2017 NCAA Tournament: Ranking the entire field of 68

Mar 9, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Kris Jenkins (2) and guard Jalen Brunson (1) celebrate after Villanova Wildcats guard Donte DiVincenzo (10) scored against St. John's Red Storm during second half of Big East Conference Tournament Quarterfinals at Madison Square Garden. Villanova Wildcats defeated St. John's Red Storm 108-67.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 11, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Virginia Commonwealth Rams forward Mo Alie-Cox (12) and guard JeQuan Lewis (1) celebrate as the final buzzer sounds in overtime against the Richmond Spiders at the PPG Paints Arena. Virginia Commonwealth won 87-77 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Teams ranked 36 to 33

36. VCU Rams

Record: 26-8 (14-4 Atlantic 10)

Seed: 10 in the West

Even though they lost in the Atlantic 10 final to Rhode Island, a 10 seed is not a bad place to be. With the way this season has worked out so far, it was very important to avoid a one seed in the second round, which the Rams did.

Their first round game comes against Saint Mary’s, who is a very talented team, but is potentially beatable by VCU. In the second round, they would likely be met by Arizona if they won their opener. VCU’s best win away from home is against Richmond, which is not ideal, but they’ve made runs before, so why not this year?

35. Seton Hall Pirates

Record: 21-11 (10-8 Big East)

Seed: 9 in the South

With a road win over Butler to end the regular season, it is clear that Seton Hall can beat some of the best teams in the country. Regardless, it seems unlikely that they will make it much further than the first round, given that they would have to beat North Carolina to make the Sweet 16.

The Pirates have been reasonably consistent this season, and have a variety of players (Angel Delgado specifically) who can be a nightmare for any team that comes in the path. Nine seeds have historically performed well against the eights, so watch out Arkansas.

34. Michigan State Spartans

Record: 19-14 (10-8 Big Ten)

Seed: 9 in the Midwest

The Spartans might have 14 losses, but this is Tom Izzo in March that we are talking about. It is hard to imagine him losing in the first round for the second straight year, but this is not a great team. They have two very solid wins (at Minnesota and Wichita State on a neutral floor), but also losses to Penn State and Northeastern.

It is hard to predict what Michigan State is going to do in the Big Dance, but with Kansas probably waiting for them in the second round, it might be one-and-done (if they get past Miami).

33. Maryland Terrapins

Record: 24-8 (12-6 Big Ten)

Seed: 6 in the West

Unlike other teams in the tournament field, Maryland has been excellent away from home this year. In fact, their record away from home of 11-3 is better than the one they boast at home, which is 12-5. Maryland has a tough first round draw in Xavier, but that also contains a ridiculously fun match-up.

Watching Melo Trimble and Trevon Blueitt go at it is one of the best one-on-one match-ups to watch in the entire first round. Plus, the South bracket seems to be relatively weak, so it isn’t out of the question to see the Terps make a run.

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