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Bracketology 2022: North Carolina, Rutgers and St. John’s among biggest losers

By Tristan Freeman

Jan 18, 2022; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes forward Sam Waardenburg (21) attempts a three point shot over North Carolina Tar Heels guard Kerwin Walton (24) during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2022; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes forward Sam Waardenburg (21) attempts a three point shot over North Carolina Tar Heels guard Kerwin Walton (24) during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bracketology Kansas State Wildcats guard Nijel Pack Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Bracketology Kansas State Wildcats guard Nijel Pack Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland Grizzlies – 14-5 (8-1 Horizon League)

Although they only have a win over Oklahoma State in the non-conference to speak of, Oakland looked like one of those mid-majors that could win 95% of its league games to get 30 regular-season wins and make a case for an at-large bid.

After beating last season’s Horizon League champion Cleveland State on the road, the Grizzlies were set up to make a mega run going forward and potentially go unbeaten in league play. That’s how dominant they were, led by Marquette transfer Jamal Cain, who was averaging around 20 ppg and 10 rpg on the season.

But just like that, the Grizzlies suffered its first loss in league play out of nowhere against Milwaukee, who was playing without five-star freshman forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. It’s a bad loss that they couldn’t afford and the Horizon League itself is having a down year overall. With a NET ranking around 90 right now, Oakland has no shot at an at-large case, even if they run the table from here.

Kansas State Wildcats – 10-8 (2-5 Big 12)

From a Bracketology standpoint, the Big 12 is the best conference from top to bottom. All 10 programs are in the top-70 overall of the NET rankings and a case can be made that all nine that are eligible (OK State is banned from postseason play) have a real shot at making the NCAA Tournament. That includes the team at the bottom in Kansa State, who started out 0-4 in league play but in the past eight days, beat both Texas Tech and Texas to get big-time resume builders.

The Wildcats had a major opportunity to get another one on Saturday at home against rival Kansas, having a double-digit lead for the majority of the game. However, they allowed the Jayhawks to not only come all the back but get and hold onto the lead at the very end of regulation.

As good as the Big 12 is, Kansas State can’t be around .500 overall and think they can get an at-large bid. Had they held on to the Kansas victory, their resume would’ve been much better. They’ll have to find a way to make that one up, along with avoiding piling up losses.

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