Busting Brackets
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Bracketology: First projected field following non-conference play

By Lukas Harkins

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 05: Villanova celebrating against Gonzaga.
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 05: Villanova celebrating against Gonzaga. /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 08: Oklahoma’s James and Young
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 08: Oklahoma’s James and Young /

East Region

(1) Villanova vs. (16) Texas Southern/North Carolina A&T

(8) Minnesota vs. (9) Florida State

(4) Wichita State vs. (13) Vermont

(5) Kentucky vs. (12) Towson

(6) Auburn vs. (11) Houston

(3) North Carolina vs. (14) Lipscomb

(7) Cincinnati vs. (10) Ohio State

(2) Oklahoma vs. (15) UC Santa Barbara

Yes, even though Villanova lost to Butler in their second Big East game, they are still a No. 1 seed in my projected bracket. The Wildcats represent the top team out of the Big East and have the makings of a potential NCAA champion. The biggest issue for Jay Wright’s team is their depth due to some injuries to their bench, but the starters are remarkably effective. Jalen Brunson is the leader of this team but Mikal Bridges is arguably the best second option in the nation.

The No. 2 seed in this region is one of the most surprising teams in the country. Led by superstar freshman Trae Young, the Oklahoma Sooners have been absolutely tremendous this season. Their only loss on the year came to an NCAA Tournament team in Arkansas and they hold wins over TCU, Wichita State, and USC.

After the top two, there are a bunch of teams who have underwhelmed so far this year. Wichita State, Kentucky, and Minnesota were all expected to be top-15 teams in the country this season and are not as good as anticipated. Will they step up their game in conference play to move up?

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