March Madness Approaches
As March Madness draws near, with only 13 days left until Selection Sunday, the college basketball landscape is shifting rapidly. Recent shocking results over the weekend have affected the pivotal No. 1 seed race, notably with No. 8 Purdue dropping both of their outings against No. 13 Michigan State and Ohio State, while Iowa State fell to Texas Tech. These outcomes have tightened the stakes for several bubble teams, particularly Auburn and Indiana, whose hopes for inclusion in the NCAA Tournament have become increasingly precarious.
Despite the turbulence, there are still chances for teams to enhance their tournament resumes as most conferences have one week remaining in the regular season. The Horizon League will kick off the conference tournament action on Monday, March 2, with the Big Ten being the final league to conclude its tournament before the bracket is revealed on Sunday, March 15, at 6 p.m. ET.
Underrated Contenders
Among the teams that have been improving their tournament bids but not yet receiving the recognition they deserve are several underrated contenders. Analyzing projections by ESPN’s Joe Lunardi and USA TODAY Sports, we’ve identified teams that, while currently placed as five seeds or higher, hold NET and KenPom rankings that do not fully reflect their performance or potential.
Team Profiles
Michigan State
- KenPom Ranking: No. 10
- NET Ranking: No. 11
- Projected Seeding: No. 4
With the ever-reliable Tom Izzo at the helm, Michigan State has shown it should never be overlooked in March. The Spartans achieved a remarkable victory against Purdue, marking their first win at Mackey Arena in several tries. Following this, they triumphed over Indiana, buoyed by stellar performances from Jeremy Fears Jr. and Jaxon Kohler. With a record of 14-5 in Quadrants 1 and 2, their recent form—winning 12 of the last 15 games—positions them for a potential 2-seed before venturing into the Big Ten tournament in Chicago.
Kansas
- KenPom Ranking: No. 16
- NET Ranking: No. 16
- Projected Seeding: No. 3
Kansas, despite being a longstanding powerhouse in college basketball, has been somewhat overlooked due to their placement in a fiercely competitive Big 12. Since mid-January, they’ve secured significant victories against several highly-ranked opponents, tallying up seven Quadrant 1 wins. They are currently trending upwards as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Virginia
- KenPom Ranking: No. 17
- NET Ranking: No. 14
- Projected Seeding: No. 4
Ryan Odom’s contributions at Virginia have been largely underplayed nationally, overshadowed by Duke’s dominance in the ACC. With a strong overall record of 25-4, Virginia has made a notable turnaround from last year under Odom’s leadership. They’re in prime position for the NCAA Tournament, thanks in part to the consistent play of Thijs De Ridder and increased success from the previous season.
Alabama
- KenPom Ranking: No. 14
- NET Ranking: No. 15
- Projected Seeding: No. 4
Recently making headlines for athletic performances and overcoming off-court controversies, Alabama is riding a wave of optimism after winning their last eight games. Their offensive capabilities rank among the top in the nation, fueled by key players who contribute significantly to their success. A crucial Quad 1 game against Georgia awaits, adding weight to their bid for a favorable seeding.
Nebraska
- KenPom Ranking: No. 11
- NET Ranking: No. 12
- Projected Seeding: No. 3
Nebraska’s journey this season has been noteworthy, starting strong with a 20-0 record before facing challenges against ranked teams. They have demonstrated resilience, achieving notable wins and boasting a strong defensive rating. With hopes of securing their first NCAA Tournament victory, the upcoming matches will be critical for their aspirations.
Conclusion
These teams highlight the diversity in the field as they prepare for upcoming tournaments, promising excitement and unpredictability as they vie for a place in March Madness. As Selection Sunday approaches, fans should keep an eye on these undervalued squads with the potential to make deep runs in the tournament.
