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College Basketball Bracketology 2018: Feb. 19

By Neil Harrington

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY - FEBRUARY 18: Rashard Kelly #0 of the Witchita State Shockers celebrates after the 76-72 win over the Cincinnati Bearcats at BB&T Arena on February 18, 2018 in Highland Heights, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY - FEBRUARY 18: Rashard Kelly #0 of the Witchita State Shockers celebrates after the 76-72 win over the Cincinnati Bearcats at BB&T Arena on February 18, 2018 in Highland Heights, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Bracketology
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – February 10: Justin Bibbs /

Bracketology: East Region (Bold indicates automatic berth)

(1) Virginia ACC vs. (16)Savannah St MEAC/Penn Ivy

(2) Xavier vs. (15)  Bucknell Patriot

(3) Rhode Island Atlantic vs. (14) Buffalo MAC

(4) Cincinnati American vs. (13) Charleston  Colonial

(5) Ohio State vs. (12)  Western Kentucky

(6) Alabama vs. (11) St. Bonaventure/Kansas St.

(7) Loyola (Chicago) Missouri Valley vs. (10) USC

(8) West Virginia vs. (9) USC

You might be wondering who in the world Loyola is and what they’re doing as high as a No. 7 seed in Bracketology. Their case when selection Selection Sunday arrives and seeding for that matter will be a curious case indeed. Their true marquee win was in Gainesville over Florida, when the Gators held the ranking of number five in the nation. The more time goes on, the less impressive that win looks.

However, they are the real deal. The Ramblers boast a 23-5 overall record and clinched at least a share of the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season crown. All but one loss of their losses came without their starting backcourt of Ben Richardson and Clayton Custer — the front-runner to win the Larry Bird Trophy as MVC player of the year. This team is deep, well coached by Porter Moser, and can play with anyone in the country.

Unfortunately, Loyola likely has to win the MVC tournament two weeks from now to go dancing — since many are probably sleeping on this fantastic team from Chicago.

Western Kentucky is a dangerous team and one you may not have heard much about during the season. They boast wins over Purdue and SMU while giving Villanova all they could handle on a neutral site earlier in the season. With a balanced attack and five players averaging double-figure scoring, they are a team you don’t want play come March.

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