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Bracketology: Updated projected field for the 2018 NCAA Tournament (Week 15)

By Lukas Harkins

CINCINNATI, OH - FEBRUARY 03: Members of the Xavier Musketeers celebrate after a four point play to tie the game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Cintas Center on February 3, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - FEBRUARY 03: Members of the Xavier Musketeers celebrate after a four point play to tie the game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Cintas Center on February 3, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KY – FEBRUARY 06: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to his team against the Tennessee Volunteers during the game at Rupp Arena on February 6, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – FEBRUARY 06: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to his team against the Tennessee Volunteers during the game at Rupp Arena on February 6, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

East Region

(1) Villanova vs. (16) Nicholls State/UNC-Asheville

(8) Arizona State vs. (9) Alabama

(4) Ohio State vs. (13) East Tennessee State

(5) Rhode Island vs. (12) Vermont

(6) Kentucky vs. (11) NC State/Washington

(3) Texas Tech vs. (14) Northern Kentucky

(7) Butler vs. (10) Arkansas

(2) Duke vs. (15) Rider

Trending up: Texas Tech

After back-to-back road losses to Texas and Iowa State earlier in the year, many expected Texas Tech to tumble-down the rankings. In contrast to that belief, though, the Red Raiders have been excellent as of late. Led by Keenan Evans, the team is on a six-game winning streak at the moment. Although they have not beaten a top-25 team during this stretch, wins over teams such as Texas and TCU are not to be taken for granted.

The Red Raiders found themselves ranked relatively high in the committee’s top-16 release this past weekend. Texas Tech’s 11-4 record in Group 1/2 games is extremely valuable and they should be in good shape to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. This team will have both the quality seeding position and the go-to player (Evans) to be a sleeper for the title.

Trending down: Kentucky

Kentucky is always a team that is going to make noise. Whether it is with major winning streaks or top recruiting classes, the Wildcats always seem to make headlines. Right now, though, they are making them for the wrong reasons. John Calipari’s squad has dropped three consecutive games and their 2-5 record in Group 1 games leaves something to be desired. Now in mid-February, it seems extremely unlikely that the Wildcats will win the SEC.

With road games against Auburn, Arkansas, and Florida still left on the schedule, there is room for Kentucky to either improve their position or slide further down the stretch. This is an inconsistent and young team but they still have the talent to make a run. Will the Wildcats come together or will they falter in the Dance?

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