Latest Bracketology Update
The latest bracketology update from USA TODAY Sports showcases the Big Ten as a formidable presence in the NCAA Tournament projections, with four teams landing within the top three seeds. However, Purdue has experienced a setback, dropping to a No. 4 seed following a disappointing 72-67 defeat against Indiana on Tuesday evening. This loss marks the Boilermakers’ third consecutive defeat, resulting in a conference record of 7-3, placing them two games behind the current leaders: Michigan, Illinois, Nebraska, and Michigan State.
Team Performances
Despite Purdue’s struggles, Indiana is making a resurgence after overcoming a four-game losing streak, having notched two straight victories to improve their record to 14-7 overall and 5-5 in the conference, earning them a spot in the updated bracket.
At the forefront, Michigan retains its position on the top line alongside prominent teams such as Arizona, Duke, and Connecticut. Nebraska has secured a No. 2 seed along with Illinois, while Michigan State holds a No. 3 seed.
Conference Movements
In a notable shift within the Big 12, Texas Tech has now taken Purdue’s spot on the No. 3 line after claiming a five-game winning streak, including significant wins over Brigham Young and Houston, bringing their record to an impressive 16-4.
The SEC also saw some movement, with Auburn climbing to a No. 7 seed thanks to a four-game winning streak, while Kentucky slipped down to an No. 8 seed following a significant 25-point loss to Vanderbilt.
NCAA Tournament Projections
As preparations continue for the NCAA Tournament, the last four teams projected to enter the tournament include UCLA, New Mexico, Miami (Fla.), and Indiana. Conversely, the first four teams out are TCU, Virginia Tech, Seton Hall, and Missouri.
Overall Bids Overview
A broader look at the potential NCAA tournament bids reveals that the Big Ten leads the pack with 11 teams, followed by the SEC with 10, the ACC with 8, and the Big 12 with 7. The Big East and Mountain West each hold 3 spots, while the West Coast Conference has garnered 2 bids. This context highlights the competitive nature of college basketball as March Madness approaches.
