Fansided

5 big takeaways from NCAA’s top 16 seed reveal

By Mike Phillips

DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 05: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during their game against the Boston College Eagles at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 5, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 80-55. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 05: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during their game against the Boston College Eagles at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 5, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 80-55. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – FEBRUARY 05: Keldon Johnson #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Rupp Arena on February 05, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – FEBRUARY 05: Keldon Johnson #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Rupp Arena on February 05, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

3. Kentucky could end up on the top line

One of the most interesting things to look at in this exercise is who just missed the cut for the top line. The top three of Duke, Tennessee and Virginia appear to be pretty safe but the fourth spot went to Gonzaga.

Gonzaga is dominating a down West Coast Conference, leaving them few opportunities to improve their resume outside of accumulating wins and plenty of chances to take bad losses. Should the Bulldogs stumble just a bit, Kentucky appears to be the likely beneficiary.

Kentucky has quietly put together an excellent season, checking in fifth in the NCAA’s Net Rankings and playing a strong non-conference schedule. John Calipari’s squad has victories over three other teams in the top 16 with wins over North Carolina, Louisville and Kansas on its resume.

To make things even more interesting, Kentucky still has two shots at a potential top seed in Tennessee. If the Wildcats can split those meetings, or perhaps even take two out of three with a win in the SEC tournament, Kentucky could find itself on the top line come Selection Sunday.