Well, this is it. It took a lot of work, lot of breakdown, lot of scrutinizing and second-guessing, but this is my final prediction bracket for the field of 65.
As is my tradition, I always do my final one BEFORE the remaining 4 automatic bids are handed out, so I predict their results.
This bracket is assuming that:
*Stephen F. Austin wins Southland
*Duke wins ACC
*Tennessee wins SEC
*Purdue wins Big Ten
That one guy at ESPN, Mr. Lunardi, got all 65 right last year. Hopefully this time, it's my turn.
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 North Carolina (28-4) vs. #16 Winner of Chattanooga (18-16)*/Alabama State (22-9)*
#8 LSU (26-7) vs. #9 Texas A&M (23-9)
#5 Washington (25-8) vs. #12 Western Kentucky (24-8)*
#4 Villanova (26-7) vs. #13 American (24-7)*
#6 Tennessee (21-11)* vs. #11 Creighton (26-7)
#3 Missouri (28-6)* vs. #14 Akron (23-12)*
#7 Utah (24-9)* vs. #10 Utah State (30-4)*
#2 Michigan State (26-6) vs. #15 East Tennessee State (23-10)*
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Memphis (31-3)* vs. #16 Morgan State (23-11)*
#8 West Virginia (22-11) vs. #9 Dayton (26-7)
#5 Ohio State (22-9) vs. #12 Boston College (22-11)
#4 Arizona State (24-9) vs. #13 Stephen F. Austin (23-7)*
#6 USC (21-12)* vs. #11 Maryland (20-13)
#3 Kansas (25-7) vs. #14 Robert Morris (24-10)*
#7 Temple (22-11)* vs. #10 Michigan (20-13)
#2 Connecticut (27-4) vs. #15 Portland State (23-9)*
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 Louisville (28-5)* vs. #16 Morehead State (19-15)*
#8 Texas (22-11) vs. #9 Siena (26-7)*
#5 Xavier (25-7) vs. #12 Wisconsin (19-12)
#4 Wake Forest (24-6) vs. #13 Cleveland State (25-10)*
#6 Butler (26-5) vs. #11 Minnesota (22-10)
#3 Syracuse (26-9) vs. #14 North Dakota State (26-6)*
#7 Oklahoma State (22-11) vs. #10 BYU (25-7)
#2 Duke (27-6)* vs. #15 CS Northridge (17-13)*
EAST REGION (Boston):
#1 Pittsburgh (28-4) vs. #16 Radford (21-11)*
#8 Clemson (23-8) vs. #9 California (22-10)
#5 Gonzaga (26-5)* vs. #12 VCU (24-9)*
#4 Purdue (24-9)* vs. #13 Northern Iowa (23-10)*
#6 Illinois (24-9) vs. #11 San Diego State (23-9)
#3 Florida State (25-8) vs. #14 Binghamton (23-8)*
#7 UCLA (25-8) vs. #10 Marquette (24-9)
#2 Oklahoma (27-5) vs. #15 Cornell (21-9)*
Bubbles Burst For:
Penn State (22-11)
Baylor (20-14)
Arizona (19-13)
Mississippi State (22-12)...unless they beat Tennessee, but this assumes they won't
Auburn (22-11)
Florida (23-10)
South Carolina (21-9)
St. Mary's (26-6)
Enjoy the madness!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
March 13, 2009 Bracket
With just a few days to go, the pressure is quickly getting to some teams, while others are stepping up. I will make one more bracket Selection Sunday morning.
DISCLAIMER: That bracket will ASSUME the winners of the final few automatic bids. It is my final best attempt to select the field of 65.
Meanwhile, here's today's edition. As always, automatic bids, official or assumed, are marked with asterisks.
EAST REGION (Boston):
#1 North Carolina (27-3)* vs. #16 Winner of Chattanooga (18-16)*/Alabama State (20-9)*
#8 Marquette (24-9) vs. #9 Utah (22-9)
#5 Purdue (22-9) vs. #12 Florida (23-9)
#4 Kansas (25-7) vs. #13 American (23-7)*
#6 BYU (25-6)* vs. #11 Minnesota (22-9)
#3 Missouri (26-6)* vs. #14 Buffalo (20-10)*
#7 West Virginia (22-10) vs. #10 Dayton (26-6)
#2 Memphis (29-3)* vs. #15 Cornell (21-9)*
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Pittsburgh (28-4) vs. #16 Cal State Northridge (15-13)*
#8 Texas A&M (23-9) vs. #9 California (22-10)
#5 Gonzaga (26-5)* vs. #12 Boston College (22-10)
#4 Illinois (23-8) vs. #13 Stephen F. Austin (22-7)*
#6 LSU (25-6)* vs. #11 USC (19-12)
#3 Villanova (26-6) vs. #14 Robert Morris (24-10)*
#7 Texas (22-10) vs. #10 Michigan (20-12)
#2 Duke (25-6) vs. #15 Portland State (23-9)*
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 Michigan State (25-5)* vs. #16 Morgan State (21-11)*
#8 Tennessee (19-11) vs. #9 Siena (26-7)*
#5 Florida State (23-8) vs. #12 Arizona (19-13)
#4 Syracuse (25-8) vs. #13 Northern Iowa (23-10)*
#6 Clemson (23-8) vs. #11 Penn State (22-10)
#3 Washington (25-7)* vs. #14 North Dakota State (26-6)*
#7 Oklahoma State (22-10) vs. #10 San Diego State (22-8)
#2 Connecticut (27-4) vs. #15 Radford (21-11)*
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Louisville (26-5)* vs. #16 Morehead State (19-15)*
#8 Ohio State (20-9) vs. #9 Utah State (28-4)*
#5 UCLA (25-7) vs. #12 VCU (24-9)*
#4 Xavier (25-6)* vs. #13 Cleveland State (25-10)*
#6 Arizona State (23-8) vs. #11 Western Kentucky (24-8)*
#3 Wake Forest (24-5) vs. #14 Binghamton (22-8)*
#7 Butler (26-5) vs. #10 Wisconsin (19-11)
#2 Oklahoma (27-5) vs. #15 East Tennessee State (23-10)*
Bubble Watch:
ACC - Maryland (19-12), Virginia Tech (18-13), Miami (18-12)
If Maryland can beat Wake Forest to get to 20 wins today, the Terps would likely be in due to their 4 quality wins against the Top 50. Tech would also likely be in if they upset UNC, who is without Ty Lawson. Miami is headed to the NIT after losing to VT.
Atlantic 10 - Temple (20-11), Rhode Island (22-10)
If Temple can stun Xavier today, the Owls definitely become a promising case for the committee. Rhode Island is headed to the NIT after a shocking loss to Duquesne.
Big East - Providence (19-13)
I think the Friars needed to beat Louisville to have any shot. The Friars will definitely be sweating come Sunday, but I don't think they've done quite enough.
Big Ten - Northwestern (17-13)
It would have been a nice story, but even with 6 quality wins, the overall body of work doesn't help the 'Cats. But they will be a tough challenge in the NIT.
Big 12 - Baylor (19-13), Kansas State (21-11)
With Baylor's stunner over Kansas, the Bears join the discussion. Their computer numbers are nice and they have 4 quality victories now. If they can reach the final with a win over Kansas, the Bears could be in. Kansas State is headed to the NIT after a loss to Texas.
Conference USA - Tulsa (23-9), UAB (22-10)
These two meet today in a semifinal; so it's an elimination game: The winner has a shot at getting in; the loser gets the NIT.
Missouri Valley - Creighton (26-7), Illinois State (24-9)
Creighton will definitely be sweating come Sunday, with all the upsets and craziness. The Redbirds, however, will likely end up in the NIT.
Mountain West - New Mexico (21-11), UNLV (21-10)
The Lobos are likely out after losing to Wyoming in the quarters, and UNLV fell to San Diego State, a fellow bubble team, in the quarters. Both seemed destined for the NIT.
SEC - South Carolina (21-8), Auburn (21-10), Kentucky (20-12)
Kentucky got to 20 wins with a win over Mississippi, but must run the table to get in. If Auburn can knock off Florida, a fellow bubble team, the Gators could drop back out and Auburn takes their place. South Carolina will also need a few more victories.
West Coast - St. Mary's (25-6)
I'm really waffling on the Gaels. They will also definitely be a sweater come Sunday. How will the committee view this team? Is Patrick Mills really at a 100%? And will this extra game against Eastern Washington come back to help them or hurt them?
Next Bracket: Selection Sunday (March 15) morning; final bracket
DISCLAIMER: That bracket will ASSUME the winners of the final few automatic bids. It is my final best attempt to select the field of 65.
Meanwhile, here's today's edition. As always, automatic bids, official or assumed, are marked with asterisks.
EAST REGION (Boston):
#1 North Carolina (27-3)* vs. #16 Winner of Chattanooga (18-16)*/Alabama State (20-9)*
#8 Marquette (24-9) vs. #9 Utah (22-9)
#5 Purdue (22-9) vs. #12 Florida (23-9)
#4 Kansas (25-7) vs. #13 American (23-7)*
#6 BYU (25-6)* vs. #11 Minnesota (22-9)
#3 Missouri (26-6)* vs. #14 Buffalo (20-10)*
#7 West Virginia (22-10) vs. #10 Dayton (26-6)
#2 Memphis (29-3)* vs. #15 Cornell (21-9)*
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Pittsburgh (28-4) vs. #16 Cal State Northridge (15-13)*
#8 Texas A&M (23-9) vs. #9 California (22-10)
#5 Gonzaga (26-5)* vs. #12 Boston College (22-10)
#4 Illinois (23-8) vs. #13 Stephen F. Austin (22-7)*
#6 LSU (25-6)* vs. #11 USC (19-12)
#3 Villanova (26-6) vs. #14 Robert Morris (24-10)*
#7 Texas (22-10) vs. #10 Michigan (20-12)
#2 Duke (25-6) vs. #15 Portland State (23-9)*
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 Michigan State (25-5)* vs. #16 Morgan State (21-11)*
#8 Tennessee (19-11) vs. #9 Siena (26-7)*
#5 Florida State (23-8) vs. #12 Arizona (19-13)
#4 Syracuse (25-8) vs. #13 Northern Iowa (23-10)*
#6 Clemson (23-8) vs. #11 Penn State (22-10)
#3 Washington (25-7)* vs. #14 North Dakota State (26-6)*
#7 Oklahoma State (22-10) vs. #10 San Diego State (22-8)
#2 Connecticut (27-4) vs. #15 Radford (21-11)*
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Louisville (26-5)* vs. #16 Morehead State (19-15)*
#8 Ohio State (20-9) vs. #9 Utah State (28-4)*
#5 UCLA (25-7) vs. #12 VCU (24-9)*
#4 Xavier (25-6)* vs. #13 Cleveland State (25-10)*
#6 Arizona State (23-8) vs. #11 Western Kentucky (24-8)*
#3 Wake Forest (24-5) vs. #14 Binghamton (22-8)*
#7 Butler (26-5) vs. #10 Wisconsin (19-11)
#2 Oklahoma (27-5) vs. #15 East Tennessee State (23-10)*
Bubble Watch:
ACC - Maryland (19-12), Virginia Tech (18-13), Miami (18-12)
If Maryland can beat Wake Forest to get to 20 wins today, the Terps would likely be in due to their 4 quality wins against the Top 50. Tech would also likely be in if they upset UNC, who is without Ty Lawson. Miami is headed to the NIT after losing to VT.
Atlantic 10 - Temple (20-11), Rhode Island (22-10)
If Temple can stun Xavier today, the Owls definitely become a promising case for the committee. Rhode Island is headed to the NIT after a shocking loss to Duquesne.
Big East - Providence (19-13)
I think the Friars needed to beat Louisville to have any shot. The Friars will definitely be sweating come Sunday, but I don't think they've done quite enough.
Big Ten - Northwestern (17-13)
It would have been a nice story, but even with 6 quality wins, the overall body of work doesn't help the 'Cats. But they will be a tough challenge in the NIT.
Big 12 - Baylor (19-13), Kansas State (21-11)
With Baylor's stunner over Kansas, the Bears join the discussion. Their computer numbers are nice and they have 4 quality victories now. If they can reach the final with a win over Kansas, the Bears could be in. Kansas State is headed to the NIT after a loss to Texas.
Conference USA - Tulsa (23-9), UAB (22-10)
These two meet today in a semifinal; so it's an elimination game: The winner has a shot at getting in; the loser gets the NIT.
Missouri Valley - Creighton (26-7), Illinois State (24-9)
Creighton will definitely be sweating come Sunday, with all the upsets and craziness. The Redbirds, however, will likely end up in the NIT.
Mountain West - New Mexico (21-11), UNLV (21-10)
The Lobos are likely out after losing to Wyoming in the quarters, and UNLV fell to San Diego State, a fellow bubble team, in the quarters. Both seemed destined for the NIT.
SEC - South Carolina (21-8), Auburn (21-10), Kentucky (20-12)
Kentucky got to 20 wins with a win over Mississippi, but must run the table to get in. If Auburn can knock off Florida, a fellow bubble team, the Gators could drop back out and Auburn takes their place. South Carolina will also need a few more victories.
West Coast - St. Mary's (25-6)
I'm really waffling on the Gaels. They will also definitely be a sweater come Sunday. How will the committee view this team? Is Patrick Mills really at a 100%? And will this extra game against Eastern Washington come back to help them or hurt them?
Next Bracket: Selection Sunday (March 15) morning; final bracket
Monday, March 9, 2009
March 9, 2009 Bracket
Here's today's edition. Automatic bids (official or assumed) are marked with asterisks. The next bracket will be up on Friday, March 13.
EAST REGION (Boston):
#1 North Carolina (27-3)* vs. #16 Winner of CS Northridge (15-13)*/Alabama State (19-9)*
#8 Utah (21-9) vs. #9 West Virginia (21-10)
#5 Gonzaga (25-5)* vs. #12 Penn State (21-10)
#4 Washington (24-7)* vs. #13 VCU (23-9)*
#6 Clemson (23-7) vs. #11 Arizona (19-12)
#3 Oklahoma (27-4) vs. #14 Binghamton (22-8)*
#7 BYU (24-6)* vs. #10 Michigan (19-12)
#2 Pittsburgh (28-3) vs. #15 Robert Morris (23-10)*
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 Michigan State (25-5)* vs. #16 Morehead State (19-15)*
#8 Texas (20-10) vs. #9 California (22-9)
#5 LSU (25-6)* vs. #12 UNLV (21-9)
#4 Villanova (25-6) vs. #13 AR-Little Rock (23-7)*
#6 Syracuse (23-8) vs. #11 Boston College (21-10)
#3 Illinois (23-8) vs. #14 Buffalo (19-10)*
#7 Texas A&M (23-8) vs. #10 Utah State (27-4)*
#2 Memphis (28-3)* vs. #15 Cornell (21-9)*
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Louisville (25-5)* vs. #16 Morgan State (20-11)*
#8 Tennessee (19-11) vs. #9 Oklahoma State (20-10)
#5 Florida State (23-8) vs. #12 Minnesota (21-9)
#4 Xavier (24-6)* vs. #13 American (23-7)*
#6 Marquette (23-8) vs. #11 St. Mary's (25-5)
#3 Missouri (25-6) vs. #14 Weber State (21-8)*
#7 Ohio State (20-9) vs. #10 Florida (22-9)
#2 Duke (25-6) vs. #15 East Tennessee State (23-10)*
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Connecticut (27-3) vs. #16 Radford (21-11)*
#8 Wisconsin (19-11) vs. #9 Dayton (25-6)
#5 UCLA (24-7) vs. #12 Northern Iowa (23-10)*
#4 Butler (26-4)* vs. #13 Stephen F. Austin (21-7)*
#6 Purdue (22-9) vs. #11 New Mexico (21-10)
#3 Wake Forest (24-5) vs. #14 North Dakota State (24-6)*
#7 Arizona State (22-8) vs. #10 Siena (25-7)*
#2 Kansas (25-6)* vs. #15 Charleston (26-7)*
Bubble (Updated 3/11):
ACC - Miami (18-11), Maryland (18-12), Virginia Tech (17-13)
Analysis - If Miami can win a couple games in the ACC tourney and get to 20 wins, they should get in because of solid computer numbers. Maryland and VT might need to run the table or have tournament favorites lose to have a shot.
Atlantic 10 - Rhode Island (22-9), Temple (19-11)
Analysis: The loss to UMass definitely hurt the Rams. They will have to run the table now to get in. Temple, however, may only have to win a couple as they have good computer numbers.
Big East - Providence (18-12), Notre Dame (18-13)
Analysis: Providence has the best shot. If they get to 20 wins, they make a legitimate case. Notre Dame will likely have to run the table, but maybe even in a berth in the final could make a case. Cincinnati and Georgetown are headed to the NIT thanks to their opening round losses to DePaul and St. John's, respectively.
Big Ten - Northwestern (17-12)
Analysis: Many think Northwestern has to run the table to get in. I disagree. If they can beat fellow bubble team Minnesota and #1 seed Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament, I think the 'Cats deserve it. They are a sentimental pick since they've never made the Dance.
Big 12 - Kansas State (21-10), Nebraska (18-11)
Analysis: Must run the table to get in. Kansas State's computer numbers are too gaudy and Nebraska is only 3-7 against the RPI Top 50.
Conference USA - Tulsa (22-9), UAB (21-10)
Analysis: Must run the table to get in. No real marquee wins for either, although Tulsa beat Texas A&M.
Missouri Valley - Creighton (26-7), Illinois State (24-9)
Analysis: Since these teams can no longer help themselves, they must hope conference favorites win to have a shot. Otherwise, it's the NIT for both.
Mountain West - San Diego State (21-8)
Analysis: Will likely have to run the table to get in. They only have one marquee win against Utah, and computer numbers aren't great.
Pac-10 - USC (18-12)
Analysis: If USC can at least reach semis of Pac-10 tournament, they could have a legitimate case. Computer numbers are fairly solid, and they've beaten Arizona State and California.
SEC - South Carolina (21-8), Auburn (21-10), Kentucky (19-12)
Analysis: Florida shouldn't get too comfortable in the bracket, because it seems only LSU and Tennessee are locks. As for these three, the Gamecocks need a couple wins in the tournament to have any shot. With Auburn's win over LSU, the Tigers join the discussion. They've beaten both LSU and Tennessee. If Auburn makes a run, the Tigers make a case. Kentucky is on life support; they would have to run the table.
Southern - Davidson (26-7)
Analysis: As much as the nation loves Stephen Curry, this may be the year we won't see the Wildcats come the NCAA Tourney. With that loss to Charleston, Davidson will definitely be sweating on Selection Sunday. They have to hope that conference tourney favorites win to have any shot.
Next Bracket: Friday, March 13
EAST REGION (Boston):
#1 North Carolina (27-3)* vs. #16 Winner of CS Northridge (15-13)*/Alabama State (19-9)*
#8 Utah (21-9) vs. #9 West Virginia (21-10)
#5 Gonzaga (25-5)* vs. #12 Penn State (21-10)
#4 Washington (24-7)* vs. #13 VCU (23-9)*
#6 Clemson (23-7) vs. #11 Arizona (19-12)
#3 Oklahoma (27-4) vs. #14 Binghamton (22-8)*
#7 BYU (24-6)* vs. #10 Michigan (19-12)
#2 Pittsburgh (28-3) vs. #15 Robert Morris (23-10)*
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 Michigan State (25-5)* vs. #16 Morehead State (19-15)*
#8 Texas (20-10) vs. #9 California (22-9)
#5 LSU (25-6)* vs. #12 UNLV (21-9)
#4 Villanova (25-6) vs. #13 AR-Little Rock (23-7)*
#6 Syracuse (23-8) vs. #11 Boston College (21-10)
#3 Illinois (23-8) vs. #14 Buffalo (19-10)*
#7 Texas A&M (23-8) vs. #10 Utah State (27-4)*
#2 Memphis (28-3)* vs. #15 Cornell (21-9)*
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Louisville (25-5)* vs. #16 Morgan State (20-11)*
#8 Tennessee (19-11) vs. #9 Oklahoma State (20-10)
#5 Florida State (23-8) vs. #12 Minnesota (21-9)
#4 Xavier (24-6)* vs. #13 American (23-7)*
#6 Marquette (23-8) vs. #11 St. Mary's (25-5)
#3 Missouri (25-6) vs. #14 Weber State (21-8)*
#7 Ohio State (20-9) vs. #10 Florida (22-9)
#2 Duke (25-6) vs. #15 East Tennessee State (23-10)*
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Connecticut (27-3) vs. #16 Radford (21-11)*
#8 Wisconsin (19-11) vs. #9 Dayton (25-6)
#5 UCLA (24-7) vs. #12 Northern Iowa (23-10)*
#4 Butler (26-4)* vs. #13 Stephen F. Austin (21-7)*
#6 Purdue (22-9) vs. #11 New Mexico (21-10)
#3 Wake Forest (24-5) vs. #14 North Dakota State (24-6)*
#7 Arizona State (22-8) vs. #10 Siena (25-7)*
#2 Kansas (25-6)* vs. #15 Charleston (26-7)*
Bubble (Updated 3/11):
ACC - Miami (18-11), Maryland (18-12), Virginia Tech (17-13)
Analysis - If Miami can win a couple games in the ACC tourney and get to 20 wins, they should get in because of solid computer numbers. Maryland and VT might need to run the table or have tournament favorites lose to have a shot.
Atlantic 10 - Rhode Island (22-9), Temple (19-11)
Analysis: The loss to UMass definitely hurt the Rams. They will have to run the table now to get in. Temple, however, may only have to win a couple as they have good computer numbers.
Big East - Providence (18-12), Notre Dame (18-13)
Analysis: Providence has the best shot. If they get to 20 wins, they make a legitimate case. Notre Dame will likely have to run the table, but maybe even in a berth in the final could make a case. Cincinnati and Georgetown are headed to the NIT thanks to their opening round losses to DePaul and St. John's, respectively.
Big Ten - Northwestern (17-12)
Analysis: Many think Northwestern has to run the table to get in. I disagree. If they can beat fellow bubble team Minnesota and #1 seed Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament, I think the 'Cats deserve it. They are a sentimental pick since they've never made the Dance.
Big 12 - Kansas State (21-10), Nebraska (18-11)
Analysis: Must run the table to get in. Kansas State's computer numbers are too gaudy and Nebraska is only 3-7 against the RPI Top 50.
Conference USA - Tulsa (22-9), UAB (21-10)
Analysis: Must run the table to get in. No real marquee wins for either, although Tulsa beat Texas A&M.
Missouri Valley - Creighton (26-7), Illinois State (24-9)
Analysis: Since these teams can no longer help themselves, they must hope conference favorites win to have a shot. Otherwise, it's the NIT for both.
Mountain West - San Diego State (21-8)
Analysis: Will likely have to run the table to get in. They only have one marquee win against Utah, and computer numbers aren't great.
Pac-10 - USC (18-12)
Analysis: If USC can at least reach semis of Pac-10 tournament, they could have a legitimate case. Computer numbers are fairly solid, and they've beaten Arizona State and California.
SEC - South Carolina (21-8), Auburn (21-10), Kentucky (19-12)
Analysis: Florida shouldn't get too comfortable in the bracket, because it seems only LSU and Tennessee are locks. As for these three, the Gamecocks need a couple wins in the tournament to have any shot. With Auburn's win over LSU, the Tigers join the discussion. They've beaten both LSU and Tennessee. If Auburn makes a run, the Tigers make a case. Kentucky is on life support; they would have to run the table.
Southern - Davidson (26-7)
Analysis: As much as the nation loves Stephen Curry, this may be the year we won't see the Wildcats come the NCAA Tourney. With that loss to Charleston, Davidson will definitely be sweating on Selection Sunday. They have to hope that conference tourney favorites win to have any shot.
Next Bracket: Friday, March 13
Monday, March 2, 2009
March 2, 2009 Bracket
YEE-HAW! It's finally March. Soon, the conference tourneys will kick off, and I'll be making more brackets as automatic bids become official. The first bids will be awarded March 7, so the next one will come on Sunday, March 8, and then one will be made every day right up until Selection Sunday.
EAST REGION (Boston):
#1 North Carolina (25-3) vs. #16 Winner of CS Northridge (14-12)/Alabama State (17-8)
#8 West Virginia (20-9) vs. #9 BYU (22-6)
#5 LSU (25-4) vs. #12 Penn State (20-9)
#4 Washington (22-7) vs. #13 VCU (21-9)
#6 Florida State (22-7) vs. #11 Providence (18-11)
#3 Oklahoma (26-3) vs. #14 Arkansas-Little Rock (22-7)
#7 Utah (20-8) vs. #10 Siena (23-7)
#2 Michigan State (23-5) vs. #15 Buffalo (18-9)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 Pittsburgh (26-3) vs. #16 Jacksonville (17-12)
#8 Oklahoma State (19-9) vs. #9 Dayton (24-5)
#5 Illinois (23-7) vs. #12 UNLV (20-8)
#4 Clemson (22-6) vs. #13 Vermont (23-7)
#6 Marquette (23-6) vs. #11 Boston College (20-9)
#3 Missouri (24-5) vs. #14 North Dakota State (23-6)
#7 Minnesota (20-8) vs. #10 South Carolina (20-7)
#2 Memphis (26-3) vs. #15 Tennessee-Martin (21-8)
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Connecticut (27-2) vs. #16 Radford (18-11)
#8 Tennessee (18-10) vs. #9 Texas (19-9)
#5 UCLA (22-7) vs. #12 Maryland (18-10)
#4 Purdue (22-7) vs. #13 American (21-7)
#6 Syracuse (21-8) vs. #11 Utah State (26-4)
#3 Xavier (23-5) vs. #14 Stephen F. Austin (19-7)
#7 Arizona State (21-7) vs. #10 Ohio State (18-9)
#2 Duke (24-5) vs. #15 Robert Morris (21-10)
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Kansas (24-5) vs. #16 Morgan State (19-11)
#8 California (21-8) vs. #9 Creighton (25-6)
#5 Villanova (23-6) vs. #12 Florida (21-8)
#4 Butler (25-4) vs. #13 Davidson (24-6)
#6 Gonzaga (23-5) vs. #11 Arizona (18-11)
#3 Wake Forest (22-5) vs. #14 Weber State (20-8)
#7 Texas A&M (21-8) vs. #10 Wisconsin (18-10)
#2 Louisville (23-5) vs. #15 Cornell (19-9)
Bubble Watch:
Virginia Tech (17-11)
Miami (17-10)
Rhode Island (22-8)
Temple (17-11)
Cincinnati (18-11)
Notre Dame (16-12)
Georgetown (15-12)
Michigan (18-12)
Northwestern (16-11)
Kansas State (20-9)
Nebraska (16-11)
Tulsa (20-9)
UAB (20-9)
Northern Iowa (20-10)
Illinois State (22-8)
New Mexico (19-10)
San Diego State (19-8)
USC (16-12)
Kentucky (19-10)
St. Mary's (24-5)
Next Bracket: March 8
EAST REGION (Boston):
#1 North Carolina (25-3) vs. #16 Winner of CS Northridge (14-12)/Alabama State (17-8)
#8 West Virginia (20-9) vs. #9 BYU (22-6)
#5 LSU (25-4) vs. #12 Penn State (20-9)
#4 Washington (22-7) vs. #13 VCU (21-9)
#6 Florida State (22-7) vs. #11 Providence (18-11)
#3 Oklahoma (26-3) vs. #14 Arkansas-Little Rock (22-7)
#7 Utah (20-8) vs. #10 Siena (23-7)
#2 Michigan State (23-5) vs. #15 Buffalo (18-9)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 Pittsburgh (26-3) vs. #16 Jacksonville (17-12)
#8 Oklahoma State (19-9) vs. #9 Dayton (24-5)
#5 Illinois (23-7) vs. #12 UNLV (20-8)
#4 Clemson (22-6) vs. #13 Vermont (23-7)
#6 Marquette (23-6) vs. #11 Boston College (20-9)
#3 Missouri (24-5) vs. #14 North Dakota State (23-6)
#7 Minnesota (20-8) vs. #10 South Carolina (20-7)
#2 Memphis (26-3) vs. #15 Tennessee-Martin (21-8)
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Connecticut (27-2) vs. #16 Radford (18-11)
#8 Tennessee (18-10) vs. #9 Texas (19-9)
#5 UCLA (22-7) vs. #12 Maryland (18-10)
#4 Purdue (22-7) vs. #13 American (21-7)
#6 Syracuse (21-8) vs. #11 Utah State (26-4)
#3 Xavier (23-5) vs. #14 Stephen F. Austin (19-7)
#7 Arizona State (21-7) vs. #10 Ohio State (18-9)
#2 Duke (24-5) vs. #15 Robert Morris (21-10)
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Kansas (24-5) vs. #16 Morgan State (19-11)
#8 California (21-8) vs. #9 Creighton (25-6)
#5 Villanova (23-6) vs. #12 Florida (21-8)
#4 Butler (25-4) vs. #13 Davidson (24-6)
#6 Gonzaga (23-5) vs. #11 Arizona (18-11)
#3 Wake Forest (22-5) vs. #14 Weber State (20-8)
#7 Texas A&M (21-8) vs. #10 Wisconsin (18-10)
#2 Louisville (23-5) vs. #15 Cornell (19-9)
Bubble Watch:
Virginia Tech (17-11)
Miami (17-10)
Rhode Island (22-8)
Temple (17-11)
Cincinnati (18-11)
Notre Dame (16-12)
Georgetown (15-12)
Michigan (18-12)
Northwestern (16-11)
Kansas State (20-9)
Nebraska (16-11)
Tulsa (20-9)
UAB (20-9)
Northern Iowa (20-10)
Illinois State (22-8)
New Mexico (19-10)
San Diego State (19-8)
USC (16-12)
Kentucky (19-10)
St. Mary's (24-5)
Next Bracket: March 8
Monday, February 23, 2009
February 23, 2009 Bracket
It's Judgment Week, and almost conference tourney time. By then, the bubble picture should start to clear up and we'll have a better idea of who's legit and who's starting to quit.
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Oklahoma (25-2) vs. #16 Winner of Jacksonville (15-11)/Alabama State (15-8)
#8 UCLA (20-7) vs. #9 Wisconsin (17-10)
#5 Villanova (22-5) vs. #12 San Diego State (18-7)
#4 Wake Forest (20-5) vs. #13 Davidson (22-6)
#6 Gonzaga (21-5) vs. #11 South Carolina (19-6)
#3 Clemson (22-4) vs. #14 Vermont (22-7)
#7 Syracuse (19-8) vs. #10 Siena (22-6)
#2 Michigan State (21-5) vs. #15 Stephen F. Austin (17-7)
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Pittsburgh (25-2) vs. #16 Tennessee-Martin (19-7)
#8 Utah (19-7) vs. #9 Tennessee (16-10)
#5 Illinois (22-6) vs. #12 Maryland (17-9)
#4 Washington (20-7) vs. #13 Weber State (18-8)
#6 California (20-7) vs. #11 UNLV (20-7)
#3 Xavier (22-5) vs. #14 North Dakota State (21-6)
#7 Florida State (21-6) vs. #10 Ohio State (17-8)
#2 Kansas (22-5) vs. #15 Radford (17-10)
EAST REGION (Boston):
#1 North Carolina (24-3) vs. #16 Morgan State (18-10)
#8 Minnesota (20-7) vs. #9 Arizona (18-9)
#5 Butler (23-4) vs. #12 Kentucky (19-8)
#4 Marquette (23-4) vs. #13 VCU (19-9)
#6 LSU (23-4) vs. #11 Penn State (19-8)
#3 Louisville (21-5) vs. #14 AR-Little Rock (20-7)
#7 Texas (18-8) vs. #10 Dayton (23-4)
#2 Duke (22-5) vs. #15 Cornell (18-8)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 Connecticut (25-2) vs. #16 Long Beach State (13-12)
#8 Florida (21-6) vs. #9 Creighton (23-6)
#5 Arizona State (21-5) vs. #12 Kansas State (19-8)
#4 Purdue (21-6) vs. #13 American (19-7)
#6 West Virginia (19-8) vs. #11 Boston College (19-9)
#3 Missouri (23-4) vs. #14 Buffalo (17-8)
#7 Utah State (25-3) vs. #10 BYU (20-6)
#2 Memphis (24-3) vs. #15 Robert Morris (19-10)
Bubble Watch:
Oklahoma State (17-9, 31)
Temple (17-9, 35)
Texas A&M (19-8, 38)
UAB (19-8, 39)
Georgetown (14-11, 45)
Miami (16-10, 46)
USC (16-10, 49)
St. Mary's (22-5, 51)
Michigan (17-11, 53)
George Mason (18-9, 54)
Cincinnati (17-10, 55)
Baylor (16-10, 57)
Illinois State (22-6, 58)
Western Kentucky (19-8, 60)
Niagara (22-7, 63)
Nebraska (16-9, 64)
Virginia Tech (16-10, 66)
Green Bay (21-8, 67)
Rhode Island (20-8, 68)
Tulsa (18-9, 69)
New Mexico (17-10, 70)
Next Bracket: Monday, March 2
The first automatic bids will be awarded March 7. After that, I will be doing brackets more frequently as more come along.
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Oklahoma (25-2) vs. #16 Winner of Jacksonville (15-11)/Alabama State (15-8)
#8 UCLA (20-7) vs. #9 Wisconsin (17-10)
#5 Villanova (22-5) vs. #12 San Diego State (18-7)
#4 Wake Forest (20-5) vs. #13 Davidson (22-6)
#6 Gonzaga (21-5) vs. #11 South Carolina (19-6)
#3 Clemson (22-4) vs. #14 Vermont (22-7)
#7 Syracuse (19-8) vs. #10 Siena (22-6)
#2 Michigan State (21-5) vs. #15 Stephen F. Austin (17-7)
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Pittsburgh (25-2) vs. #16 Tennessee-Martin (19-7)
#8 Utah (19-7) vs. #9 Tennessee (16-10)
#5 Illinois (22-6) vs. #12 Maryland (17-9)
#4 Washington (20-7) vs. #13 Weber State (18-8)
#6 California (20-7) vs. #11 UNLV (20-7)
#3 Xavier (22-5) vs. #14 North Dakota State (21-6)
#7 Florida State (21-6) vs. #10 Ohio State (17-8)
#2 Kansas (22-5) vs. #15 Radford (17-10)
EAST REGION (Boston):
#1 North Carolina (24-3) vs. #16 Morgan State (18-10)
#8 Minnesota (20-7) vs. #9 Arizona (18-9)
#5 Butler (23-4) vs. #12 Kentucky (19-8)
#4 Marquette (23-4) vs. #13 VCU (19-9)
#6 LSU (23-4) vs. #11 Penn State (19-8)
#3 Louisville (21-5) vs. #14 AR-Little Rock (20-7)
#7 Texas (18-8) vs. #10 Dayton (23-4)
#2 Duke (22-5) vs. #15 Cornell (18-8)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 Connecticut (25-2) vs. #16 Long Beach State (13-12)
#8 Florida (21-6) vs. #9 Creighton (23-6)
#5 Arizona State (21-5) vs. #12 Kansas State (19-8)
#4 Purdue (21-6) vs. #13 American (19-7)
#6 West Virginia (19-8) vs. #11 Boston College (19-9)
#3 Missouri (23-4) vs. #14 Buffalo (17-8)
#7 Utah State (25-3) vs. #10 BYU (20-6)
#2 Memphis (24-3) vs. #15 Robert Morris (19-10)
Bubble Watch:
Oklahoma State (17-9, 31)
Temple (17-9, 35)
Texas A&M (19-8, 38)
UAB (19-8, 39)
Georgetown (14-11, 45)
Miami (16-10, 46)
USC (16-10, 49)
St. Mary's (22-5, 51)
Michigan (17-11, 53)
George Mason (18-9, 54)
Cincinnati (17-10, 55)
Baylor (16-10, 57)
Illinois State (22-6, 58)
Western Kentucky (19-8, 60)
Niagara (22-7, 63)
Nebraska (16-9, 64)
Virginia Tech (16-10, 66)
Green Bay (21-8, 67)
Rhode Island (20-8, 68)
Tulsa (18-9, 69)
New Mexico (17-10, 70)
Next Bracket: Monday, March 2
The first automatic bids will be awarded March 7. After that, I will be doing brackets more frequently as more come along.
Monday, February 16, 2009
February 16, 2009 Bracket
EAST REGION (Boston):
#1 Connecticut (24-1) vs. #16 Winner of Morehead State (16-11)/Alabama State (14-8)
#8 Ohio State (17-6) vs. #9 UCLA (19-6)
#5 Xavier (21-4) vs. #12 Florida (19-6)
#4 Wake Forest (19-4) vs. #13 VCU (18-8)
#6 Gonzaga (19-5) vs. #11 Cincinnati (17-9)
#3 Memphis (22-3) vs. #14 AR-Little Rock (19-6)
#7 Dayton (23-3) vs. #10 Siena (20-6)
#2 Michigan State (20-4) vs. #15 Cornell (17-7)
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Pittsburgh (23-2) vs. #16 Morgan State (15-10)
#8 BYU (19-5) vs. #9 Tennessee (16-8)
#5 Purdue (19-6) vs. #12 Boston College (19-8)
#4 Washington (19-6) vs. #13 Buffalo (17-6)
#6 Syracuse (19-7) vs. #11 USC (15-9)
#3 Clemson (20-4) vs. #14 Vermont (20-7)
#7 San Diego State (18-6) vs. #10 Wisconsin (16-9)
#2 Kansas (20-5) vs. #15 Jacksonville (14-10)
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Oklahoma (25-1) vs. #16 Radford (15-10)
#8 California (19-6) vs. #9 South Carolina (18-5)
#5 Butler (22-3) vs. #12 Virginia Tech (16-8)
#4 Marquette (21-4) vs. #13 American (17-7)
#6 Utah (18-7) vs. #11 Texas (17-7)
#3 Illinois (21-5) vs. #14 Weber State (17-8)
#7 West Virginia (17-8) vs. #10 Davidson (22-4)
#2 Duke (20-5) vs. #15 North Dakota State (19-6)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 North Carolina (23-2) vs. #16 Cal State Northridge (12-10)
#8 Utah State (24-2) vs. #9 Minnesota (19-6)
#5 Arizona State (20-5) vs. #12 Kentucky (18-7)
#4 Louisville (19-5) vs. #13 Northern Iowa (18-8)
#6 LSU (21-4) vs. #11 Arizona (18-8)
#3 Missouri (22-4) vs. #14 Robert Morris (19-8)
#7 Florida State (19-6) vs. #10 UNLV (19-6)
#2 Villanova (20-5) vs. #15 Sam Houston State (14-9)
Bubble Watch:
Maryland (16-8, RPI 58)
Miami (15-9, RPI 47)
St. Joseph's (14-10, RPI 77)
Temple (15-9, RPI 33)
Rhode Island (18-8, RPI 64)
Providence (16-9, RPI 67)
Notre Dame (14-10, RPI 74)
Georgetown (13-10, RPI 37)
Penn State (18-8, RPI 71)
Michigan (16-10, RPI 52)
Northwestern (13-10, RPI 84)
Kansas State (17-8, RPI 76)
Nebraska (15-8, RPI 65)
Oklahoma State (15-9, RPI 38)
Baylor (16-9, RPI 54)
Texas A&M (17-8, RPI 53)
Houston (16-7, RPI 88)
UAB (17-8, RPI 40)
Tulsa (17-9, RPI 70)
Creighton (21-6, RPI 56)
Illinois State (21-5, RPI 59)
Mississippi State (16-9, RPI 83)
Western Kentucky (17-8, RPI 66)
St. Mary's (20-5, RPI 60)
Next Bracket: February 23
#1 Connecticut (24-1) vs. #16 Winner of Morehead State (16-11)/Alabama State (14-8)
#8 Ohio State (17-6) vs. #9 UCLA (19-6)
#5 Xavier (21-4) vs. #12 Florida (19-6)
#4 Wake Forest (19-4) vs. #13 VCU (18-8)
#6 Gonzaga (19-5) vs. #11 Cincinnati (17-9)
#3 Memphis (22-3) vs. #14 AR-Little Rock (19-6)
#7 Dayton (23-3) vs. #10 Siena (20-6)
#2 Michigan State (20-4) vs. #15 Cornell (17-7)
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Pittsburgh (23-2) vs. #16 Morgan State (15-10)
#8 BYU (19-5) vs. #9 Tennessee (16-8)
#5 Purdue (19-6) vs. #12 Boston College (19-8)
#4 Washington (19-6) vs. #13 Buffalo (17-6)
#6 Syracuse (19-7) vs. #11 USC (15-9)
#3 Clemson (20-4) vs. #14 Vermont (20-7)
#7 San Diego State (18-6) vs. #10 Wisconsin (16-9)
#2 Kansas (20-5) vs. #15 Jacksonville (14-10)
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Oklahoma (25-1) vs. #16 Radford (15-10)
#8 California (19-6) vs. #9 South Carolina (18-5)
#5 Butler (22-3) vs. #12 Virginia Tech (16-8)
#4 Marquette (21-4) vs. #13 American (17-7)
#6 Utah (18-7) vs. #11 Texas (17-7)
#3 Illinois (21-5) vs. #14 Weber State (17-8)
#7 West Virginia (17-8) vs. #10 Davidson (22-4)
#2 Duke (20-5) vs. #15 North Dakota State (19-6)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 North Carolina (23-2) vs. #16 Cal State Northridge (12-10)
#8 Utah State (24-2) vs. #9 Minnesota (19-6)
#5 Arizona State (20-5) vs. #12 Kentucky (18-7)
#4 Louisville (19-5) vs. #13 Northern Iowa (18-8)
#6 LSU (21-4) vs. #11 Arizona (18-8)
#3 Missouri (22-4) vs. #14 Robert Morris (19-8)
#7 Florida State (19-6) vs. #10 UNLV (19-6)
#2 Villanova (20-5) vs. #15 Sam Houston State (14-9)
Bubble Watch:
Maryland (16-8, RPI 58)
Miami (15-9, RPI 47)
St. Joseph's (14-10, RPI 77)
Temple (15-9, RPI 33)
Rhode Island (18-8, RPI 64)
Providence (16-9, RPI 67)
Notre Dame (14-10, RPI 74)
Georgetown (13-10, RPI 37)
Penn State (18-8, RPI 71)
Michigan (16-10, RPI 52)
Northwestern (13-10, RPI 84)
Kansas State (17-8, RPI 76)
Nebraska (15-8, RPI 65)
Oklahoma State (15-9, RPI 38)
Baylor (16-9, RPI 54)
Texas A&M (17-8, RPI 53)
Houston (16-7, RPI 88)
UAB (17-8, RPI 40)
Tulsa (17-9, RPI 70)
Creighton (21-6, RPI 56)
Illinois State (21-5, RPI 59)
Mississippi State (16-9, RPI 83)
Western Kentucky (17-8, RPI 66)
St. Mary's (20-5, RPI 60)
Next Bracket: February 23
Monday, February 9, 2009
February 9, 2009 Bracket
I HAVE to do a better job at ensuring the conferences that will get at least 4 bids or more (ACC, Big East, Pac-10, SEC, Mountain West, Big Ten, etc.) are balanced so that each octet doesn't have two teams in it. But this one worked out better than the last one.
EAST REGION (Boston):
#1 Connecticut (22-1) vs. #16 Winner of Alabama State (12-8)/Princeton (9-8)
#8 Utah (16-7) vs. #9 Arizona State (18-5)
#5 Missouri (20-4) vs. #12 Virginia Tech (15-7)
#4 Butler (21-2) vs. #13 Western Kentucky (17-7)
#6 Ohio State (17-5) vs. #11 UNLV (17-6)
#3 Memphis (20-3) vs. #14 American (15-7)
#7 Florida (19-4) vs. #10 West Virginia (16-7)
#2 Duke (20-3) vs. #15 East Tennessee State (17-6)
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Pittsburgh (21-2) vs. #16 Morehead State (14-11)
#8 South Carolina (17-5) vs. #9 Miami (15-8)
#5 Washington (17-6) vs. #12 Utah State (23-1)
#4 Kansas (19-4) vs. #13 Buffalo (16-5)
#6 LSU (19-4) vs. #11 Cincinnati (16-8)
#3 Wake Forest (18-3) vs. #14 Robert Morris (17-8)
#7 San Diego State (17-5) vs. #10 Texas (15-7)
#2 Michigan State (19-4) vs. #15 VMI (19-4)
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Oklahoma (23-1) vs. #16 Long Beach State (12-10)
#8 California (18-6) vs. #9 BYU (17-5)
#5 Villanova (19-4) vs. #12 Boston College (18-7)
#4 Illinois (19-5) vs. #13 Northern Iowa (17-7)
#6 Gonzaga (17-5) vs. #11 Michigan (15-9)
#3 UCLA (19-4) vs. #14 Weber State (15-8)
#7 Syracuse (18-6) vs. #10 Dayton (21-3)
#2 Clemson (19-3) vs. #15 Sam Houston State (13-8)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 North Carolina (21-2) vs. #16 Morgan State (13-10)
#8 Tennessee (14-8) vs. #9 Siena (18-6)
#5 Minnesota (18-5) vs. #12 Arizona (16-8)
#4 Louisville (18-4) vs. #13 Northeastern (16-7)
#6 Florida State (18-5) vs. #11 USC (15-7)
#3 Xavier (20-3) vs. #14 North Dakota State (18-5)
#7 Purdue (17-6) vs. #10 Davidson (20-4)
#2 Marquette (20-3) vs. #15 Boston University (14-9)
Also Considered:
Temple (13-9, 44): 1-4 vs. Top 50.
St. Joseph's (14-8, 65): 0-4 vs. Top 50.
Rhode Island (16-8, 67): 1-5 vs. Top 50.
Georgetown (13-9, 37): 4-7 in Big East, 3-5 vs. Top 50.
Providence (14-9, 69): 1-6 vs. Top 50.
Wisconsin (14-9, 27): 3-7 vs. Top 50, 5-6 in Big 10.
Northwestern (13-8, 63): 4-6 in Big 10, 4-5 vs. Top 50.
Penn State (17-7, 84): 3-6 vs. Top 50, too high RPI & SOS.
Oklahoma St. (14-8, 30): 2-7 vs. Top 50.
Texas A&M (17-7, 48): 2-5 vs. Top 50.
Baylor (15-8, 54): 2-7 vs. Top 50.
Nebraska (15-7, 68): 2-4 vs. Top 50.
Kansas State (16-7, 71): 3 quality wins, but too high RPI & SOS.
George Mason (16-7, 57): No QW.
UAB (16-8, 32): 0-5 vs. Top 50.
Tulsa (17-7, 70): Too high RPI & SOS.
Green Bay (19-6, 59): 1-3 vs. Top 50.
Niagara (19-6, 72): 0-2 vs. Top 50.
Miami University (14-7, 56): 1-5 vs. Top 50.
Creighton (19-6, 61): Too high SOS.
St. Mary's (19-4, 60): 210 SOS, bad losses to Portland and Santa Clara.
Next Bracket: February 16
EAST REGION (Boston):
#1 Connecticut (22-1) vs. #16 Winner of Alabama State (12-8)/Princeton (9-8)
#8 Utah (16-7) vs. #9 Arizona State (18-5)
#5 Missouri (20-4) vs. #12 Virginia Tech (15-7)
#4 Butler (21-2) vs. #13 Western Kentucky (17-7)
#6 Ohio State (17-5) vs. #11 UNLV (17-6)
#3 Memphis (20-3) vs. #14 American (15-7)
#7 Florida (19-4) vs. #10 West Virginia (16-7)
#2 Duke (20-3) vs. #15 East Tennessee State (17-6)
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Pittsburgh (21-2) vs. #16 Morehead State (14-11)
#8 South Carolina (17-5) vs. #9 Miami (15-8)
#5 Washington (17-6) vs. #12 Utah State (23-1)
#4 Kansas (19-4) vs. #13 Buffalo (16-5)
#6 LSU (19-4) vs. #11 Cincinnati (16-8)
#3 Wake Forest (18-3) vs. #14 Robert Morris (17-8)
#7 San Diego State (17-5) vs. #10 Texas (15-7)
#2 Michigan State (19-4) vs. #15 VMI (19-4)
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Oklahoma (23-1) vs. #16 Long Beach State (12-10)
#8 California (18-6) vs. #9 BYU (17-5)
#5 Villanova (19-4) vs. #12 Boston College (18-7)
#4 Illinois (19-5) vs. #13 Northern Iowa (17-7)
#6 Gonzaga (17-5) vs. #11 Michigan (15-9)
#3 UCLA (19-4) vs. #14 Weber State (15-8)
#7 Syracuse (18-6) vs. #10 Dayton (21-3)
#2 Clemson (19-3) vs. #15 Sam Houston State (13-8)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 North Carolina (21-2) vs. #16 Morgan State (13-10)
#8 Tennessee (14-8) vs. #9 Siena (18-6)
#5 Minnesota (18-5) vs. #12 Arizona (16-8)
#4 Louisville (18-4) vs. #13 Northeastern (16-7)
#6 Florida State (18-5) vs. #11 USC (15-7)
#3 Xavier (20-3) vs. #14 North Dakota State (18-5)
#7 Purdue (17-6) vs. #10 Davidson (20-4)
#2 Marquette (20-3) vs. #15 Boston University (14-9)
Also Considered:
Temple (13-9, 44): 1-4 vs. Top 50.
St. Joseph's (14-8, 65): 0-4 vs. Top 50.
Rhode Island (16-8, 67): 1-5 vs. Top 50.
Georgetown (13-9, 37): 4-7 in Big East, 3-5 vs. Top 50.
Providence (14-9, 69): 1-6 vs. Top 50.
Wisconsin (14-9, 27): 3-7 vs. Top 50, 5-6 in Big 10.
Northwestern (13-8, 63): 4-6 in Big 10, 4-5 vs. Top 50.
Penn State (17-7, 84): 3-6 vs. Top 50, too high RPI & SOS.
Oklahoma St. (14-8, 30): 2-7 vs. Top 50.
Texas A&M (17-7, 48): 2-5 vs. Top 50.
Baylor (15-8, 54): 2-7 vs. Top 50.
Nebraska (15-7, 68): 2-4 vs. Top 50.
Kansas State (16-7, 71): 3 quality wins, but too high RPI & SOS.
George Mason (16-7, 57): No QW.
UAB (16-8, 32): 0-5 vs. Top 50.
Tulsa (17-7, 70): Too high RPI & SOS.
Green Bay (19-6, 59): 1-3 vs. Top 50.
Niagara (19-6, 72): 0-2 vs. Top 50.
Miami University (14-7, 56): 1-5 vs. Top 50.
Creighton (19-6, 61): Too high SOS.
St. Mary's (19-4, 60): 210 SOS, bad losses to Portland and Santa Clara.
Next Bracket: February 16
Monday, February 2, 2009
February 2, 2009 Bracket
I must say, it's hard having to shuffle some major teams around to accommodate the lower-seeded major teams. But it must be done, and this is what came out.
Also, I'm bringing back the "Also Considered" section, including reasons for why the teams considered are out.
EAST REGION (Boston):
#1 Duke (19-2) vs. #16 Winner of Morgan State (11-10)/Alabama State (10-8)
#8 Missouri (18-4) vs. #9 South Carolina (16-4)
#5 UCLA (17-4) vs. #12 Dayton (20-2)
#4 Villanova (17-4) vs. #13 Northeastern (15-6)
#6 West Virginia (15-6) vs. #11 Kentucky (16-5)
#3 Illinois (18-4) vs. #14 Cornell (14-6)
#7 UNLV (17-4) vs. #10 Arizona State (16-5)
#2 Clemson (18-2) vs. #15 Vermont (16-6)
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Oklahoma (21-1) vs. #16 Morehead State (13-10)
#8 Florida State (16-5) vs. #9 California (16-6)
#5 Syracuse (17-5) vs. #12 Utah State (21-1)
#4 Minnesota (18-3) vs. #13 Northern Iowa (16-6)
#6 Purdue (17-4) vs. #11 USC (15-6)
#3 Xavier (19-2) vs. #14 VMI (17-3)
#7 Georgetown (12-8) vs. #10 Baylor (15-6)
#2 North Carolina (19-2) vs. #15 East Tennessee State (16-6)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 Connecticut (20-1) vs. #16 Holy Cross (11-11)
#8 Ohio State (15-5) vs. #9 Texas A&M (17-5)
#5 Memphis (18-3) vs. #12 Virginia Tech (14-7)
#4 Butler (19-1) vs. #13 Buffalo (14-5)
#6 Kansas (17-4) vs. #11 Miami (14-7)
#3 Marquette (19-2) vs. #14 North Dakota State (16-5)
#7 Florida (18-4) vs. #10 St. Mary's (18-3)
#2 Michigan State (17-4) vs. #15 Robert Morris (15-7)
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Pittsburgh (19-2) vs. #16 Long Beach State (11-9)
#8 Davidson (18-3) vs. #9 Siena (17-5)
#5 Texas (15-5) vs. #12 BYU (16-5)
#4 Wake Forest (17-2) vs. #13 Stephen F. Austin (14-5)
#6 Gonzaga (16-4) vs. #11 Boston College (17-6)
#3 Washington (16-5) vs. #14 AR-Little Rock (16-6)
#7 Tennessee (13-7) vs. #10 Utah (14-7)
#2 Louisville (17-3) vs. #15 Weber State (14-8)
Also Considered:
St. Joseph's (12-8, 67): 5-1 in A-10...but only one QW over Cornell.
Temple (12-8, 48): Only 4-2 in A-10, but solid wins over Penn St. and Tennessee.
Rhode Island (15-7, 64): Best wins over VCU and Temple.
Providence (14-7, 63): Syracuse is their only QW.
Cincinnati (14-8, 58): 4-5 in conference, good wins over UNLV and Georgetown.
Notre Dame (12-8, 75): 3-6 in conference, way too low RPI.
Penn State (17-5, 66): Closer than anybody, but RPI and SOS numbers don't help.
Northwestern (12-7, 56): 4 quality wins, but 4-5 conference record.
Michigan (14-8, 54): 4-6 conference record.
Wisconsin (12-9, 37): 3-6 conference record, best win vs. Virginia Tech.
Kansas State (14-7, 76): 3 quality wins, but too high RPI.
Nebraska (13-7, 81): Too high RPI.
Oklahoma State (13-7, 26): 2-4 conference record, only QW vs. Siena.
VCU (16-6, 61): No QW.
George Mason (15-6, 59): No QW.
UAB (14-8, 45): No QW.
Illinois State (18-4, 60): No QW.
Creighton (17-6, 73): Best win vs. Dayton.
San Diego State (15-5, 53): SOS of 84 doesn't help.
Arizona (14-8, 62): 4-5 conference record.
Stanford (13-6, 69): 3-6 conference record.
LSU (17-4, 55): SOS of 111, best wins against Tennessee and Arkansas.
Next Bracket: February 9
Also, I'm bringing back the "Also Considered" section, including reasons for why the teams considered are out.
EAST REGION (Boston):
#1 Duke (19-2) vs. #16 Winner of Morgan State (11-10)/Alabama State (10-8)
#8 Missouri (18-4) vs. #9 South Carolina (16-4)
#5 UCLA (17-4) vs. #12 Dayton (20-2)
#4 Villanova (17-4) vs. #13 Northeastern (15-6)
#6 West Virginia (15-6) vs. #11 Kentucky (16-5)
#3 Illinois (18-4) vs. #14 Cornell (14-6)
#7 UNLV (17-4) vs. #10 Arizona State (16-5)
#2 Clemson (18-2) vs. #15 Vermont (16-6)
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Oklahoma (21-1) vs. #16 Morehead State (13-10)
#8 Florida State (16-5) vs. #9 California (16-6)
#5 Syracuse (17-5) vs. #12 Utah State (21-1)
#4 Minnesota (18-3) vs. #13 Northern Iowa (16-6)
#6 Purdue (17-4) vs. #11 USC (15-6)
#3 Xavier (19-2) vs. #14 VMI (17-3)
#7 Georgetown (12-8) vs. #10 Baylor (15-6)
#2 North Carolina (19-2) vs. #15 East Tennessee State (16-6)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 Connecticut (20-1) vs. #16 Holy Cross (11-11)
#8 Ohio State (15-5) vs. #9 Texas A&M (17-5)
#5 Memphis (18-3) vs. #12 Virginia Tech (14-7)
#4 Butler (19-1) vs. #13 Buffalo (14-5)
#6 Kansas (17-4) vs. #11 Miami (14-7)
#3 Marquette (19-2) vs. #14 North Dakota State (16-5)
#7 Florida (18-4) vs. #10 St. Mary's (18-3)
#2 Michigan State (17-4) vs. #15 Robert Morris (15-7)
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Pittsburgh (19-2) vs. #16 Long Beach State (11-9)
#8 Davidson (18-3) vs. #9 Siena (17-5)
#5 Texas (15-5) vs. #12 BYU (16-5)
#4 Wake Forest (17-2) vs. #13 Stephen F. Austin (14-5)
#6 Gonzaga (16-4) vs. #11 Boston College (17-6)
#3 Washington (16-5) vs. #14 AR-Little Rock (16-6)
#7 Tennessee (13-7) vs. #10 Utah (14-7)
#2 Louisville (17-3) vs. #15 Weber State (14-8)
Also Considered:
St. Joseph's (12-8, 67): 5-1 in A-10...but only one QW over Cornell.
Temple (12-8, 48): Only 4-2 in A-10, but solid wins over Penn St. and Tennessee.
Rhode Island (15-7, 64): Best wins over VCU and Temple.
Providence (14-7, 63): Syracuse is their only QW.
Cincinnati (14-8, 58): 4-5 in conference, good wins over UNLV and Georgetown.
Notre Dame (12-8, 75): 3-6 in conference, way too low RPI.
Penn State (17-5, 66): Closer than anybody, but RPI and SOS numbers don't help.
Northwestern (12-7, 56): 4 quality wins, but 4-5 conference record.
Michigan (14-8, 54): 4-6 conference record.
Wisconsin (12-9, 37): 3-6 conference record, best win vs. Virginia Tech.
Kansas State (14-7, 76): 3 quality wins, but too high RPI.
Nebraska (13-7, 81): Too high RPI.
Oklahoma State (13-7, 26): 2-4 conference record, only QW vs. Siena.
VCU (16-6, 61): No QW.
George Mason (15-6, 59): No QW.
UAB (14-8, 45): No QW.
Illinois State (18-4, 60): No QW.
Creighton (17-6, 73): Best win vs. Dayton.
San Diego State (15-5, 53): SOS of 84 doesn't help.
Arizona (14-8, 62): 4-5 conference record.
Stanford (13-6, 69): 3-6 conference record.
LSU (17-4, 55): SOS of 111, best wins against Tennessee and Arkansas.
Next Bracket: February 9
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
January 27, 2009 Bracket
EAST REGION (Boston):
#1 Duke (18-1) vs. #16 Winner of Alabama State (9-8)/Bethune-Cookman (11-9)
#8 Ohio State (13-5) vs. #9 Davidson (16-3)
#5 Washington (15-4) vs. #12 Utah (12-7)
#4 Marquette (18-2) vs. #13 VCU (15-5)
#6 Georgetown (12-6) vs. #11 Michigan (14-6)
#3 Xavier (17-2) vs. #14 Austin Peay (12-7)
#7 Tennessee (12-6) vs. #10 Kansas (15-4)
#2 Wake Forest (16-1) vs. #15 Vermont (14-6)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 Connecticut (18-1) vs. #16 Holy Cross (9-11)
#8 Virginia Tech (14-5) vs. #9 Purdue (15-4)
#5 Baylor (15-4) vs. #12 Temple (11-7)
#4 Butler (18-1) vs. #13 Northern Iowa (14-6)
#6 West Virginia (14-5) vs. #11 Dayton (18-2)
#3 Clemson (17-2) vs. #14 Cornell (12-6)
#7 Siena (16-5) vs. #10 Kentucky (16-4)
#2 Michigan State (16-3) vs. #15 North Dakota State (14-5)
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Pittsburgh (18-1) vs. #16 Robert Morris (13-7)
#8 California (16-4) vs. #9 Minnesota (17-3)
#5 Texas (14-4) vs. #12 Miami (14-5)
#4 Memphis (16-3) vs. #13 Western Kentucky (13-7)
#6 Missouri (17-3) vs. #11 St. Mary's (18-1)
#3 Syracuse (17-4) vs. #14 VMI (16-3)
#7 Florida (17-3) vs. #10 UCLA (15-4)
#2 North Carolina (17-2) vs. #15 East Tennessee State (15-5)
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Oklahoma (20-1) vs. #16 Long Beach State (10-8)
#8 UNLV (16-4) vs. #9 Wisconsin (12-7)
#5 Villanova (15-4) vs. #12 Utah State (19-1)
#4 Arizona State (16-3) vs. #13 Buffalo (12-5)
#6 Florida State (16-4) vs. #11 Gonzaga (14-4)
#3 Illinois (17-3) vs. #14 Portland State (15-5)
#7 Oklahoma State (13-6) vs. #10 BYU (15-4)
#2 Louisville (15-3) vs. #15 Texas A&M-CC (11-9)
Next Bracket: February 2
#1 Duke (18-1) vs. #16 Winner of Alabama State (9-8)/Bethune-Cookman (11-9)
#8 Ohio State (13-5) vs. #9 Davidson (16-3)
#5 Washington (15-4) vs. #12 Utah (12-7)
#4 Marquette (18-2) vs. #13 VCU (15-5)
#6 Georgetown (12-6) vs. #11 Michigan (14-6)
#3 Xavier (17-2) vs. #14 Austin Peay (12-7)
#7 Tennessee (12-6) vs. #10 Kansas (15-4)
#2 Wake Forest (16-1) vs. #15 Vermont (14-6)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis):
#1 Connecticut (18-1) vs. #16 Holy Cross (9-11)
#8 Virginia Tech (14-5) vs. #9 Purdue (15-4)
#5 Baylor (15-4) vs. #12 Temple (11-7)
#4 Butler (18-1) vs. #13 Northern Iowa (14-6)
#6 West Virginia (14-5) vs. #11 Dayton (18-2)
#3 Clemson (17-2) vs. #14 Cornell (12-6)
#7 Siena (16-5) vs. #10 Kentucky (16-4)
#2 Michigan State (16-3) vs. #15 North Dakota State (14-5)
SOUTH REGION (Memphis):
#1 Pittsburgh (18-1) vs. #16 Robert Morris (13-7)
#8 California (16-4) vs. #9 Minnesota (17-3)
#5 Texas (14-4) vs. #12 Miami (14-5)
#4 Memphis (16-3) vs. #13 Western Kentucky (13-7)
#6 Missouri (17-3) vs. #11 St. Mary's (18-1)
#3 Syracuse (17-4) vs. #14 VMI (16-3)
#7 Florida (17-3) vs. #10 UCLA (15-4)
#2 North Carolina (17-2) vs. #15 East Tennessee State (15-5)
WEST REGION (Glendale):
#1 Oklahoma (20-1) vs. #16 Long Beach State (10-8)
#8 UNLV (16-4) vs. #9 Wisconsin (12-7)
#5 Villanova (15-4) vs. #12 Utah State (19-1)
#4 Arizona State (16-3) vs. #13 Buffalo (12-5)
#6 Florida State (16-4) vs. #11 Gonzaga (14-4)
#3 Illinois (17-3) vs. #14 Portland State (15-5)
#7 Oklahoma State (13-6) vs. #10 BYU (15-4)
#2 Louisville (15-3) vs. #15 Texas A&M-CC (11-9)
Next Bracket: February 2
Monday, January 19, 2009
January 19, 2009 Bracket
Memo to the mid-major conferences: Good luck getting multiple bids this year, because the BCS conferences are going to get multiple bids.
Of my 34 at-larges, 19 come from only three: Big East, Big Ten, Big 12.
This is going to be a good NCAA Tourney for major teams, not really for Cinderellas.
Here's the latest bracket:
EAST REGION (Boston)
#1 Duke (16-1) vs. #16 Winner of Hampton (9-8)/New Hampshire (7-8)
#8 Ohio State (13-3) vs. #9 Stanford (12-3)
#5 Texas (13-4) vs. #12 Utah (12-6)
#4 Marquette (16-2) vs. #13 VMI (14-3)
#6 Missouri (15-3) vs. #11 Miami (13-4)
#3 Minnesota (16-2) vs. #14 Buffalo (10-5)
#7 Tennessee (11-5) vs. #10 George Mason (14-3)
#2 Connecticut (16-1) vs. #15 Cornell (11-6)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis)
#1 Michigan State (15-2) vs. #16 Jacksonville (8-8)
#8 Oklahoma State (12-4) vs. #9 Gonzaga (12-4)
#5 Louisville (13-3) vs. #12 Utah State (17-1)
#4 Memphis (14-3) vs. #13 Illinois State (16-2)
#6 Villanova (14-3) vs. #11 Siena (14-5)
#3 Xavier (15-2) vs. #14 Northern Iowa (12-6)
#7 Davidson (14-3) vs. #10 Michigan (13-5)
#2 North Carolina (16-2) vs. #15 North Dakota State (12-5)
SOUTH REGION (Memphis)
#1 Pittsburgh (16-1) vs. #16 Robert Morris (12-7)
#8 Purdue (14-4) vs. #9 Texas A&M (15-3)
#5 Florida (16-2) vs. #12 Washington (13-4)
#4 Butler (16-1) vs. #13 Western Kentucky (13-5)
#6 Illinois (15-3) vs. #11 West Virginia (13-4)
#3 California (15-3) vs. #14 American (11-6)
#7 Florida State (15-3) vs. #10 Dayton (16-2)
#2 Oklahoma (17-1) vs. #15 Austin Peay (10-7)
WEST REGION (Glendale)
#1 Wake Forest (16-0) vs. #16 Alabama State (8-7)
#8 St. Mary's (17-1) vs. #9 Wisconsin (12-5)
#5 UCLA (14-3) vs. #12 Kansas (13-4)
#4 Syracuse (17-2) vs. #13 Stephen F. Austin (11-4)
#6 Arizona State (15-3) vs. #11 Kentucky (14-4)
#3 Georgetown (12-4) vs. #14 Long Beach State (10-7)
#7 Baylor (14-3) vs. #10 BYU (14-3)
#2 Clemson (16-1) vs. #15 Portland State (14-5)
Teams Also Considered:
Virginia Tech (12-5, RPI 52)
Maryland (12-5, RPI 85)
Boston College (13-6, RPI 68)
Rhode Island (12-6, RPI 61)
Providence (11-6, RPI 99)
Notre Dame (12-5, RPI 63)
Penn State (14-5, RPI 86)
Nebraska (12-4, RPI 76)
VCU (13-5, RPI 62)
UAB (10-7, RPI 47)
Southern Miss (11-5, RPI 70)
Tulsa (12-6, RPI 73)
UTEP (11-6, RPI 80)
Houston (11-4, RPI 98)
Evansville (12-5, RPI 56)
Bradley (11-6, RPI 75)
Creighton (14-5, RPI 78)
UNLV (14-4, RPI 54)
San Diego State (12-4, RPI 59)
TCU (12-6, RPI 69)
USC (12-5, RPI 64)
Arizona (11-7, RPI 74)
Arkansas (12-4, RPI 58)
Boise State (12-5, RPI 55)
Next Bracket: Monday, January 26
Of my 34 at-larges, 19 come from only three: Big East, Big Ten, Big 12.
This is going to be a good NCAA Tourney for major teams, not really for Cinderellas.
Here's the latest bracket:
EAST REGION (Boston)
#1 Duke (16-1) vs. #16 Winner of Hampton (9-8)/New Hampshire (7-8)
#8 Ohio State (13-3) vs. #9 Stanford (12-3)
#5 Texas (13-4) vs. #12 Utah (12-6)
#4 Marquette (16-2) vs. #13 VMI (14-3)
#6 Missouri (15-3) vs. #11 Miami (13-4)
#3 Minnesota (16-2) vs. #14 Buffalo (10-5)
#7 Tennessee (11-5) vs. #10 George Mason (14-3)
#2 Connecticut (16-1) vs. #15 Cornell (11-6)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis)
#1 Michigan State (15-2) vs. #16 Jacksonville (8-8)
#8 Oklahoma State (12-4) vs. #9 Gonzaga (12-4)
#5 Louisville (13-3) vs. #12 Utah State (17-1)
#4 Memphis (14-3) vs. #13 Illinois State (16-2)
#6 Villanova (14-3) vs. #11 Siena (14-5)
#3 Xavier (15-2) vs. #14 Northern Iowa (12-6)
#7 Davidson (14-3) vs. #10 Michigan (13-5)
#2 North Carolina (16-2) vs. #15 North Dakota State (12-5)
SOUTH REGION (Memphis)
#1 Pittsburgh (16-1) vs. #16 Robert Morris (12-7)
#8 Purdue (14-4) vs. #9 Texas A&M (15-3)
#5 Florida (16-2) vs. #12 Washington (13-4)
#4 Butler (16-1) vs. #13 Western Kentucky (13-5)
#6 Illinois (15-3) vs. #11 West Virginia (13-4)
#3 California (15-3) vs. #14 American (11-6)
#7 Florida State (15-3) vs. #10 Dayton (16-2)
#2 Oklahoma (17-1) vs. #15 Austin Peay (10-7)
WEST REGION (Glendale)
#1 Wake Forest (16-0) vs. #16 Alabama State (8-7)
#8 St. Mary's (17-1) vs. #9 Wisconsin (12-5)
#5 UCLA (14-3) vs. #12 Kansas (13-4)
#4 Syracuse (17-2) vs. #13 Stephen F. Austin (11-4)
#6 Arizona State (15-3) vs. #11 Kentucky (14-4)
#3 Georgetown (12-4) vs. #14 Long Beach State (10-7)
#7 Baylor (14-3) vs. #10 BYU (14-3)
#2 Clemson (16-1) vs. #15 Portland State (14-5)
Teams Also Considered:
Virginia Tech (12-5, RPI 52)
Maryland (12-5, RPI 85)
Boston College (13-6, RPI 68)
Rhode Island (12-6, RPI 61)
Providence (11-6, RPI 99)
Notre Dame (12-5, RPI 63)
Penn State (14-5, RPI 86)
Nebraska (12-4, RPI 76)
VCU (13-5, RPI 62)
UAB (10-7, RPI 47)
Southern Miss (11-5, RPI 70)
Tulsa (12-6, RPI 73)
UTEP (11-6, RPI 80)
Houston (11-4, RPI 98)
Evansville (12-5, RPI 56)
Bradley (11-6, RPI 75)
Creighton (14-5, RPI 78)
UNLV (14-4, RPI 54)
San Diego State (12-4, RPI 59)
TCU (12-6, RPI 69)
USC (12-5, RPI 64)
Arizona (11-7, RPI 74)
Arkansas (12-4, RPI 58)
Boise State (12-5, RPI 55)
Next Bracket: Monday, January 26
Monday, January 12, 2009
January 12, 2009 Bracket
Before I post this, I must say it's been a much tougher call this year to pick which 65 are going to be in. The selection committee is going to have a whale of a time determining which mid-major conferences should have multiple bids OR how many bids do you give to the major conferences? When I decide, I look at the RPI, the SOS, and the overall record. STILL, it's tough...so if some teams are in and some teams are out, it's truly by fractions. It's that close.
At the bottom of the bracket, I'll list the other teams that I considered. I don't call them "bubble" teams, I just put them on a "watch" list. That means they could be in next time, or they could be out. It just depends on their performance.
Enough rambling, here's the bracket.
EAST REGION (Boston)
#1 Pittsburgh (15-0) vs. #16 Winner of Hampton (7-7)/Alabama State (6-7)
#8 Florida State (13-3) vs. #9 Washington (11-4)
#5 Florida (14-2) vs. #12 Kansas (11-4)
#4 Minnesota (15-1) vs. #13 Drake (13-4)
#6 Oklahoma State (12-3) vs. #11 Siena (12-5)
#3 Syracuse (16-1) vs. #14 Binghamton (10-5)
#7 Gonzaga (10-4) vs. #10 Michigan (13-3)
#2 North Carolina (14-2) vs. #15 Navy (12-4)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis)
#1 Michigan State (13-2) vs. #16 Harvard (9-6)
#8 UCLA (13-2) vs. #9 George Mason (12-3)
#5 Tennessee (10-4) vs. #12 Miami University (8-5)
#4 Georgetown (11-3) vs. #13 VMI (13-2)
#6 Texas (12-3) vs. #11 Dayton (14-2)
#3 Wake Forest (14-0) vs. #14 East Tennessee State (11-4)
#7 Villanova (13-3) vs. #10 Ohio State (11-3)
#2 Butler (14-1) vs. #15 North Dakota State (10-5)
SOUTH REGION (Memphis)
#1 Clemson (16-0) vs. #16 Middle Tennessee (11-5)
#8 West Virginia (11-4) vs. #9 Stanford (11-3)
#5 Wisconsin (12-4) vs. #12 Kentucky (12-4)
#4 Memphis (12-3) vs. #13 Boise State (12-3)
#6 Louisville (11-3) vs. #11 UNLV (13-3)
#3 Oklahoma (15-1) vs. #14 Lamar (10-4)
#7 Davidson (11-3) vs. #10 Illinois State (14-2)
#2 Xavier (13-2) vs. #15 Austin Peay (9-7)
WEST REGION (Glendale)
#1 Duke (14-1) vs. #16 Robert Morris (10-7)
#8 Illinois (14-2) vs. #9 Texas A&M (14-2)
#5 Marquette (15-2) vs. #12 Utah State (15-1)
#4 Arizona State (14-2) vs. #13 Arkansas (12-2)
#6 St. Mary's (15-1) vs. #11 San Diego State (12-3)
#3 California (15-2) vs. #14 Long Beach State (9-7)
#7 BYU (13-2) vs. #10 Baylor (13-2)
#2 Connecticut (14-1) vs. #15 Weber State (9-7)
Also Considered "Watch List":
Miami (12-3) RPI: 41
Boston College (13-4) RPI: 61
Maryland (12-3) RPI: 72
Notre Dame (12-3) RPI: 62
Providence (11-5) RPI: 79
Purdue (12-4) RPI: 67
Penn State (13-4) RPI: 81
Missouri (13-3) RPI: 56
Northeastern (10-5) RPI: 66
VCU (11-5) RPI: 64
UAB (9-6) RPI: 43
Evansville (11-4) RPI: 40
Bradley (10-6) RPI: 58
Creighton (13-4) RPI: 71
Utah (10-6) RPI: 22
Arizona (11-5) RPI: 59
Western Kentucky (10-6) RPI: 69
See how hard this is?!
Next Bracket: Monday, January 19
At the bottom of the bracket, I'll list the other teams that I considered. I don't call them "bubble" teams, I just put them on a "watch" list. That means they could be in next time, or they could be out. It just depends on their performance.
Enough rambling, here's the bracket.
EAST REGION (Boston)
#1 Pittsburgh (15-0) vs. #16 Winner of Hampton (7-7)/Alabama State (6-7)
#8 Florida State (13-3) vs. #9 Washington (11-4)
#5 Florida (14-2) vs. #12 Kansas (11-4)
#4 Minnesota (15-1) vs. #13 Drake (13-4)
#6 Oklahoma State (12-3) vs. #11 Siena (12-5)
#3 Syracuse (16-1) vs. #14 Binghamton (10-5)
#7 Gonzaga (10-4) vs. #10 Michigan (13-3)
#2 North Carolina (14-2) vs. #15 Navy (12-4)
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis)
#1 Michigan State (13-2) vs. #16 Harvard (9-6)
#8 UCLA (13-2) vs. #9 George Mason (12-3)
#5 Tennessee (10-4) vs. #12 Miami University (8-5)
#4 Georgetown (11-3) vs. #13 VMI (13-2)
#6 Texas (12-3) vs. #11 Dayton (14-2)
#3 Wake Forest (14-0) vs. #14 East Tennessee State (11-4)
#7 Villanova (13-3) vs. #10 Ohio State (11-3)
#2 Butler (14-1) vs. #15 North Dakota State (10-5)
SOUTH REGION (Memphis)
#1 Clemson (16-0) vs. #16 Middle Tennessee (11-5)
#8 West Virginia (11-4) vs. #9 Stanford (11-3)
#5 Wisconsin (12-4) vs. #12 Kentucky (12-4)
#4 Memphis (12-3) vs. #13 Boise State (12-3)
#6 Louisville (11-3) vs. #11 UNLV (13-3)
#3 Oklahoma (15-1) vs. #14 Lamar (10-4)
#7 Davidson (11-3) vs. #10 Illinois State (14-2)
#2 Xavier (13-2) vs. #15 Austin Peay (9-7)
WEST REGION (Glendale)
#1 Duke (14-1) vs. #16 Robert Morris (10-7)
#8 Illinois (14-2) vs. #9 Texas A&M (14-2)
#5 Marquette (15-2) vs. #12 Utah State (15-1)
#4 Arizona State (14-2) vs. #13 Arkansas (12-2)
#6 St. Mary's (15-1) vs. #11 San Diego State (12-3)
#3 California (15-2) vs. #14 Long Beach State (9-7)
#7 BYU (13-2) vs. #10 Baylor (13-2)
#2 Connecticut (14-1) vs. #15 Weber State (9-7)
Also Considered "Watch List":
Miami (12-3) RPI: 41
Boston College (13-4) RPI: 61
Maryland (12-3) RPI: 72
Notre Dame (12-3) RPI: 62
Providence (11-5) RPI: 79
Purdue (12-4) RPI: 67
Penn State (13-4) RPI: 81
Missouri (13-3) RPI: 56
Northeastern (10-5) RPI: 66
VCU (11-5) RPI: 64
UAB (9-6) RPI: 43
Evansville (11-4) RPI: 40
Bradley (10-6) RPI: 58
Creighton (13-4) RPI: 71
Utah (10-6) RPI: 22
Arizona (11-5) RPI: 59
Western Kentucky (10-6) RPI: 69
See how hard this is?!
Next Bracket: Monday, January 19
Monday, January 5, 2009
First One of 2009 - January 5
Since conference season is kicking off for most conferences (but not all), I figured I would formulate the first prognostication of the 2008-2009 season. This is definitely subject to change since some major teams are lower seeds at the moment; but it's mostly due to the fact that they have lower RPI's than some mid-major teams who are definitely proving they are legit. This was also hard to make because the Big East is just the dominant conference this year. I currently give them 8 tournament bids, with a few others very close.
Here it is, for your enjoyment!
EAST REGION (Boston)
#1 Pittsburgh vs. #16 Winner of Alabama State/Western Illinois
#8 Davidson vs. #9 Michigan
#5 Arizona State vs. #12 Lamar
#4 Wake Forest vs. #13 Texas A&M
#6 Florida vs. #11 Missouri
#3 Syracuse vs. #14 Cornell
#7 Ohio State vs. #10 George Mason
#2 Xavier vs. #15 Binghamton
WEST REGION (Glendale)
#1 Oklahoma vs. #16 Robert Morris
#8 Stanford vs. #9 Western Kentucky
#5 St. Mary's vs. #12 Boise State
#4 Georgetown vs. #13 Kentucky
#6 Tennessee vs. #11 Utah
#3 Wisconsin vs. #14 Portland State
#7 UCLA vs. #10 Louisville
#2 North Carolina vs. #15 UC Riverside
SOUTH REGION (Memphis)
#1 Clemson vs. #16 Morehead State
#8 Minnesota vs. #9 Marquette
#5 Texas vs. #12 VMI
#4 Memphis vs. #13 Washington
#6 Florida State vs. #11 UAB
#3 California vs. #14 Baylor
#7 Villanova vs. #10 UNLV
#2 Michigan State vs. #15 East Tennessee State
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis)
#1 Duke vs. #16 Bethune-Cookman
#8 Illinois State vs. #9 Oklahoma State
#5 Illinois vs. #12 Evansville
#4 West Virginia vs. #13 Arkansas
#6 Boston College vs. #11 Gonzaga
#3 Butler vs. #14 Miami University
#7 Dayton vs. #10 Siena
#2 Connecticut vs. #15 Lehigh
Last Four Out: Maryland, Rhode Island, Purdue, BYU
Next Update: Monday, January 12
Here it is, for your enjoyment!
EAST REGION (Boston)
#1 Pittsburgh vs. #16 Winner of Alabama State/Western Illinois
#8 Davidson vs. #9 Michigan
#5 Arizona State vs. #12 Lamar
#4 Wake Forest vs. #13 Texas A&M
#6 Florida vs. #11 Missouri
#3 Syracuse vs. #14 Cornell
#7 Ohio State vs. #10 George Mason
#2 Xavier vs. #15 Binghamton
WEST REGION (Glendale)
#1 Oklahoma vs. #16 Robert Morris
#8 Stanford vs. #9 Western Kentucky
#5 St. Mary's vs. #12 Boise State
#4 Georgetown vs. #13 Kentucky
#6 Tennessee vs. #11 Utah
#3 Wisconsin vs. #14 Portland State
#7 UCLA vs. #10 Louisville
#2 North Carolina vs. #15 UC Riverside
SOUTH REGION (Memphis)
#1 Clemson vs. #16 Morehead State
#8 Minnesota vs. #9 Marquette
#5 Texas vs. #12 VMI
#4 Memphis vs. #13 Washington
#6 Florida State vs. #11 UAB
#3 California vs. #14 Baylor
#7 Villanova vs. #10 UNLV
#2 Michigan State vs. #15 East Tennessee State
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis)
#1 Duke vs. #16 Bethune-Cookman
#8 Illinois State vs. #9 Oklahoma State
#5 Illinois vs. #12 Evansville
#4 West Virginia vs. #13 Arkansas
#6 Boston College vs. #11 Gonzaga
#3 Butler vs. #14 Miami University
#7 Dayton vs. #10 Siena
#2 Connecticut vs. #15 Lehigh
Last Four Out: Maryland, Rhode Island, Purdue, BYU
Next Update: Monday, January 12
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