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Bracketology 2020 Projected Field: Creighton, USC on the rise

By Lukas Harkins

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 8: Selection committee (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 8: Selection committee (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 21: Thompson of the Bulldogs dribbles. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 21: Thompson of the Bulldogs dribbles. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Midwest Region (Indianapolis)

(1) Butler vs. (16) Texas Southern/St. Francis-PA

(8) Oklahoma vs. (9) Indiana

(4) Louisville vs. (13) Vermont

(5) Wichita State vs. (12) Yale

(6) Seton Hall vs. (11) USC

(3) Memphis vs. (14) Georgia State

(7) Saint Mary’s vs. (10) Florida

(2) Ohio State vs. (15) Charleston

Welcome to the No. 1 seed club, Butler. Despite entering this campaign expected to finish eighth in the Big East, the Dawgs have burst onto the scene through the first two months en route to a 13-1 record. Behind disciplined play and elite defense, Butler holds the most Quadrant 1 wins in the country (5) and its lone loss came by one point on the road at Baylor. It’s very difficult to argue with the idea that the Dawgs belong on the top line right now as they hold the best resume in the country. Seven combined Q1+Q2 wins are the most nationally and the team ranks in the Top 12 in every metric used by the committee.

Moving further down this bracket, Seton Hall is seemingly starting to regain some momentum. The Pirates are currently on a mini winning streak that includes back-to-back victories over Maryland and DePaul. Many want to overlook this team due to the injury suffered by Sandro Mamukelashvili, but those two victories should not be underrated. Seton Hall boasts two strong shot-blocking seven-footers in its rotation and they anchor a very strong defense. Add Myles Powell back to the offense now that he is recovered from his concussion and this is a darn good team.

Finally, I’m not sure there is a more overlooked team in the country than USC. The Trojans do not rank especially high in any metrics but they have quietly put together a solid resume. With so much of the bubble comprised of teams that have no business in the dance (as of right now), USC’s 12-2 record with four KenPom Top 100 wins is worth praising. Additionally, the Trojans’ two losses to Temple and Marquette both come against fellow at-large teams. Onyeka Okongwu has arguably been the best big man on the west coast this season.

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