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Bracketology 2020 Projected Field: Gonzaga surges, Kentucky tumbles

By Lukas Harkins

TUCSON, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 14: Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs talks with teammate Joel Ayayi #11 during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center on December 14, 2019 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
TUCSON, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 14: Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs talks with teammate Joel Ayayi #11 during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center on December 14, 2019 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OHIO – NOVEMBER 22: Coach Holtmann of the Buckeyes reacts. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – NOVEMBER 22: Coach Holtmann of the Buckeyes reacts. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

East Region

(1) Ohio State vs. (16) Stephen F. Austin

(8) Marquette vs. (9) Arkansas

(4) West Virginia vs. (13) Belmont

(5) Arizona vs. (12) Duquesne/Kentucky

(6) Michigan State vs. (11) Texas Tech

(3) Dayton vs. (14) New Mexico State

(7) Texas vs. (10) Washington

(2) Louisville vs. (15) Delaware

Ohio State, even after suffering its first loss of the season, has still earned a No. 1 seed. The Buckeyes have easily been one of the most dominant teams in the country so far this season and metric rankings back that up. Head coach Chris Holtmann’s squad excels on both ends of the floor and features some freshmen talents that should only improve as the season continues. There are very few teams that I trust in the country right now – this is one of them.

On the flip side, though, I have zero trust in Kentucky. Ever since the Wildcats knocked off Michigan State to begin the season, they simply have not looked very good. Head coach John Calipari’s team still sits at 8-2 on the year but both of their losses are fairly ugly and they have played just the 328th-ranked schedule in the country so far. I still think Kentucky will safely make the NCAA Tournament by the end of the year, but their resume-to-date barely warrants inclusion in this edition of bracketology.

Sticking with that First Four matchup, Duquesne has also played a weak non-conference schedule but does hold an undefeated 9-0 record that is worth mentioning. Under the leadership of head coach Keith Dambrot, this unit is excelling defensively and dominating the paint on both ends of the floor. The Dukes are yet to secure a KenPom top-100 win but they have already won four games away-from-home. Their resume-to-date warrants consideration for an at-large bid at the very least.

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