Busting Brackets
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2017 NCAA Tournament: Ranking the entire field of 68

By Lukas Harkins

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
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; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Bryce Drew during second half of game twelve of the SEC Conference Tournament against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bridgestone Arena. Arkansas won 76-62. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Bryce Drew during second half of game twelve of the SEC Conference Tournament against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bridgestone Arena. Arkansas won 76-62. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Teams ranked 32 to 29

32. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Record: 24-9 (11-7)

Seed: 5 in the South

Many people have stated that Minnesota is the weakest five seed, and without Akeem Springs that might be true. However, that won’t stop this Gopher team. With seven wins over the top-50, including four away from home, this team has proven it can beat good teams.

The problem with picking Minnesota deep is that they have a really tough pod. First, they drew Middle Tennessee as their first opponent, who, as most of you know, was the 15 seed who beat Michigan State a year ago. Then, if they advance, they will likely see Butler, who has been sensational against top competition this season.

31. Vanderbilt Commodores

Record: 19-15 (10-8 SEC)

Seed: 9 in the West

For the first 15-loss team to ever make the tournament, getting a nine seed was pretty remarkable. It does, however, put them in a situation where they would have to face Gonzaga in the second round. Vanderbilt can shoot, there is no question about that, and beating Florida three times proves some things, but I don’t think they have what it takes to beat the Zags.

And that is getting ahead of myself. First, they get Northwestern, who is in their first NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats will be out to get their first ever win in the Big Dance and will be a tough out due to their exceptional defense.

30. Miami Hurricanes

Record: 21-11 (10-8 ACC)

Seed: 8 in the Midwest

Miami ended their season losing three of four games, but they have a chance to redeem themselves against Michigan State. As I mentioned when discussing the Spartans, it is hard to think either team will get past Kansas, but the Hurricanes probably have the better chance. Although both at home, Miami has wins over North Carolina and Duke this season, which is hard to top.

Miami is a very good defensive team that could potentially make a run, even if they get Kansas in the second round.

29. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Record: 19-13 (9-9 ACC)

Seed: 11 in the South

Even though they lost to Virginia Tech in the ACC Tournament, Wake Forest was on a four-game winning streak before that. Behind stud John Collins, the Demon Deacons can also call upon the scoring services of Bryant Crawford and Keyshawn Woods.

The ACC is full of elite defensive teams, but Wake is not that. This team can really score the basketball and might be able to make Cincinnati nervous if they make it out of the First Four, where they play Kansas State.

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