Life in a men’s college basketball power conference has pros and cons. On the plus side, there are ample opportunities for quality wins to enhance one’s NCAA Tournament profile. Of course, a series of those marquee matchups can turn into losing streaks in a hurry.
All of which is to say there’s plenty of teams rising and falling in our latest edition of Bracketology projecting the field of 68. The Big Ten is one conference responsible for much of the movement in both directions. Michigan State has rebounded from a blip earlier this month and is up to a No. 2 seed after a strong week that has the Spartans in a share of the league lead. Maryland also continues to trend upward. The Terrapins are a fifth seed with eight wins in nine games.
On the negative side, Purdue has fallen to a projected No. 4 seed thanks to a four-game skid. Illinois – once a contender for the top 16 seeds – is now closer to bubble territory after three losses in a row.
TIGERS ON TOP: Auburn maintains No. 1 spot in poll ahead of Duke
Elsewhere, St. John’s continues its steady climb, now slated as a No. 3 seed after completing a sweep of two-time defending champion Connecticut. Speaking of the Huskies, they along with recent champions Kansas and Baylor from the Big 12 are other teams now on the back of the bracket.
Last four in
Ohio State, San Diego State, Oklahoma, Wake Forest.
First four out
North Carolina, Xavier, Boise State, Villanova.
NCAA Tournament bids conference breakdown
Multi-bid leagues: SEC (13), Big Ten (10), Big 12 (8), ACC (4), Big East (4), Mountain West (3), West Coast (2).