NCAA basketball: 10 teams fighting for a No. 1 seed

Virginia Cavaliers

As the top ranked team in the country, it would make sense that Virginia controls their own destiny. That’s good news for the Cavaliers, as their three remaining games are against non-ranked opponents. If they are able to knock off Pittsburgh and Notre Dame at home, travel to Louisville and take down the Cardinals, and then win the ACC tournament, there is little doubt that Virginia would be on the top left of the NCAA tournament bracket as the number one overall seed.

Even if they don’t win the conference tournament, Virginia is in good shape given the strength of the conference, depending on the other top seed contenders.

Villanova Wildcats

The defending champions are once again in a late February battle for a #1 seed. With their most difficult regular season game remaining a road contest in Seton Hall next Wednesday, it seems like the fate of the Wildcats will come down to the conference tournament. While they could be a number one alongside Xavier, it seems more likely that one or the other will get the opportunity.

Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks have experienced their ups and downs this season, but what serves them well headed into March is how hot they are now. If they are able to top sixth ranked Texas Tech, get revenge against Texas, and then defeat Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Kansas is once again in good shape to earn a top seed.

Even though they were ranked just eighth coming into this week, their convincing win over Oklahoma and possible future wins against quality opponents keeps them well within the picture.