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Bracketology: Virginia reigns over Field of 68

By Dave OmmenMar 11, 2018, 10:08 AM EDT
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While plenty of questions remain for a handful of teams on the bubble, this much we know: Virginia will be the overall No. 1 seed when the 2018 NCAA tournament bracket is revealed tonight.  The Cavaliers completed a remarkable season Saturday night by beating North Carolina in the ACC title game.  That appears to leave the No. 1 line as it was yesterday – Virginia, Villanova, Kansas, and Xavier.

The underlying story today is Davidson, who beat Rhode Island in the Atlantic 10 championship.  Davidson is now our second bubble thief.

We’ve reached another Selection Sunday.  Here’s to an incredible journey through the Madness of March.

UPDATED: March 11, 2018   |   4:30 p.m.  ET

FIRST FOUR PAIRINGS – Dayton (First Round)

  • Oklahoma vs. Arizona State | South Region
  • Texas vs. USC | Midwest Region
  • CS-FULLERTON vs. LIU-BROOKLYN | East Region
  • NC-CENTRAL vs. TX-SOUTHERN | South Region

BRACKET PROJECTION …

SOUTH – Atlanta    EAST – Boston           
Charlotte Pittsburgh
1) VIRGINIA 1) VILLANOVA
16) NC-CENTRAL / TX-SOUTHERN 16) CS-FULLERTON / LIU-BROOKLYN
8) Providence 8) Virginia Tech
9) Alabama 9) Kansas State
Boise San Diego
5) Houston 5) Clemson
12) DAVIDSON 12) MURRAY STATE
4) Texas Tech 4) KENTUCKY
13) CHARLESTON 13) BUFFALO
Nashville Wichita
6) Ohio State 6) Miami-FL
11) Texas / Arizona St 11) LOYOLA-CHICAGO
3) Tennessee 3) West Virginia
14) BUCKNELL 14) WRIGHT STATE
Detroit Detroit
7) TCU 7) Rhode Island
10) Creighton 10) UCLA
2) Cincinnati 2) Purdue
15) PENNSYLVANIA 15) IONA
WEST – Los Angeles MIDWEST – Omaha
Pittsburgh Wichita
1) Xavier 1) KANSAS
16) RADFORD 16) UMBC
8) Missouri 8) Nevada
9) Florida State 9) NC State
San Diego Boise
5) GONZAGA 5) Wichita State
12) SOUTH DAKOTA ST 12) SAN DIEGO ST
4) ARIZONA 4) Auburn
13) MARSHALL 13) UNC-GREENSBORO
Dallas Dallas
6) Arkansas 6) Florida
11) NEW MEXICO ST 11) Oklahoma / USC
3) MICHIGAN 3) Michigan State
14) S.F. AUSTIN 14) MONTANA
Charlotte Nashville
7) Seton Hall 7) Texas AM
10) St. Bonaventure 10) Butler
2) North Carolina 2) Duke
15) LIPSCOMB 15) GEORGIA STATE

NOTES on the BRACKET: Virginia is the No. 1 overall seed – followed by Villanova, Kansas, and Xavier

Last Four Byes (at large): Butler, Creighton, St. Bonaventure, UCLA

Last Four IN (at large): Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona State, USC

First Four OUT (at large): Saint Mary’s, Louisville, Marquette, Middle Tennessee

Next four teams OUT (at large): Oklahoma State, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Baylor

Bracketology: Kansas moves up, bubble tightens

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By Dave OmmenMar 10, 2018, 11:27 AM EDT
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Kansas moves into the Midwest Region courtesy of the Jayhawks’ win over Kansas State and Xavier’s loss to Providence.  The Musketeers remain the fourth No. 1 seed this morning, shifting to the West Region.  Close behind, now, is North Carolina, which beat Duke for a second time. If the Tar Heels beat Virginia in the ACC title game, they could find themselves as a No. 1 seed come Sunday morning.

Elsewhere, the bubble has tightened thanks to some upsets – particularly in the Mountain West.  Nevada is a likely at-large candidate, meaning their loss to San Diego State opens the door for SDSU or New Mexico to grab a seat, courtesy of the league’s automatic bid.  That’s bad news for teams along the cutline.

We still have more questions than answers, but as of this morning, Arizona State slides into the First Four and hopes to hang on.  If the Committee considers the non-conference season as important as the conference season, it’s hard to ignore ASU’s wins over Kansas, Xavier, and Kansas State (not to mention San Diego State and St. John’s).

The reality, however, hasn’t really changed.   There are eight or nine teams for what amounts to two or three spots.  The Committee has its hands full.  And that number could still shrink.  Memphis is alive in the American and Davidson, in particular, is threat in the Atlantic 10.  In other words, until today’s games are complete, we’re still in a holding pattern.

The latest …

UPDATED: March 10, 2018

FIRST FOUR PAIRINGS – Dayton (First Round)

  • Oklahoma vs. USC | East Region
  • Arizona State vs. Saint Mary’s | South Region
  • SE Louisiana vs. LIU-BROOKLYN | East Region
  • Hampton vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff | South Region

BRACKET PROJECTION …

SOUTH – Atlanta    EAST – Boston           
Charlotte Pittsburgh
1) Virginia 1) Villanova
16) Hampton / Ark-PB 16) SE La / LIU-BROOKLYN
8) Providence 8) Rhode Island
9) Nevada 9) Kansas State
San Diego San Diego
5) Florida 5) Clemson
12) Western Kentucky 12) MURRAY STATE
4) West Virginia 4) Arizona
13) Louisiana 13) Vermont
Nashville Dallas
6) Miami-FL 6) Houston
11) Arizona St / Saint Mary’s 11) Oklahoma / USC
3) Auburn 3) Tennessee
14) CHARLESTON 14) BUCKNELL
Detroit Detroit
7) TCU 7) Seton Hall
10) Butler 10) NC State
2) Cincinnati 2) Purdue
15) WRIGHT STATE 15) LIPSCOMB
WEST – Los Angeles MIDWEST – Omaha
Pittsburgh Wichita
1) Xavier 1) Kansas
16) RADFORD 16) Harvard
8) Virginia Tech 8) St. Bonaventure
9) Alabama 9) Florida State
Boise Boise
5) Texas Tech 5) Ohio State
12) New Mexico State 12) SOUTH DAKOTA ST
4) GONZAGA 4) Wichita State
13) UNC-GREENSBORO 13) Buffalo
Dallas Wichita
6) Kentucky 6) Arkansas
11) LOYOLA-CHICAGO 11) Texas
3) MICHIGAN 3) Michigan State
14) New Mexico 14) Montana
Charlotte Nashville
7) Missouri 7) Texas AM
10) Creighton 10) UCLA
2) North Carolina 2) Duke
15) UC-Irvine 15) IONA

NOTES on the BRACKET: Virginia is the No. 1 overall seed – followed by Villanova, Kansas, and Xavier

Last Four Byes (at large): Butler, Creighton, UCLA, Texas

Last Four IN (at large): USC, Oklahoma, Arizona State, Saint Mary’s

First Four OUT (at large): Louisville, Marquette, Oklahoma State, Baylor

Next four teams OUT (at large): Middle Tennessee, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Penn State

Breakdown by Conference …

ACC (8): Virginia, North Carolina, Duke, Clemson, Miami-FL, Virginia Tech, Florida State, NC State

SEC (8): Auburn, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas, Texas AM, Missouri, Alabama

BIG 12 (7): Kansas, West Virginia, Texas Tech, TCU, Kansas State, Texas, Oklahoma

Big East (7): Villanova, Xavier, Seton Hall, Providence, Butler, Creighton

Big 10 (4): MICHIGAN, Purdue, Michigan State, Ohio State

Pac 12 (4): Arizona, UCLA, USC, Arizona State

American (3): Cincinnati, Wichita State, Houston

Atlantic 10 (2): Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure

West Coast (2): Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s

Mountain West (2): New Mexico, Nevada

ONE BID LEAGUES: LOYOLA-CHI (MVC), IONA (MAAC), Western Kentucky (C-USA), Louisiana (SBELT), Harvard (IVY), Montana (BSKY), WRIGHT STATE (HORIZON), SE Louisiana (SLND), UNC-GREENSBORO (STHN), UC-Irvine (BWEST), Buffalo (MAC), LIPSCOMB(ASUN), MURRAY STATE (OVC), CHARLESTON (CAA), RADFORD (BSO), Hampton (MEAC), SOUTH DAKOTA ST (SUM), New Mexico State (WAC), Vermont (AEAST), BUCKNELL (PAT), LIU-BROOKLYN (NEC), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC)

Bracketology: So many bubble questions

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By Dave OmmenMar 9, 2018, 10:00 AM EDT
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So many bubble questions.  Where do we start?

Long waits are underway for teams like Louisville, Syracuse, Marquette, Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Baylor, and Notre Dame.  So too, now, for Middle Tennessee which exited the Conference USA tournament after an overtime loss to Southern Miss in the quarterfinals.  Thus, the Blue Raiders add themselves to what was already an intriguing group of quality at-large candidates.

Depending on what happens today in the SEC and Pac-12 tourneys, in particular, we have about 12 teams in play for four spots.  That it’s the first year for the NCAA’s new Quadrant system only adds seasoning to the pot.  Will the Committee reward the overall excellence of Middle Tennessee who has multiple Quadrant 1 and Quadrant 2 wins – even if those wins aren’t power conference names?  How will the Committee handle the RPI situation of a team like Oklahoma State?  And will that same RPI effect benefit a team like Louisville?  Depending on your take, you can make legitimate cases for and/or against any of the 12.

As with the Committee, it’ll be time to dig beneath the surface of the bubble contenders during the next 48 hours. Come Sunday, our vantage point may change.  But after another short (and long) night, here’s the latest …

UPDATED: March 9, 2018

FIRST FOUR PAIRINGS – Dayton (First Round)

  • USC vs. Alabama | South Region
  • Louisville vs. Middle Tennessee | West Region
  • SE Louisiana vs. LIU-BROOKLYN | East Region
  • Hampton vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff | South Region

BRACKET PROJECTION …

SOUTH – Atlanta    EAST – Boston           
Charlotte Pittsburgh
1) Virginia 1) Villanova
16) Hampton / Ark-PB 16) SE La / LIU-BROOKLYN
8) Rhode Island 8) Missouri
9) Butler 9) Florida State
San Diego San Diego
5) Florida 5) Ohio State
12) SOUTH DAKOTA ST 12) MURRAY STATE
4) West Virginia 4) Texas Tech
13) Louisiana 13) Old Dominion
Nashville Wichita
6) Miami-FL 6) Kentucky
11) USC / Alabama 11) Oklahoma
3) Cincinnati 3) Michigan State
14) UNC-GREENSBORO 14) CHARLESTON
Nashville Nashville
7) Nevada 7) Seton Hall
10) Saint Mary’s 10) Texas
2) Auburn 2) North Carolina
15) WRIGHT STATE 15) IONA
WEST – Los Angeles MIDWEST – Omaha
Wichita Pittsburgh
1) Kansas 1) Xavier
16) RADFORD 16) Harvard
8) Virginia Tech 8) Kansas State
9) Creighton 9) St. Bonaventure
Boise Boise
5) Arizona 5) Clemson
12) Louisville / Mid Tennessee 12) New Mexico State
4) GONZAGA 4) Wichita State
13) Buffalo 13) Vermont
Dallas Dallas
6) Arkansas 6) Houston
11) LOYOLA-CHICAGO 11) UCLA
3) MICHIGAN 3) Tennessee
14) Montana 14) BUCKNELL
Charlotte Detroit
7) Texas AM 7) TCU
10) Providence 10) NC State
2) Duke 2) Purdue
15) LIPSCOMB 15) UC-Davis

NOTES on the BRACKET: Virginia is the No. 1 overall seed – followed by Villanova, Xavier, and Kansas

Last Four Byes (at large): Saint Mary’s, Texas, UCLA, Oklahoma

Last Four IN (at large): USC, Alabama, Louisville, Middle Tennessee

First Four OUT (at large): Syracuse, Marquette, Oklahoma State, Arizona State

Next four teams OUT (at large): Baylor, Notre Dame, Oregon, Georgia

Breakdown by Conference …

ACC (9): Virginia, Duke, North Carolina, Clemson, NC State, Miami-FL, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Louisville

SEC (8): Auburn, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas, Texas AM, Missouri, Alabama

BIG 12 (7): Kansas, West Virginia, Texas Tech, TCU, Kansas State, Texas, Oklahoma

Big East (6): Villanova, Xavier, Seton Hall, Creighton, Butler, Providence

Big 10 (4): MICHIGAN, Purdue, Michigan State, Ohio State

Pac 12 (4): Arizona, UCLA, USC

American (3): Cincinnati, Wichita State, Houston

Atlantic 10 (2): Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure

West Coast (2): Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s

Conference USA (2): Old Dominion, Middle Tennessee

Mountain West (1): Nevada

ONE BID LEAGUES: LOYOLA-CHI (MVC), Iona (MAAC), Louisiana (SBELT), Harvard (IVY), Montana (BSKY), WRIGHT STATE (HORIZON), SE Louisiana (SLND), UNC-GREENSBORO (STHN), UC-Davis (BWEST), Buffalo (MAC), LIPSCOMB(ASUN), MURRAY STATE (OVC), CHARLESTON (CAA), RADFORD (BSO), Hampton (MEAC), South Dakota STATE (SUM), New Mexico State (WAC), Vermont (AEAST), BUCKNELL (PAT), LIU-BROOKLYN (NEC), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC)

Bracketology: Big day for Bubble teams

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By Dave OmmenMar 8, 2018, 10:23 AM EDT
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It’s a big day for bubble teams.  Consider these questions: Can Louisville beat Virginia?  Can Marquette beat Villanova?  Can Oklahoma State beat Kansas (for a third time)?  Can Notre Dame beat Duke?  Can Texas beat Texas Tech?  Can Alabama beat Texas AM?  Can Kansas State beat TCU?  These are just a few of the many games to ponder on what could end up being the most crucial day between now and selection weekend. We didn’t even mention Butler and Providence, both of whom could benefit from an opening-round Big East tournament win.

How will the Selection Committee handle a resume like Oklahoma State’s?  The answer could well depend on the age-old RPI question.  And what about a team like Arizona State – or Oklahoma for that matter – who started out like a whirlwind and finished with very little much air in their sails?

The cutline will change, perhaps multiple times, between now and Saturday.  Nothing is locked in place.  After a busy (and short night) … here’s the latest:

UPDATED: March 8, 2018

FIRST FOUR PAIRINGS – Dayton (First Round)

  • Marquette vs. Baylor | South Region
  • Louisville vs. Oklahoma State | West Region
  • SE Louisiana vs. LIU-BROOKLYN | East Region
  • Hampton vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff | South Region

BRACKET PROJECTION …

SOUTH – Atlanta                               EAST – Boston 
Charlotte Pittsburgh
1) Virginia 1) Villanova
16) Hampton / Ark-PB 16) SE Louisiana / LIU-BROOKLYN
8) Creighton 8) Rhode Island
9) Kansas State 9) Florida State
San Diego San Diego
5) Florida 5) Ohio State
12) Middle Tennessee 12) SOUTH DAKOTA ST
4) West Virginia 4) Texas Tech
13) Louisiana 13) Vermont
Detroit Wichita
6) Miami-FL 6) Kentucky
11) Marquette / Baylor 11) Oklahoma
3) Cincinnati 3) Michigan State
14) UNC-GREENSBORO 14) CHARLESTON
Nashville Nashville
7) Seton Hall 7) Missouri
10) Saint Mary’s 10) Providence
2) Auburn 2) North Carolina
15) WRIGHT STATE 15) IONA
WEST – Los Angeles MIDWEST – Omaha
Wichita Pittsburgh
1) Kansas 1) Xavier
16) RADFORD 16) Harvard
8) Nevada 8) Virginia Tech
9) Butler 9) St. Bonaventure
Boise Boise
5) Arizona 5) Clemson
12) New Mexico St 12) LOYOLA-CHICAGO
4) Gonzaga 4) Wichita State
13) Buffalo 13) MURRAY STATE
Dallas Dallas
6) Arkansas 6) Houston
11) Louisville / Oklahoma St 11) UCLA
3) MICHIGAN 3) Tennessee
14) Montana 14) BUCKNELL
Charlotte Detroit
7) Texas AM 7) TCU
10) Texas 10) NC State
2) Duke 2) Purdue
15) LIPSCOMB 15) UC-Davis

NOTES on the BRACKET: Virginia is the No. 1 overall seed – followed by Villanova, Xavier, and Kansas

Last Four Byes (at large): Providence, Saint Mary’s, UCLA, Oklahoma

Last Four IN (at large): Marquette, Baylor, Louisville, Oklahoma State

First Four OUT (at large): Arizona State, Syracuse, USC, Notre Dame

Next four teams OUT (at large): Alabama, LSU, Penn State, Nebraska

Breakdown by Conference …

ACC (9): Virginia, Duke, North Carolina, Clemson, NC State, Miami-FL, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Louisville

BIG 12 (9): Kansas, West Virginia, Texas Tech, TCU, Kansas State, Texas, Oklahoma, Baylor, Oklahoma State

SEC (7): Auburn, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas, Texas AM, Missouri

Big East (7): Villanova, Xavier, Seton Hall, Creighton, Butler, Providence, Marquette

Big 10 (4): MICHIGAN, Purdue, Michigan State, Ohio State

American (3): Cincinnati, Wichita State, Houston

Pac 12 (2): Arizona, UCLA

Atlantic 10 (2): Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure

West Coast (2): GONZAGA, Saint Mary’s

Mountain West (1): Nevada

ONE BID LEAGUES: LOYOLA-CHI (MVC), IONA (MAAC), Middle Tennessee (C-USA), Louisiana (SBELT), Harvard (IVY), Montana (BSKY), WRIGHT STATE (HORIZON), SE Louisiana (SLND), UNC-GREENSBORO (STHN), UC-Davis (BWEST), Buffalo (MAC), LIPSCOMB(ASUN), MURRAY STATE (OVC), CHARLESTON (CAA), RADFORD (BSO), Hampton (MEAC), SOUTH DAKOTA STATE (SUM), New Mexico State (WAC), Vermont (AEAST), BUCKNELL (PAT), LIU-BROOKLYN (NEC), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC)

Bracketology: Virginia holds No. 1 overall seed

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By Dave OmmenMar 5, 2018, 9:18 AM EDT
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Welcome to Championship Week!

Whether it’s a seed line position or a position in the final Field of 68, there’s a lot on the line in the next six days.  If there’s one confident bet it’s this: Virginia will be the No. 1 overall seed come Sunday night.  Villanova and Xavier also look like good wagers, although there are scenarios in which only one of them ends up being a No. 1 seed.  Kansas retains its No. 1 slot out West, with Duke very much in the mix (No. 5 on the seed list).  How Kansas, Duke, Villanova, and Xavier fare in their conference tournaments may well determine how the final one-line looks this weekend.  We can say the same for the two-line with teams like Cincinnati, Auburn, Tennessee, and North Carolina (as examples).

As for the bubble, let’s just say its highly unsettled.  Multiple teams have an opportunity to play their way in or out come Sunday morning.  Here’s were we stand …

UPDATED: March 5, 2018

FIRST FOUR PAIRINGS – Dayton (First Round)

  • Syracuse vs. Alabama | East Region
  • Marquette vs. UCLA | South Region
  • SE Louisiana vs. Iona | East Region
  • Hampton vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff | South Region

BRACKET PROJECTION …

SOUTH – Atlanta    EAST – Boston           
Charlotte Pittsburgh
1) Virginia 1) Villanova
16) Hampton / Ark-PB 16) SE Louisiana / Iona
8) TCU 8) Rhode Island
9) St. Bonaventure 9) Florida State
San Diego San Diego
5) Florida 5) Ohio State
12) MURRAY STATE 12) Syracuse / Alabama
4) West Virginia 4) Texas Tech
13) Louisiana 13) Vermont
Nashville Wichita
6) Miami-FL 6) Kentucky
11) Marquette / UCLA 11) Texas
3) Cincinnati 3) North Carolina
14) Charleston 14) UNC-Greensboro
Nashville Detroit
7) Seton Hall 7) Missouri
10) Arizona State 10) Butler
2) Auburn 2) Michigan State
15) Wagner 15) Wright State
WEST – Los Angeles MIDWEST – Omaha
Wichita Pittsburgh
1) Kansas 1) Xavier
16) RADFORD 16) Harvard
8) Nevada 8) NC State
9) Creighton 9) Oklahoma
Boise Boise
5) Arizona 5) Clemson
12) New Mexico St 12) LOYOLA-CHI
4) Gonzaga 4) Wichita State
13) South Dakota St 13) Buffalo
Dallas Dallas
6) Arkansas 6) Houston
11) Kansas State 11) Middle Tennessee
3) MICHIGAN 3) Tennessee
14) Montana 14) Bucknell
Charlotte Detroit
7) Texas AM 7) Virginia Tech
10) Providence 10) Saint Mary’s
2) Duke 2) Purdue
15) LIPSCOMB 15) UC-Davis

NOTES on the BRACKET: Virginia is the No. 1 overall seed – followed by Villanova, Xavier, and Kansas

Last Four Byes (at large): Butler, Arizona State, Kansas State, Texas

Last Four IN (at large): UCLA, Marquette, Syracuse, Alabama

First Four OUT (at large): Baylor, Washington, USC, Oklahoma State

Next four teams OUT (at large): Louisville, Notre Dame, LSU, Penn State

Breakdown by Conference …

ACC (9): Virginia, Duke, North Carolina, Clemson, NC State, Miami-FL, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Syracuse

SEC (8): Auburn, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas, Texas AM, Missouri, Alabama

BIG 12 (7): Kansas, West Virginia, Texas Tech, TCU, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Texas

Big East (7): Villanova, Xavier, Seton Hall, Creighton, Providence, Butler, Marquette

Big 10 (4): MICHIGAN, Purdue, Michigan State, Ohio State

Pac 12 (3): Arizona, Arizona State, UCLA

American (3): Cincinnati, Wichita State, Houston

Atlantic 10 (2): Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure

West Coast (2): Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s

Mountain West (1): Nevada

ONE BID LEAGUES: LOYOLA-CHI (MVC), Iona (MAAC), Middle Tennessee (C-USA), Louisiana (SBELT), Harvard (IVY), Montana (BSKY), Wright State (HORIZON), SE Louisiana (SLND), UNC-Greensboro (STHN), UC-Davis (BWEST), Buffalo (MAC), LIPSCOMB(ASUN), MURRAY STATE (OVC), Charleston (CAA), RADFORD (BSO), Hampton (MEAC), South Dakota State (SUM), New Mexico State (WAC), Vermont (AEAST), Bucknell (PAT), Wagner (NEC), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC)

Bracketology: Mayhem strikes early in Louisville

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By Dave OmmenMar 2, 2018, 10:59 AM EDT
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For all of its magical moments, March can be agonizingly brutal. Just ask the Louisville Cardinals, who suffered a devastating loss to Virginia Thursday night following what can only be described as an unimaginable turn of events in the game’s final seconds.  It was March at its most maddening.

And yet, the Cardinals season is far from over.  They still have a trip to NC State this weekend and the ACC tournament next week.  Can they recover?  That’s a question only the Cardinals can answer.

Elsewhere, it’s an equally big weekend for a handful of other bubble teams vying for those final coveted spots in the Field of 68.  Here’s a peek at where we stand this morning …

UPDATED: March 2, 2018

FIRST FOUR PAIRINGS – Dayton (First Round)

  • Kansas State vs. Washington | South Region
  • Baylor vs. UCLA | South Region
  • Savannah State vs. Tx-Southern | South Region
  • Nicholls vs. UC-Irvine | East Region

BRACKET PROJECTION

SOUTH – Atlanta    EAST – Boston                                 
Charlotte Pittsburgh
1) Virginia 1) Villanova
16) Savannah St / Tx-Southern 16) Nicholls / UC-Irvine
8) Seton Hall 8) TCU
9) Arizona State 9) Florida State
Boise San Diego
5) Ohio State 5) Kentucky
12) Baylor / UCLA 12) Louisiana
4) West Virginia 4) Texas Tech
13) Murray State 13) Vermont
Nashville Dallas
6) Rhode Island 6) Arkansas
11) Kansas St / Washington 11) USC
3) Auburn 3) Cincinnati
14) Charleston 14) Rider
Detroit Nashville
7) Miami-FL 7) Texas AM
10) Providence 10) Butler
2) Purdue 2) North Carolina
15) Northern Kentucky 15) UNC-Asheville
WEST – Los Angeles MIDWEST – Omaha
Wichita Pittsburgh
1) Kansas 1) Xavier
16) FL Gulf Coast 16) Pennsylvania
8) Creighton 8) Missouri
9) St. Bonaventure 9) NC State
San Diego Boise
5) Arizona 5) Michigan
12) Alabama 12) New Mexico St
4) Clemson 4) Gonzaga
13) Buffalo 13) South Dakota St
Dallas Wichita
6) Florida 6) Houston
11) Saint Mary’s 11) Loyola (CHI)
3) Wichita State 3) Tennessee
14) UNC-Greensboro 14) Bucknell
Detroit Charlotte
7) Virginia Tech 7) Nevada
10) Oklahoma 10) Middle Tennessee
2) Michigan State 2) Duke
15) Montana 15) Wagner

NOTES on the BRACKET: Virginia is the No. 1 overall seed – followed by Villanova, Xavier, and Kansas

Last Four Byes (at large): Providence, USC, Saint Mary’s, Alabama

Last Four IN (at large): Kansas State, Washington, Baylor, UCLA

First Four OUT (at large): Texas, Louisville, Syracuse, Marquette

Next four teams OUT (at large): Mississippi State, Nebraska, Utah, Boise State

Breakdown by Conference …

ACC (8): Virginia, Duke, North Carolina, Clemson, Miami-FL, Virginia Tech, Florida State, NC State

SEC (8): Auburn, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Florida, Texas AM, Missouri, Alabama

BIG 12 (7): Kansas, West Virginia, Texas Tech, TCU, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Baylor

Big East (6): Villanova, Xavier, Creighton, Seton Hall, Butler, Providence

Pac 12 (5): Arizona, Arizona State, USC, Washington, UCLA

Big 10 (4): Michigan State, Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan

American (3): Cincinnati, Wichita State, Houston

Atlantic 10 (2): Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure

West Coast (2): Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s

Mountain West (1): Nevada

ONE BID LEAGUES: Loyola-Chicago (MVC), Rider (MAAC), Middle Tennessee (C-USA), Louisiana (SBELT), Pennsylvania (IVY), Montana (BSKY), Northern Kentucky (HORIZON), Nicholls (SLND), UNC-Greensboro (STHN), UC-Irvine (BWEST), Buffalo (MAC), Florida Gulf Coast (ASUN), Murray State (OVC), Charleston (CAA), UNC-Asheville (BSO), Savannah State (MEAC), South Dakota State (SUM), New Mexico State (WAC), Vermont (AEAST), Bucknell (PAT), Wagner (NEC), Texas-Southern (SWAC)

Bracketing principles: read them for yourself at http://www.ncaa.com.