Multiple teams are fighting for a one-seed.
North Carolina is still fighting for a one-seed come tournament time. With UConn and Purdue near locks for one-seeds, that leaves two spots that are available. Of course, UConn and Purdue could play themselves out of a top spot, but to this point, that looks unlikely.
In Contention
Houston– The closest team to a lock outside of Purdue and UConn. They sit at 23-3, in what is considered the toughest conference in college basketball, with no bad losses.
Toughest Remaining Games: vs. #9 Kansas, at Oklahoma, and at #11 Baylor.
North Carolina– The Tar Heels looked like they were trending toward a one-seed before losing to Georgia Tech, Clemson, and Syracuse. Still, UNC is looked at as a real contender, but a team that can’t slip up much more.
Toughest Remaining Games: at Virginia, vs. Miami, vs. NC State, and at #8 Duke.
Arizona– Caleb Love and the Wildcats have put together an impressive season. Currently 20-5, Arizona has a pretty easy schedule from here on out, facing only one projected tournament team in their last five games. Their offense is one of the best in the country.
Toughest Remaining Games: vs. Washington State
Tennessee– At 19-6 with one of the best defenses in the country, the Vols continue to make noise. They are second in the SEC and have a loaded team. Working in UNC’s favor, they have a head-to-head win over them.
Toughest Remaining Games: vs. Texas A&M, vs. #14 Auburn, vs. #17 Kentucky, at #20 South Carolina, and at #13 Alabama.
Kansas– Losing two of their last four has hurt the Jayhawks chances at a one-seed. But they play in the top conference in college basketball, so their strength of schedule is boosted.
Toughest Remaining Games: vs. Texas, vs. #25 BYU, at #11 Baylor, and at #2 Houston.
Marquette– Sitting at 19-6, the Golden Eagles just got dominated by UConn. It was never close. They are close to losing a chance at a one-seed.
Toughest Remaining Games: vs. Providence, vs. #1 UConn, and at #15 Creighton.
UNC’s Path
If North Carolina can go through its final five regular season games managing just one loss and then winning a few games in the ACC tournament, they will have positioned themselves nicely. Houston, Tennessee, Kansas, and Marquette all still have loaded schedules remaining. Houston and Kansas face each other, guaranteeing a loss for one of the two. Arizona plays a weak schedule, but a loss outside of the Washington State game could doom their chances.
It will be a fight to the finish!
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