Bracketology 2019: Tennessee, Seton Hall rise in projected field

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 09: Jordan Bowden #23 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Volunteers defeated the Bulldogs 76-73. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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AUBURN, ALABAMA – DECEMBER 22: Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers goes up. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

South Region

(1) Virginia vs. (16) Rider/St. Francis (PA)

(8) Iowa vs. (9) Butler

(4) Auburn vs. (13) VCU

(5) North Carolina vs. (12) Murray State

(6) Kentucky vs. (11) UCF

(3) Wisconsin vs. (14) Montana

(7) Villanova vs. (10) Utah State

(2) Kansas vs. (15) Radford

Not many major movers among the teams in this region. Kansas, though, did drop off the top line with their recent loss to Arizona State. At this point in the year, the top-7 teams in the nation are incredibly close and anyone can make a legitimate argument for a No. 1 seed. For now, though, the Jayhawks fall to the No. 2 line due to their lone loss. If they continue their typical dominance of the Big 12 this season, then KU will be back on top soon.

I also want to make note of a few major under-the-radar stars in this projected region. For Murray State, guard Ja Morant is starting to finally garner the national attention he deserved a year ago. An elite playmaker and scorer, Morant is one of the top players in the entire nation and could carry the Racers in conference play this season. To date, he is averaging 23.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game.

Additionally, Utah State’s Sam Merrill is putting up a special scoring season out west. Already one of the best shooters in the nation, Merrill is improving his scoring inside the arc and he has taken on a major leadership role this year for the Aggies. He is averaging 19.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game to help guide this Utah State team to at-large contention.

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