Bracket Look-Ahead

Today, I take a look at upcoming games that will have the biggest impacts to the top of the bracket as things sit today, with an explanation of potential impacts. Games will be grouped by area of the bracket.

Impact Games for the Top of the Bracket:
Kansas at Baylor (2/22)

This game could ultimately determine the number 1 overall seed. If Baylor is able to sweep Kansas, and win a dual B12 championship (Regular Season and Tournament), they should be the number one overall seed.

Kansas at West Virginia (2/12)
West Virginia at Baylor (2/15)
Baylor at West Virginia (3/7)

If another team can muddy the waters on the top line, it’s probably West Virginia. Sweeping these three games likely puts them onto the top line in favor of either San Diego St./Gonzaga/Seton Hall.

Gonzaga at Saint Mary’s (2/8)
Gonzaga at BYU (2/22)
San Diego St. at Boise St. (2/16)
San Diego St. at Nevada (2/29)

Will either of these teams lose again? These our the most likely spots for an upset, but if they both win out, they should both be on the top line.

Villanova at Butler (2/5)
Seton Hall at Villanova (2/8)
Butler at Seton Hall (2/19)
Villanova at Seton Hall (3/4)

If Seton Hall wins out, it should probably receive the number 1 seed in the East Region. They’ve played a great schedule, had 2 close losses to good teams (vs Michigan St. and Oregon) and lost twice on the road not at 100% (injuries to Mamukelashvili and Powell). Butler also has an outside shot at the top line, but probably needs to win out and get help from San Diego St./Gonzaga losing.