Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: Previewing the 2017 PK80 Victory Bracket

By Lukas Harkins

CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 15: The North Carolina Tar Heels bench reacts after a three-poiont basket against the Bucknell Bison during their game at the Dean Smith Center on November 15, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 15: The North Carolina Tar Heels bench reacts after a three-poiont basket against the Bucknell Bison during their game at the Dean Smith Center on November 15, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – APRIL 01: Oregon Ducks fans look on in the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – APRIL 01: Oregon Ducks fans look on in the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Meet the teams

North Carolina Tar Heels

After winning the National Championship this past season, the PK80 Tournament is the first major test for the Tar Heels. They have started the season 2-0 with quality wins over Northern Iowa and Bucknell. They have one more test before the PK80 (which starts on Nov. 23) as they face Stanford on the road on Nov. 20. The hope is that star guard Joel Berry returns to his elite form after his injury quickly (he has only played one game so far), but the team is currently being led by Luke Maye. Maye is averaging 23.0 points and 9.5 rebounds per game through their first three contests.

Michigan State Spartans

A preseason top-10 team in the country, Michigan State has one of the best frontcourts in the nation. Miles Bridges, Nick Ward, and Jaren Jackson all look to be potential professional prospects and can dominate a game. However, their biggest issue is in production from the backcourt. As of right now, there are no true scorers at the guard positions and they will need a few of those guys to step up as the year goes on. The Spartans are currently 2-1 with a loss against Duke in the Champions Classic.

Arkansas Razorbacks

One of the hottest teams in the country over the first two weeks, the Arkansas Razorbacks have looked like a potential top-3 team in the SEC early in the season. Their victories over Bucknell and Fresno State were impressive and the mark of a good team. Jaylen Barford currently leads the way for the Razorbacks with 20.3 points per game. Daniel Gafford, Daryl Macon, and Anton Beard are also averaging in double-figures.

Oregon Ducks

Despite making the Final Four last season, head coach Dana Altman returns very few of his major contributors from a year ago. At this point in the year, Oregon is 4-0 but has not been tested by any difficult competition. Six players are currently averaging in double figures for the Ducks. Freshman Troy Brown is leading the way with 13.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

Portland Pilots

Playing just in their backyard during this tournament, the Portland Pilots will have to be a team that plays spoiler. Unlike the other teams in this tournament field, the Pilots are not a major conference team. So far in this season, Portland is 2-1 with a loss to Portland State (who is in the Motion Bracket) and victories over Walla Walla and Oregon Tech. They are looking to recover from a poor 11-22 season a year ago. Josh McSwiggan is leading the team in scoring at 14.3 points per game.

Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma might not be at the level they were a few years ago with Buddy Hield, but the program is on the rise once again. Led by freshman guard Trae Young, the Sooners have a bright future and are 2-0 to start the season with wins over Nebraska-Omaha and Ball State. Young leads the team with 18.5 points and 11.5 assists per game.

DePaul Blue Demons

Traditionally one of the bottom-feeders in the Big East, DePaul is hoping to take a step up as a program this season. They are off to a disappointing 1-2 start to the season with their losses coming to major conference foes in Notre Dame and Illinois. They are replacing Georgetown, who dropped out, in this tournament field.

UConn Huskies

After winning the National Championship just a few years ago, the UConn Huskies have been struggling to get back towards the top of the AAC. Jalen Adams is their best player this season and he has scored 15.5 points per game in the two games he has played. The Huskies are 3-0 overall with wins over Colgate, Stony Brook, and Boston. These games will be the first look at UConn against top competition.

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