Bracketology 2020 Projected Field: Ohio State on top, Gonzaga proving

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 08: Joel Ayayi #11 and Filip Petrusev #3 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs celebrate after Ayayi hit a 3-point shot to put Gonzaga up by 6 pois in the 2nd half at Hec Edmundson Pavilion on December 8, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mike Tedesco/Getty Images) /

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SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 08: Woolridge of the Bulldogs drives. (Photo by Mike Tedesco/Getty Images) /

West Region

(1) Louisville vs. (16) Hofstra

(8) Seton Hall vs. (9) Texas

(4) San Diego State vs. (13) Yale

(5) Michigan State vs. (12) Liberty

(6) Xavier vs. (11) Illinois/Oklahoma State

(3) Oregon vs. (14) Georgia State

(7) Iowa vs. (10) Florida

(2) Gonzaga vs. (15) Rider

Louisville suffered its first loss of the season during this past week by falling to Texas Tech at Madison Square Garden. With that said, though, the Cardinals are still definitely one of the best teams in the country and at least warrant discussion with regard to a No. 1 seed after the first month of the season. Head coach Chris Mack’s team is starting to pride itself on strong defensive efforts and that could be crucial moving forward. Louisville has held seven of its first 10 opponents to fewer than 65 total points scored en route to a 9-1 record so far. A pair of tune-up games approach next before traveling to Lexington to take on in-state rival Kentucky.

Even though Louisville holds the No. 1 seed in this region right now, though, Gonzaga is right on the edge of joining the top line. Head coach Mark Few put together a challenging non-conference schedule this year and his team has responded quite well to this point. The Bulldogs, despite suffering massive losses this offseason, have started the season at 10-1. Their lone loss came to Michigan and they have already notched wins over Oregon and Washington away from home. Gonzaga’s ball-movement has been exquisite to begin the season and that will hopefully continue with a pair of very tough tests coming next: at Arizona followed by vs. North Carolina.

The last team worth mentioning in this region right now is Yale. Although not necessarily regarded as one of the favorites in the Ivy League heading into this season, the Bulldogs have been the most impressive team in the conference thus far. They hold a 9-3 total record and have already risen to the No. 87 ranking in KenPom – they started the year at No. 146. The superb junior duo of Paul Atkinson and Azar Swain is leading the way for the team through the opening month.

Next. Week 6 National Power Rankings. dark

That concludes this edition of the bracketology projected field. Was your favorite team able to make the cut? If not, it’s still only December – there is plenty of time to make a run. Check back next week for another update!

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