March Madness 2019: 10 teams with the toughest path to the Final Four

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 15: Head coach Steve Wojciechowski of the Marquette Golden Eagles discusses a call with a referee in the first half against the Seton Hall Pirates during the semifinal round of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MARCH 14: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders scores on a fast break during the quarterfinal game of the Big 12 Basketball Tournament against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Sprint Center on March 14, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

7. Texas Tech

The Red Raiders lost in their first game of the Big 12 Tournament to last place West Virginia, and that may have cost Texas Tech dearly. The defeat probably knocked Texas Tech out of consideration for a 2-seed, landing them on the three line in the West region.

The Red Raiders should be able to get by Northern Kentucky without much difficulty, but Texas Tech could be staring at a showdown with Buffalo in the second round. The Bulls are the nation’s most talented mid-major team and loaded with tournament experience after upsetting Arizona a year ago, so they will be a very stern test for the Red Raiders.

Surviving that gauntlet could earn Texas Tech a date with Michigan, one of the most battle-tested squads in the country. The Wolverines are filled with players who experienced a run to the national championship a year ago, and that experience is something that could give them an edge over Texas Tech.

The regional final doesn’t get any easier with a potential showdown against Gonzaga, which has quietly been forgotten in the conversation for national title contenders. The Bulldogs are the only team to beat a fully healthy Duke this season, which could give them the confidence that they can beat anyone who lines up across from them.

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