Bracketology Update: Top Teams Hold Strong, but Alabama’s Grip on No. 1 Seed Weakens
With less than four weeks remaining before Selection Sunday, the top of the updated bracketology remains unchanged, with Auburn, Duke, Alabama, and Florida maintaining their positions as No. 1 seeds. However, the intense competition among these contenders could lead to some significant shifts in the rankings following a crucial weekend of matchups.
Alabama’s No. 1 Seed in Jeopardy
The Crimson Tide, currently holding the No. 1 seed in the SEC, suffered a setback on Thursday with a 110-98 loss to Missouri. This defeat, coupled with their previous loss, has pushed Alabama two games behind conference leader Auburn. As a result, Alabama’s grip on a No. 1 seed is tenuous.
Should Alabama’s struggles continue, Houston and Tennessee are well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunity. The Cougars, who boast a 25-2 record, will face Iowa State on Saturday in a pivotal matchup between the top two teams in the Big 12. A victory over the Cyclones would further strengthen Houston’s case for a No. 1 seed.
Tennessee, meanwhile, will travel to Texas A&M on Saturday with an eye on improving their Quad 1 record and moving back into the top four of the SEC standings. A win over the Aggies would add to the Volunteers’ impressive resume and bolster their chances of securing a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Wisconsin Emerges as a Contender
While the focus remains on the top seeds, Wisconsin has quietly emerged as a contender for a top-two seed. The Badgers, who have won five of their last seven games, have moved into the No. 2 line following a string of impressive performances.
Wisconsin’s remaining schedule offers a favorable path for the Badgers to continue their winning ways. With home games against Oregon and Washington and road contests against Michigan State and Minnesota, Wisconsin has an opportunity to solidify their position as a top-four seed.
Kansas’s Slide Continues
In contrast to Wisconsin’s ascent, Kansas continues to slide down the bracketology. The Jayhawks’ 91-57 humiliation at Brigham Young on Tuesday night dropped them to a No. 7 seed, underscoring their struggles this season.
Kansas’s NCAA Tournament hopes now rest on their ability to finish the season strong. The Jayhawks will face Oklahoma in their next game, followed by a road trip to Texas. A strong showing in these games could potentially salvage their chances of a high seed, but they must demonstrate a significant improvement in their play.
Other Contenders for High Seeds
Beyond the top four seeds, several other teams remain in contention for high seeds. San Diego State, Virginia Commonwealth, Wake Forest, and Arkansas are all positioned as potential No. 5 or No. 6 seeds.
North Carolina, Xavier, Georgia, and Boise State are also in the mix for at-large bids. However, their seeding will depend on their performance in the remaining weeks of the regular season and in their respective conference tournaments.
Multi-Bid Leagues
As the NCAA Tournament field begins to take shape, the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 emerge as the top three multi-bid leagues. The SEC leads the way with 12 projected teams, followed by the Big Ten with 10 and the Big 12 with 8.
The ACC and Big East are tied with four projected teams each, while the Mountain West, Atlantic 10, and West Coast Conference are expected to send three, two, and two teams to the tournament, respectively.
