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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VILLANOVA, PA – FEBRUARY 06: Villanova Wildcats guard Joe Cremo (24) passes during the college basketball game between the Creighton Bluejays and the Villanova Wildcats on February 06, 2019 at the Finneran Pavilion in Villanova PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
VILLANOVA, PA – FEBRUARY 06: Villanova Wildcats guard Joe Cremo (24) passes during the college basketball game between the Creighton Bluejays and the Villanova Wildcats on February 06, 2019 at the Finneran Pavilion in Villanova PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Villanova still has work to do

Perhaps the most surprising omission from the committee was the defending national champions. Villanova got off to a rough start to the season but entered play on Saturday winners of 11 consecutive games.

To make things even more interesting, Villanova is 10-0 in Big East play and holds a two-game lead over Marquette in the conference standings. Marquette, which is having a strong season on its own merits, was awarded a three seed by the committee.

Muir noted that the Wildcats barely missed the cut, noting that the committee had them ranked as the 17th seed entering the day. Wisconsin ended up earning the final four seed, largely due to the strength of the Big Ten and their big win over Michigan, but Muir also said that Texas Tech, Virginia Tech and LSU were in consideration for the four line.

The most interesting case here is Villanova, which has clearly been one of the hottest teams in the country. Non-conference losses to Penn and Furman (at home, no less) are clearly damaging the Wildcats’ resume, which doesn’t feature a ton of quality wins outside of conference play.

The good news is that the Wildcats have plenty of opportunities to earn marquee wins, including a pair of games with Marquette. Villanova could still end up inside the top four seed lines by Selection Sunday, but they haven’t done quite enough to impress the committee to date.