by Jon Pence
Let’s look at the top line this week. Which teams might end up on the top line on Selection Sunday?
Virginia
KenPom #1, NCAAGameSim #1, AP #1, RPI #1
As it stands Virginia seems like a lock to end up as a 1 seed. The Hoos have lost just twice all season and seem to destined for a #1 seed.
Villanova
KenPom #2, NCAAGameSim #5, AP #4, RPI #2
The Wildcats appeared to be a lock a few weeks ago but have lost 3 of their last 6 games. It seems unlikely that Villanova and Xavier could both end up as 1 seeds out of the Big East.
Purdue
KenPom #4, NCAAGameSim #3, AP #8, RPI #10
The Boilermakers lost 3 straight games against Ohio State, Michigan State, and Wisconsin before winning their last 3 games. The Boilermakers need a Big Ten tournament championship to have a shot at a 1 seed.
Duke
KenPom #3, NCAAGameSim #2, AP #5, RPI #4
The Blue Devils were starting to look like a 1 seed again after winning 5 straight, but the loss at Virginia Tech doesn’t help. Duke will probably need to win the ACC Tournament to clinch a 1 seed. An ACC Tournament championship loss could be enough if the Blue Devils get some help elsewhere.
Michigan State
KenPom #5, NCAAGameSim #4, AP #2, RPI #14
The Spartans, like Purdue, are really hurt by the weak Big Ten this season. Michigan State just clinched a Big Ten tournament title, but likely will need a tournament title as well to claim a 1 seed.
Xavier
KenPom #13, NCAAGameSim #11, AP #3, RPI #3
Xavier lost at home to Villanova last week by 16 and but remain 3rd in the RPI. Even though I have both Nova and Xavier in today’s bracket, it’s hard to see both stay on the top line after tournament play. That’s especially true if multiple teams above make runs to tournament titles.
Kansas
KenPom #9, NCAAGameSim #7, AP #6, RPI #6
All Kansas does is win Big 12 regular season titles. The Jayhawks clinched their 14th straight Big 12 title and have to be considered for a #1 seed once again. Kansas has to win the Big 12 tournament title as well and hope for some upsets in other conference tournaments.
Final Four: East vs West & Midwest vs South
ALL CAPS/conference indicates an automatic bid
SOUTH
(1) VIRGINIA/ACC vs. (16) LIPSCOMB/Atlantic Sun
(8) Butler vs. (9) Arizona State
(5) Ohio State vs. (12) UL LAFAYETTE/Sun Belt
(4) ARIZONA/Pac-12 vs. (13) NORTHERN KENTUCKY/Horizon
(3) AUBURN/SEC vs. (14) MONTANA/Big Sky
(6) Houston vs. (11) Louisville/Baylor
(7) Seton Hall vs. (10) Kansas State
(2) MICHIGAN STATE/Big Ten vs. (15) BUCKNELL/Patriot League
MIDWEST
(1) Kansas vs. (16) COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON/Colonial/BETHUNE-COOKMAN/MEAC
(8) FSU vs. (9) Missouri
(5) Michigan vs. (12) NEW MEXICO STATE/WAC
(4) Wichita State vs. (13) SOUTH DAKOTA STATE/Summit
(3) Tennessee vs. (14) UNC GREENSBORO/Southern
(6) RHODE ISLAND/Atlantic 10 vs. (11) USC
(7) Creighton vs. (10) Alabama
(2) Duke vs. (15) UC SANTA BARBARA/Big West
EAST
(1) VILLANOVA/Big East vs. (16) WAGNER/Northeast/SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY/SWAC
(8) Oklahoma vs. (9) Miami
(5) Kentucky vs. (12) LOYOLA-CHICAGO/Missouri Valley
(4) GONZAGA/WCC vs. (13) MURRAY STATE/Ohio Valley
(3) CINCINNATI/AAC vs. (14) PENN/Ivy League
(6) TCU vs. (11) MIDDLE TENNESSEE/Conference USA/Syracuse
(7) Texas A&M vs. (10) Virginia Tech
(2) Purdue vs. (15) RIDER/MAAC
WEST
(1) Xavier vs. (16) UNC ASHEVILLE/Big South
(8) Florida vs. (9) NC State
(5) West Virginia vs. (12) Penn State
(4) Clemson vs. (13) VERMONT/America East
(3) TEXAS TECH/Big 12 vs. (14) BUFFALO/Mid-American
(6) NEVADA/Mountain West vs. (11) Texas
(7) Arkansas vs. (10) Saint Mary’s
(2) UNC vs. (15) SFA/Southland
Last Four In
Louisville
Penn State
Syracuse
Baylor
First Four Out
Maryland
Mississippi State
Nebraska
Providence
Next Four Out
LSU
UCLA
Washington
Boise State
Multiple Bid Conferences
| Conference | Teams |
| ACC | 10 |
| Big 12 | 8 |
| SEC | 8 |
| Big East | 5 |
| Big Ten | 5 |
| Pac-12 | 3 |
| AAC | 3 |
| WCC | 2 |
Here’s where the fun begins and where we set the SportsChannel 8 brack8ology apart from everyone else. You can simulate the bracket above using NCAAGameSim.com. Enjoy!
