Bracketology predictions: Last 4 in, first 4 out and No. 1 seeds heading into the weekend
By Drew Koch
Championship Week is here in college basketball. Let’s take one final look at how the NCAA Tournament bracket might shape up before the final weekend and the latest bracketology predictions.
Nothing is set in stone, but we’re getting very close to finding out who’s in and who’s out. The bubble-watch is in full effect as several teams are fighting and clawing in an attempt to secure a bid in the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
In this bracketology prediction, let’s look at which schools are the last four in, the first four out, and who the No. 1 seeds will be in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Buckle up, it’s about to get very interesting.
Bracketology prediction: Last four in (Utah State, Nevada, Rutgers, Oklahoma State)
The most debated topic over the next two days will be who are the final four teams that make it into the NCAA Tournament and who’s left out in the cold. One team who’s sure to be hotly debated inside the committee’s chambers will be Utah State.
The Aggies have only seven losses on the season, which is fewer than almost any other team who’s currently on the bubble. The problem is, two of defeats were Quad 4 losses. Still, with a NET ranking of 18, Utah State should make the tourney. If Utah State knocks off San Diego State on Saturday, the debate will be all but over.
Another school from the Mountain West who should be in the field of 68 is Nevada. The Wolf Pack have NET ranking of 37 and no Quad 4 losses this season. Look for Steve Alford’s group to be in the NCAA Tournament.
Rutgers pushed Purdue to the brink on Friday. The Scarlet Knights ultimately lost to the Boilermakers, and though they’re 19-14 on the season, they did defeat Purdue in West Lafeyette earlier this season and have wins over Indiana and Northwestern.
Oklahoma State is on the cut line, but the Cowboys may have done enough to squeak into the tournament. OSU has six Quad 1 wins, but those 15 losses could keep them on the outside looking in.