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; Birmingham, AL, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders guard Aldonis Foote (45) and guard Tyrik Dixon (0) and forward JaCorey Williams (22) and guard Giddy Potts (20) lead the celebration after defeating Marshall Thundering Herd for the Conference USA Tournament Championship at Legacy Arena. Blue Raiders defeated the Herd 82-73. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Birmingham, AL, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders guard Aldonis Foote (45) and guard Tyrik Dixon (0) and forward JaCorey Williams (22) and guard Giddy Potts (20) lead the celebration after defeating Marshall Thundering Herd for the Conference USA Tournament Championship at Legacy Arena. Blue Raiders defeated the Herd 82-73. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Teams ranked 44 to 41

44. Xavier Musketeers

Record: 21-13 (9-9 Big East)

Seed: 11 in the West

Beating Butler was a huge victory in terms of getting Xavier into the field, but it did not do all that much for their seeding. As an 11 seed, they have work to do to make a run. However, with a first round opponent in Maryland, the Musketeers have a shot at moving on. Then, Florida State, who is just 3-6 on the road, would be their three seed.

Xavier made a decent run in the Big East Tournament and could strike in the Big Dance, even without Edmond Sumner. Trevon Blueitt is a top-notch talent who is the type of guard/forward that can carry a team. It is possible that Xavier is the 11 seed to reach the second weekend, as it seems one does very often.

43. Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders

Record: 30-4 (17-1 C-USA)

Seed: 12 in the South

Speaking of potential upset teams, you can’t ignore Middle Tennessee. Just one year removed from knocking off Michigan State, a two seed, the Blue Raiders are back and returned much of that roster. Behind talented players like JaCorey Williams, Giddy Potts, and Reggie Upshaw, this team could be a surprise to reach the second weekend as well.

The Blue Raiders get Minnesota in the first round, who will be playing without Akeem Springs. This first round game will likely be one of the most picked upset games, but I don’t think MTSU finds its way to the second weekend.

42. UNC-Wilmington Seahawks

Record: 29-5 (15-3 Colonial)

Seed: 12 in the East

This team can score. While dropping 85.2 points per game, the Seahawks are 10th in the country in scoring. Their three-point percentage isn’t great (36.6 percent), but they attempt a lot of threes. With their style of play, they could prove to be a tough out.

They match up with the defensive-oriented Virginia in the first round in a battle of differing styles. And if UNC-Wilmington pulls off the upset, they will likely face another defensive-minded team in Florida.

41. Marquette Golden Eagles

Record: 19-12 (10-8 Big East)

Seed: 10 in the East

Statistically, this is the best shooting team in the country from three. The Golden Eagles shoot an absolutely scorching 43.0 percent (!) from three and can be a danger to anyone. Seriously, just ask the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament Villanova, who they beat earlier in the year.

The way to beat Marquette is through working the ball inside and grabbing rebounds. Marquette is not a great rebounding team and do not have an elite interior defender. They are a very dangerous 10 seed facing off against the seventh-seeded South Carolina. If they can get past the Gamecocks, though, things could get interesting with a match-up between Duke’s Coach K and his former assistant Steve Wojciechowski.

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