daily. Thanks for a great first year at Bracketville !
Congratulations to the Big Red of Cornell, winners of the Ivy League and first team to officially reach the NCAA tournament.
In other conference tourneys, Austin Peay and Morehead State play for the Ohio Valley title … Jacksonville and East Tennessee State meet in the Atlantic Sun final. Then it’s Radford and VMI matching up in the Big South. Read more…
Five days into March and the Madness is well underway. Early returns have certainly impacted the bubble picture. Here’s our latest take on how the bubble has been reshaped this week (through games on Wednesday, March 4) …
Let’s start in the SEC: Major drops by Kentucky and Florida. Kentucky lost at home to Georgia (RPI No. 184). No excuses given the circumstances. Kentucky has lost three straight and four of five to see its RPI drop to 78. Even with a win at Florida (big if) it may take an SEC tournament title. Meanwhile, Florida lost at Mississippi State. The Gators haven’t won an SEC road game since January 14 (Auburn) and have also lost three straight and 5 of 7. Florida accomplished less out-of-conference than Kentucky. The Gators’ non-league SOS is 245. Better plan on a long stay in Tampa. Read more…
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