NCAA Basketball: Busting Brackets Bracketology
By Doug Winkey
10 Seeds: Saint Mary’s, Washington, Michigan, Duke
Can Duke survive the season with Amile Jefferson? Since his injury in December, Duke has gone 7-4, but only 5-4 in ACC play. They sit three games out of first place at eighth in the conference and still have a brutal run to end the regular season. They two games against Louisville and North Carolina along with one versus Pittsburgh and Virginia. Depending on how the final nine games go, Duke could be starting at a 9-9 record and needing a massive tournament run just to make the NCAA’s.
Washington has looked great most of this year. They have no bad losses and great wins over Texas, USC, and Colorado. Currently tied for second in the Pac-12, the Huskies still have a shot at winning the regular season if they can best the likes of Oregon, Utah, and Colorado on the road. Andrew Andrews is a superb guard, scoring 21 points per game and adding almost five assists.
Michigan, despite having no bad losses and sitting fifth in the Big Ten, is still squarely on the bubble after getting destroyed by Indiana in Ann Arbor. Their remaining schedule is manageable, with a final conference record of 11-7 looking like a good bet. If Caris LeVert can come back for any stretch of time, Michigan is in good shape to make the Big Dance.
Saint Mary’s is the talk of the country this year. They only have a half-game lead on Gonzaga for the WCC regular season, but to knock off the Bulldogs is no small feat during the Mark Few era. The SM Gaels have gotten this far due to an efficient offense, great passing, and the number 2 defense at 59.6 points allowed. Even if Gonzaga takes the conference at the end, Saint Mary’s has earned an at-large over bigger, underperforming programs.
Next: 9 Seeds?