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Bracketology Winners: Florida dominates, Nevada remains undefeated

By Lukas Harkins

RENO, NV - DECEMBER 15: Jordan Caroline #24 of the Nevada Wolf Pack drives to the basket during the second half of the game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Lawlor Events Center on December 15, 2018 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images)
RENO, NV - DECEMBER 15: Jordan Caroline #24 of the Nevada Wolf Pack drives to the basket during the second half of the game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Lawlor Events Center on December 15, 2018 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 27: Head coach Stansbury of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers reacts. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 27: Head coach Stansbury of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers reacts. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

1. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

There was a lot of hype surrounding Western Kentucky heading into this season. With a fair amount of talent returning from last season and highly-touted recruit Charles Bassey joining the mix, many expected that the Hilltoppers would be one of the best mid-majors in the country. In fact, they were even picked to win the CUSA over teams such as Marshall and Old Dominion. Yet, after starting the year 6-6 with losses to Indiana State, Missouri State, and Troy…things were not looking so great.

But the whole perception of this team has changed heading into conference play.  In the past week and a half, the Hilltoppers landed their two best wins of the year by defending their home court against Saint Mary’s (No. 43 on KenPom) and Wisconsin (No. 14). Western Kentucky did a superb job speeding up the pace of both of those games as they used their athleticism to come away with the monster victories.

They might not be in contention for an at-large bid because of their weak overall non-conference resume but the team really seems to have turned the corner recently. And that is a scary thought heading into CUSA play. Head coach Rick Stansbury has this team playing at a very high level right now and they might still be the favorite in the league if they continue to play as they have in their last two contests. Could they still run through the conference and win the auto-bid?

Next. Bracketology Projected Field of 68. dark

That concludes this edition of the bracketology winners of this past week. Each of these teams either added a big win during this past seven days or was worthy of discussion based on their play from the first two months of the season. Will these teams utilize this momentum to put together a strong conference season? How will this impact their future NCAA Tournament hopes?

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