Bracketology Winners: Arkansas, Baylor lead the way with resume-builders

LUBBOCK, TX - JANUARY 26: Head coach Mike Anderson of the Arkansas Razorbacks reacts to an officials call during the second half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on January 26, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Arkansas 67-64. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBUS, OH – DECEMBER 2: Coach Pitino of Minnesota shouts. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Minnesota has quietly risen up seed lists over the past several weeks. With a 16-5 (6-4 B10) record, it is clear that the Golden Gophers hold a strong record and their home wins over Iowa and Illinois during this past week proved that they belong in the tournament. These two victories, though, are far more important than they might seem. This is due to the fact that Minnesota is heading into easily their most difficult stretch of the season remaining.

Over the next two weeks, the Golden Gophers have to face Purdue (away), Wisconsin (home), Michigan State (away), and Nebraska (away). They will be lucky to go 2-2 during this stretch. The Big Ten is, at its core, an incredible gauntlet and it will not be easy for Minnesota to remain in projected fields even with their current record. The Gophers are not ranked extremely high by metrics and that could hurt them.

With this said, though, this week was definitely a big one for head coach Richard Pitino. Back-to-back wins mean a ton in conference play and the Gophers were able to do just that. A long road approaches but they are in strong shape to make the NCAA Tournament for the time being.

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