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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 Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Mawot Mag Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
Bracketology Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Mawot Mag Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports /

Rutgers Scarlet Knights – 11-7 (5-3 Big Ten)

After a brutal non-conference stretch that includes losses to UMass, Lafayette, and DePaul, it looked as if the Scarlet Knights had little chance at an at-large bid. However, they’ve since come up big in Big Ten play, getting big wins over the likes of Purdue, Michigan, and Iowa to move to 4-2 in league play. And they had a great chance to move to 5-2 against Minnesota, who was without several key players, including leading scorer Jamison Battle.

And yet Rutgers still managed to lose to a team projected to finish around the bottom of the conference on Saturday, giving them another “bad” loss alongside Rutgers. They may end up with double-digit wins in the Big Ten and a few top-tier resume-builders but the bad losses continue to pile up and give them a resume that likely won’t hold up on Selection Sunday.

Dayton Flyers – 12-7 (4-2 Atlantic 10)

The Flyers’ non-conference results put their at-large odds around “slim” entering league play but after losing to VCU, they went on four straight wins that put them back into the picture, including over Saint Louis and St. Bonaventure. It looked as if Dayton’s young roster was going to go on a roll and get enough wins to be in the conversation, thanks to the win over Kansas that will always look good.

But that has likely ended this weekend after falling to George Mason, a mid-tier team in the A-10, 50-49. Considering how young this team is, it’s not fair to even have them in the at-large discussion. Losing to the Patriots and assuming that more losses in league play are coming, the Flyers should be more concerned with the standings than their resume.

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