Selection Sunday brings excitement and disappointment alike. This year, the tournament saw an unusual twist with four bids being claimed by teams that otherwise wouldn’t have made it. The Pac-12, ACC, A-10, and American conferences all had at-large teams and champions secure spots, a rarity that sometimes doesn’t happen even over a span of five years.
An interesting scenario unfolded with Dayton, from the A-10, being placed in the projected First Four games. What makes it notable is that these games are set to take place in Dayton, giving the Flyers a unique advantage as the only team potentially playing on its home court. The presence of four bid-stealers this year also means a historic first: the First Four will include 10-seed teams.
Indiana State finds itself in a precarious position, potentially setting a record for the highest NET ranking without making the tournament. With a NET ranking of 29th, the Sycamores have shown they are strong enough for the tournament but face the challenge of overcoming the impact of four bid-stealers.
It’s time for bracket excitement! Fans are invited to participate in challenges for a chance to win a Nissan Rogue and trips to the Final Four®. Both Men’s and Women’s Challenges are open for entries.
The competition for the last spots in the tournament is fierce. Colorado and St. John’s are neck and neck, with Colorado sitting at 25th in today’s NET ranking and St. John’s at 32nd. The decision between them is tough, as their records against top teams differ significantly. St. John’s boasts a strong schedule but fewer wins against top teams, while Colorado has notable victories but a weaker overall schedule.
Metrics like KenPom and BPI show a preference for St. John’s, but SOR and KPI lean towards Colorado. Despite these differences, the selection committee often values teams that challenge themselves. St. John’s, with its tougher schedule, might just have the edge in this regard.
For those following bracketology closely, the latest predictions, Bubble Watch, and the full field of 68 are available for review. The anticipation builds as fans and teams alike await the final selections, ready to see how the tournament unfolds.