Bracketology 2023: 5 key games that could impact No. 1 seeds

Apr 4, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; The Kansas Jayhawks place their name as national champions on the bracket after their win against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the 2022 NCAA men's basketball tournament Final Four championship game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 6

Bracketology Texas Longhorns guard Tyrese Hunter Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Gonzaga vs. No. 12 Texas, Nov. 16, 9:30 pm ET, ESPN2

One of the most anticipated matchups of the season takes place Wednesday when No. 2 Gonzaga travels to Austin, Texas to take on the No. 12 longhorns in a rare true road game. The atmosphere for this one should be electric with a final four feel before Thanksgiving. Both teams enter this game undefeated, and while a road loss wouldn’t damage the Bulldogs’ chances of a top seed come March, a win by the home-standing Longhorns would make people take notice that Chris Beard has his team primed for a no. 1 seed.

The addition of Iowa state transfer Tyrese Hunter has certainly paid early dividends with the sophomore guard averaging 14 points and six rebounds through two games. Adding Hunter to a veteran team that includes Marcus Carr, Timmy Allen, and Dylan Disu makes the Longhorns dangerous, at least on paper. If the names play up to their names it is possible that Texas gets into the No. 1 seed conversation and a win over Gonzaga would certainly help.

Speaking of those Bulldogs, the team from Spokane with an embarrassment of riches has won their first two games by an average of 21 points, including a hard-fought one-point victory over Michigan State. Any number of players could lead the team in scoring on any given night, from All-American Drew Timme, Julian Strawther, and Rasir Bolton to Hunter Sallis, Efton Reid III, and Malachi Smith who all come off the bench for the Bulldogs.

With a schedule that includes No. 4 Kentucky, No. 5 Baylor, and No. 20 Alabama before conference play, a loss here wouldn’t hurt too much, but a resounding win would just be another building block for Mark Few’s team.

Home/Bracketology