These games are in consideration with tournament changes. Each team’s seed in BracketBluster’s latest seed list is initially listed next to their name. Here is the link to that list: http://wp.me/p89oZI-i6/ . All times listed in Eastern Time.
Georgia (First 4 Out) vs Kentucky (2 seed), 1 pm- Georgia has played Kentucky twice, but has not been able to come away with the quality win they were looking for. They have an opportunity to make a vast impression on the tournament committee in a huge game for their program. However, it is not the same for Kentucky, who seems to be locked into a 2 seed. If Kentucky wins they assert their presence entering the NCAA Tournament. If Georgia wins they probably make the tournament, as they add a late season quality win, proving they can play with the big dogs.
Michigan State (12 seed) vs Minnesota (6 seed)- BracketBluster has Michigan State as the second-to-last at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament. Minnesota has been one of the most exciting teams to watch in the country in the last month or so. If Michigan State wins they make the tournament. If Minnesota wins they continue their momentum into the tournament.
Rhode Island (First 4 Out) vs St. Bonaventure, 2:30pm- Rhode Island cannot afford to fall to this average St. Bonaventure in the A10 quarterfinals. An automatic bid with a win in the A10 Tournament would lock them into a tournament, but right now our bracket has them as one of the first 4 teams out. A loss in this games sends them to the NIT, while a win gets them one game closer to the NCAA Tournament. If St. Bonaventure wins they improve their seed in the NIT Tournament, unless they win the A10 tournament.
Duke (3 seed) vs North Carolina (1 seed), 7pm – There is nothing in college basketball like this rivalry. While this game might not have massive tournament implications, it is still a battle of two of the most historic teams in college basketball. Duke won their first meeting by shooting lights out from downtown, but UNC appreciated Isaiah Hicks’ presence in the second meeting. Now the rubber match will test Duke’s interior defense and UNC’s perimeter defense. If North Carolina wins they make an even stronger argument for the number one overall seed in the tournament. If Duke wins they help their consideration for a 3 seed, which would eliminate them possible having to play a 1 seed.
Houston (12 seed) vs Connecticut, 9 pm- Houston is the last team projected into the tournament on our bracket as an at-large bid. A loss to an under .500 UCONN team would drop them out of the tournament. This is a must win game for the Cougars. If Houston wins, they improve but do not solidify their case for making the tournament. If UCONN wins they make the semifinals of American Tournament, which they would have to win to make the NCAA Tournament.
UCLA (3 seed) vs Arizona (3 seed), 11:30 pm- The semifinal of the PAC-12 Tournament features two of the best teams on the West Coast. While this game might be a little late at night for people on the Eastern seaboard, it is worth to see these teams play. Both teams have the potential to win the NCAA tournament, even thought they play vastly different styles. The winner of this game will go into Selection Sunday a head above the other, potentially earning a 2 seed.
Nothing better than some March basketball!