Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: Buy or sell top mid-majors Gonzaga, Nevada and Buffalo

By Eddie Herz

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 09: Zach Norvell Jr. #23 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts with teammates Josh Perkins #13 and Corey Kispert #24 during the second half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers 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)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 09: Zach Norvell Jr. #23 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts with teammates Josh Perkins #13 and Corey Kispert #24 during the second half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers 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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RENO, NV – DECEMBER 15: Cody Martin #11 of the Nevada Wolf Pack and brother Caleb Martin #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack talk to head coach Eric Musselman of the Nevada Wolf Pack during 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: Cody Martin #11 of the Nevada Wolf Pack and brother Caleb Martin #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack talk to head coach Eric Musselman of the Nevada Wolf Pack during 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) /

Nevada Wolf Pack – Buy

Most people were surprised when the Wolf Pack assembled a Sweet 16, and nearly Elite 8, run last season. As a reporter covering the Mountain West, I can tell you I didn’t bat an eye when the Pack defeated Cincinnati in the second round.

Nevada was close to as dangerous last season as it is this season, most of the nation overlooked the Pack though. Nevada’s only loss this season was ugly, against a below average New Mexico team by 27 points. The game was a bit worrisome and revealed Jordan Caroline and the Martin twins are human.

I wouldn’t worry about it too much anymore though. The Pack has responded by winning seven consecutive games, most of which in blowout fashion. And maybe the loss was good for Nevada. The pressure of maintaining a perfect record no-longer exists, and I’m sure Nevada is an even more motivated group because of the embarrassment.

The Pack’s strength of schedule (66th) is a tad concerning. Nevada hasn’t played competition similar to what it will face in the tournament for months. However, the Pack assembled a deep tourney run last season despite a similar situation. Now, Nevada is an improved program.

I buy what Nevada is bringing to the table. The New Mexico loss virtually eliminated the possibility of earning a one seed. Winning out would most likely result in a two seed, which sets the Pack up favorably in March.

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