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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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 14: Marquette Golden Eagles guard Markus Howard (0) comes to the bench during the second half of the Big East Tournament quarterfinal game between the Marquette Golden Eagles and the St. John’s Red Storm on March 14, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Marquette

Five losses in six games to end the season proved very costly for Marquette. The Golden Eagles sank from a potential top-2 seed all the way to the five line, and it made a huge difference in their path to the Final Four.

Marquette will have to start the tournament facing off against future lottery pick Ja Morant and Murray State, with Morant having the ability to put the Racers on his back and carry them to victory. Next up for Marquette would be a date with Florida State, one of the most experienced teams in the field.

The Golden Eagles would have a date with Gonzaga if they get to Anaheim in the Sweet 16, and the Bulldogs are a team capable of beating anyone in the country. Markus Howard may be able to carry the Golden Eagles far, but even he would have a tough time with that task.

Assuming Marquette is still standing in the Elite Eight, they would have a showdown with Michigan awaiting them. The Wolverines are a Final Four dark horse due to their tournament experience and defensive pedigree, so things aren’t looking good for Golden Eagles’ fans.

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