Mythical March Madness: 10 best potential games fans were denied

Mythical March Madness: 10 best potential games we were most looking forward to

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - MARCH 07: Center Udoka Azubuike #35 of the Kansas Jayhawks runs down the court during the second half of the college basketball game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on March 07, 2020 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OH – FEBRUARY 22: Head coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats is seen after the game against the Xavier Musketeers at Cintas Center on February 22, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

The NCAA Tournament isn’t happening due to the coronavirus, so we missed out on these potentially epic games as a result.

It is officially a sports less society, so Selection Sunday turned into a ghost town with the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament. The selection committee refused to finish a bracket for what they considered a ceremonial purpose, but ESPN’s Joe Lunardi did, with his work available here.

Using Lunardi’s bracket as a model, let’s take a look at the 10 best games we could have in our Mythical March Madness if the bracket was played out.

10. Hofstra vs. Villanova – Round of 64

This contest, a first-round East Region matchup in Albany, would have had storylines galore. Jay Wright’s Villanova Wildcats, who finished in a three-way tie for the Big East’s regular-season crown, would get a date in Albany here with one of the most dangerous mid-majors in the country in Hofstra.

The Pride has a loaded roster with stars like Desure Buie and Eli Pemberton, and they already scored a win at UCLA earlier in the season. There is also a bit of sub-text since Wright coached at Hofstra from 1994-2001 before taking the Villanova job, adding even more intrigue to this game.

9. Providence vs. Kentucky – Round of 32

The Friars finished the season as one of the hottest teams in the country, ripping off six straight wins to rise from the dead and into the field of 68. Assuming they got by Arizona State in the first round, Providence would have a very juice matchup against the Midwest’s second seed, Kentucky.

John Calipari would no doubt be on ESPN right now complaining about the difficult draw he got and getting Providence in the second round certainly qualifies. A senior-laden Friars’ squad that is among the hottest in the nation could be a huge problem for Kentucky.

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