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

Purdue Boilermakers

The Boilers just went through by far their most difficult stretch of the season, in which they stumbled against Wisconsin and Ohio State. After two ugly victories over Penn State and Illinois, Purdue is sort of back on track. They will definitely need to take care of business against Minnesota at Mackey Arena to close out the regular season. Then, if they are able to win the conference tournament and beat Michigan State along the way, they have a shot at a top seed.

Cincinnati Bearcats

The Bearcats suffered a major blow to their top seed hopes on Sunday when they fell at home at the hands of Wichita State. The only possible saving grace for Cincinnati is that they play the Shockers on the road to close out the season, and then have a conference tournament. Win out, and they belong in the conversation depending on what happens with the other teams on this list. Any other result and they don’t.

Auburn Tigers

What? Auburn? Ok, admittedly, the Tigers would need some help if they’re going to end up as a top seed, especially considering the other nine teams on this list. But if they win out, including winning the SEC title game, and at least six of these other teams stumble along their journey, Auburn belongs in the conversation. Their weaker strength of schedule certainly hurts, but even so, winning the SEC is no small feat. Therefore, bracketologists shouldn’t eliminate Auburn from #1 seed contention just yet.

Next: Taking a look at all the bubble teams

So much is on the line for each of these teams entering their final regular seasons contests and conference tournaments. While each will undoubtedly enjoy favorable matchups in the early rounds of the NCAA tournament regardless, being a top seed brings a whole new set of perks, including the likely opportunity to stay very close to home all the way until the Final Four. With this in mind, it is critical to keep an eye on these teams as the season comes to a close.