Image Source: David Cobb
Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin’s upset win over No. 2 Michigan has significantly improved their chances of making the NCAA Tournament, with the Badgers now projected as a No. 10 seed.
- Saint Louis is building a strong resume, with a 15-1 record and a projected No. 7 seed, after improving to 3-0 in the Atlantic 10 conference.
- Texas’ win over Alabama has boosted their chances, with the Longhorns now in "First Four Out" territory, and a potential win over Vanderbilt could further improve their standing.
- Kentucky’s resume took a hit after Indiana’s loss to Nebraska, with the Wildcats’ Dec. 13 win over the Hoosiers now considered a Quad 2 win instead of a Quad 1 win.
Introduction to the Upsets
The college basketball landscape has seen some significant upsets recently, with Wisconsin’s win over No. 2 Michigan being a notable example. As Gary Parrish notes, "Taking down this wagon of a Michigan team is going to carry some serious weight on Selection Sunday." This win has improved Wisconsin’s chances of making the NCAA Tournament, with the Badgers now projected as a No. 10 seed. The Badgers’ resume was previously unimpressive, but this win has given them a much-needed boost.
The Impact on Michigan
Despite the loss, Michigan is still rated No. 1 at KenPom.com and in the NET rankings. As Parrish notes, "It’s a testament to just how dominant Michigan was during a roughly six-week stretch that included six victories of 18+ points against high-major opposition." However, the Wolverines clearly have some things to clean up after nearly losing at Penn State and then falling at home to Wisconsin. The loss has not affected Michigan’s standing as the No. 1 overall seed in the CBS Sports Bracketology simulation.
Kentucky’s Resume Takes a Hit
Kentucky’s resume took a hit after Indiana’s loss to Nebraska, with the Wildcats’ Dec. 13 win over the Hoosiers now considered a Quad 2 win instead of a Quad 1 win. As Parrish notes, "UK’s Dec. 13 home win over Indiana slipped from a Quad 1 win to a Quad 2 win after the Hoosiers fell from No. 30 in the NET to No. 35 following their loss to Nebraska on Saturday." This has affected Kentucky’s standing, with the Wildcats now projected as a No. 10 seed. A road game at Tennessee is up next, and Kentucky cannot afford a loss against a banged-up LSU squad.
Surging Saint Louis
Saint Louis has built a strong resume, with a 15-1 record and a projected No. 7 seed. The Billikens have already taken care of what may be their toughest Atlantic 10 challenge by knocking off VCU on the road for a Quad 1 win. As Parrish notes, "It would only be fitting if Schertz and Avila got across the finish line this time and reached the Big Dance." The road ahead will be challenging, but Saint Louis is well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament.
Texas’ Pope is Preaching
Texas’ win over Alabama has boosted their chances, with the Longhorns now in "First Four Out" territory. Jordan Pope has been impressive in Texas’ two Quad 1 wins, making 13 of 26 attempts from 3-point range. As Parrish notes, "When Jordan Pope gets going, watch out." A potential win over Vanderbilt could further improve Texas’ standing, and the Longhorns are looking to make some noise in the tournament. However, Texas still rates abysmally in KenPom’s defensive efficiency metric, coming in at 119th nationally, which is last in the SEC.
https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/bracketology-ncaa-tournament-projection-field-of-68-march-madness-seeding-wisconsin-vanderbilt/