James Fletcher III Full Interview with Andy Staples | March Madness Bubble Update | 03.11.24
ESPN released its updated bracket for the NCAA Tournament and Joe Lunardi has a bracket.
But first, we need to look at all the teams on the bubble. All of those teams will be on the edge of their seats on Selection Sunday.
Let's dive into ESPN Lunardi's latest NCAA tournament plans.
ESPN Bracketology: On the Bubble
Last four bags: Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Florida Atlantic, Colorado State
The last four: TCU, Michigan State, Colorado, Oklahoma
First Four Out: St. John's, Virginia, Seton Hall, Indiana State
Next four outs: Pittsburgh, Providence, Kansas State, Ohio State
Midwest Region (Detroit): No. 1 Purdue
The Boilermakers take the No. 1 spot despite falling in the Big Ten semifinals. It is difficult to refuse their application. Tennessee is ranked No. in this bracket's portion. Moves up to the 2 seed, with Creighton and Kansas close behind.
(1) Purdue Vs. (16) Grambling/Montana State
(8) Texas vs. (9) Dayton
(5) South Carolina vs. (12) Samford
(4) Kansas vs. (13) Yale
(6) Texas Tech vs. (11) Oregon State
(3) Creighton v. (14) State of Morehead
(7) Charlotte vs. (10) Colorado State
(2) Tennessee vs. (15) St. Peter's
West Region (Los Angeles): No. 1 North Carolina
The ACC runner-ups Tar Heels lost to rival NC State in the title game. Still, they hold the top seed. Arizona and Baylor round out the top three, while Alabama ties UNC for No. 4.
(1) North Carolina vs. (16) Howard/Wagner
(8) Northwestern vs. (9) Texas A&M
(5) BYU vs. (12) Grand Canyon
(4) Alabama vs. (13) Charleston
(6) San Diego State vs. (11) Drake
(3) Baylor vs. (14) Oakland
(7) Gonzaga vs. (10) Michigan State/Oklahoma
(2) Arizona vs. (15) Long Beach State
South Region (Dallas): No. 1 Houston
What happened to Houston in the Big 12 title game? A 69-41 loss to Iowa State isn't a good look, but the Cougars are No. 1 here. Marquette takes the No. 2 spot, while Illinois and Kentucky round out the top four.
(1) Houston vs. (16) Stetson
(8) Nebraska vs. (9) New Mexico
(5) Wisconsin vs. (12) McNeese
(4) Kentucky vs. (13) UAB
(6) Washington State vs. (11) James Madison
(3) Illinois vs. (14) Colgate
(7) Utah State vs. (10) TCU/Colorado
(2) Marquette vs. (15) Western Kentucky
Eastern Region (Boston): no. 1 Yukon
New to the Big Ten Championship, UConn is the only No. 1 seed in these projections to win the conference title. Iowa State, Auburn and Duke are the rest of the top four teams here.
(1) UConn vs. (16) Longwood
(8) Boise State vs. (9) Mississippi State
(5) Florida vs. (12) VCU
(4) Duke vs. (13) Vermont
(6) St. Mary's vs. (11) NC State
(3) Auburn vs. (14) Akron
(7) Nevada vs. (10) Florida Atlantic
(2) Iowa State vs. (15) South Dakota State
Exam Sunday is finally upon us! Lunardi's bracket predictions could be pretty accurate or there could be some last-minute surprises. Hook!
