2009-2010 college basketball tournament

[collegesportsfanms]

With apologies to eaglefan and molson for copying their ideas, i am going to be doing a 120 team dynasty using the whatifsports college basketball sim feature. I will be doing things a little different.

The 120 teams were chosen from a list of power rankings I saw online. I made a few changes of teams that I didn't think deserved to be in, and a few teams that did deserve to be in. Unfortunately I still have a few teams with losing records.

I have decided to group the teams in groups of 4, meaning there are 30 groups. Each team will play the other 3 teams home and away, giving each team in each group 6 games. The top 2 teams from each group advance, with the top team from each group being seeded 1-30 based on point differential. The group runner-ups will be seeded 31-60, and then there will be 4 wild cards, which will be the top 4 third place teams, based on record and points differential.

Then we will have a single elimination tournament, with the 32 winners advancing to the last round. The teams will then be reseeded based on the same criteria, record within the group, and points differential, to determine a champion. The groups have been set up, and I will get to those this weekend. The way I chose the groups was simple, I took the top 30 teams and placed them into the first slot of each group. Those are the only 30 teams that will be ranked in this dynasty. The other 90 teams were randomly drawn, and I made sure that there was only 1 team per conference in each group.

I will get to the groups tomorrow and sunday, hope you all enjoy this as much as you've enjoyed eaglefan and molsons dynasties

[collegesportsfanms]

Now it is time to reveal the groups. I will also be making predictions within these groups.

Group 1

#1 Kansas (Big 12, 33-3, 15-1)
North Carolina (ACC, 20-17, 5-11)
VCU (CAA, 27-9, 11-7)
Applachian St. (Southern, 24-13, 13-5)

Interesting draw with Kansas and North Carolina matched up. Should be fun for Roy Williams. Kansas should make it through without much of a challenge, but don't sleep on VCU.

Predictions: Kansas, VCU, North Carolina, Appalachian St.


Group 2

#2 Duke (ACC, 35-5, 13-3)
Iowa St. (Big 12, 15-17, 4-12)
South Carolina (SEC, 15-16, 6-10)
Ohio (MAC, 22-15, 7-9)

Duke should run through this group with ease. Although Ohio could sneak up and take second, I think the fact that they don't play in the Big 12 or SEC will hurt them.

Predictions: Duke, S. Carolina, Iowa St., Ohio

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 3

#3 Kentucky (SEC, 35-3, 14-2)
Louisville (Big East, 20-13, 11-7)
Marshall (Confrence USA, 24-10, 11-5)
Louisiana Tech (24-11, 9-7)

Another interesting draw with regional rivals Kentucky and Louisville squaring off. Kentucky should win the group, and you can make a case for any of the other 3 teams to take second. Again I think playing in a power conference will help Louisville.

Predictions: Kentucky, Louisville, LA Tech, Marshall


Group 4

#4 Syracuse (Big East, 30-5, 15-3)
Northwestern (Big Ten, 20-14, 7-11)
Vanderbilt (SEC, 24-9, 12-4)
Utah St. (WAC, 27-8, 14-2)

I could see any of 3 teams winning this group. I would love to see Utah St. win it, but I think Syracuse will. I can easily see a wildcard coming out of this group however.

Predictions: Syracuse, Utah St., Vanderbilt, Northwestern

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 5

#5 West Virginia (Big East, 31-7, 13-5)
Oklahoma St. (Big 12, 22-11, 9-7)
Mississippi St. (SEC, 24-12, 9-7)
San Diego St. (25-9, 11-5)

This is an interesting group that is hard to call. San Diego St. played well all season, but you can't count out any of these teams. I do think West Virginia will take the group, but it won't be easy.

Predictions: W. Virgina, Oklahoma St., San Diego St., Miss. St.


Group 6

#6 Kansas St. (Big 12, 29-8, 11-5)
Seton Hall (Big East, 19-13, 9-9)
Arizona (Pac Ten, 16-15, 10-8)
Kent St. (MAC, 24-10, 13-3)

Kansas St. will win the group. There's not a team strong enough to take that from him. It's ironic to think that Arizona could actually finish last in this group. That's how far they have fallen. I don't think it will happen though.

Predictions: Kansas St., Arizona, Kent St., Seton Hall

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 7

#7 Butler (Horizon, 33-5, 18-0)
St. Louis (Atlantic Ten, 23-13, 11-5)
Ole Miss (SEC, 24-11, 9-7)
Morgan St. (MEAC, 27-10, 15-1)

Another group where the top seed should run through. Butler can no longer be considered a mid-major with the run they've had in the last few years.

Predictions: Butler, Ole Miss, St. Louis, Morgan St.


Group 8

#8 Baylor (Big 12, 28-8, 11-5)
Charlotte (Atlantic Ten, 19-12, 9-7)
UAB (Conference USA, 25-9, 11-5)
Oakland (Summit, 26-9, 17-1)

For the first time in the 8 groups so far, I am not picking the top ranked seed to win the group. I think that UAB will storm through and take the group. Baylor will take second and advance though.

Predictions: UAB, Baylor, Charlotte, Oakland

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 9

#9 Purdue (Big Ten, 29-6, 14-4)
St. Johns (Big East, 17-16, 6-12)
Weber St. (Big Sky, 20-11, 13-3)
Iona (MAAC, 21-10, 12-6)

I'll be shocked if Purdue doesn't win this group. It's got 2 small conference colleges and a mediocre at best power college. Don't be surprised to see St. Johns finishing last.

Predictions: Purdue, Weber St., Iona, St. Johns


Group 10

#10 Ohio St. (Big Ten, 29-8, 14-4)
Rhode Island (Atlantic Ten, 26-10, 9-7)
William and Mary (CAA, 22-11, 12-6)
Princeton (Ivy, 22-9, 11-3)

I'm making a bold prediction in this group.. Rhode Island will finish last. I feel that the 2 smaller schools are a little stronger.

Predictions: Ohio St., Princeton, W&M, Rhode Island

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 11

#11 Temple (Atlantic Ten, 29-6, 14-2)
Notre Dame (Big East, 23-12, 10-8)
UTEP (Conference USA, 26-7, 15-1)
Wichita St. (MVC, 25-10, 12-6)

I'm making another bold prediction. Not only do I not think that Temple will win this group, I think they are way overrated. I think this group has 2 strong mid-major teams, and I think Temple will not even make it out of the group.

Predictions: UTEP, Wichita St., Notre Dame, Temple


Group 12

#12 Texas A&M (Big 12, 24-10, 11-5)
Cincinnati (Big East, 19-16, 7-11)
Northeastern (20-13, 14-4)
Bradley (MVC, 16-15, 9-9)

Looks like an easy group for A&M to advance from. The second seed is wide open.

Predictions: Texas A&M, Cincinnati, Bradley, Northeastern

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 13

#13 Villanova (Big East, 25-8, 13-5)
Virginia (ACC, 15-16, 5-11)
Michigan (Big Ten, 15-17, 7-11)
Siena (MAAC, 27-7, 17-1)

Siena is the main factor in this group. I could see them being anywhere from 1st to 3rd in the group. I do think that Virginia will finish last. And I think that Michigan will have enough to oversee Siena for the second spot, but don't be surprised if Siena gets one of the 4 wildcard spots out of this group.

Predictions: Villanova, Michigan, Siena, Virginia


Group 14

#14 Xavier (Atlantic Ten, 26-9, 14-2)
Vermont (America East, 25-10, 14-4)
Clemson (ACC, 21-11, 9-7)
Fairfield (23-11, 13-5)

Vermont is the sleeper team in this group. They have upset ranked teams before, and they could do it in this group. I don't think they will however. But I don't think Xavier has enough to get by Clemson, so I see Clemson winning the group.

Predictions: Clemson, Xavier, Vermont, Fairfield

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 15

#15 BYU (30-6, 13-3)
Wake Forest (ACC, 20-11, 9-7)
Alabama (SEC, 17-15, 6-10)
IUPUI (Summit, 25-11, 15-3)

Another interesting group. While the safe pick would be BYU, I'm not sure they can get it done. I'm picking Wake Forest to come from behind and take the group.

Predictions: Wake Forest, BYU, Alabama, IUPUI


Group 16

#16 Maryland (ACC, 24-9, 13-3)
Illinois (Big Ten, 21-15, 10-8)
USC (Pac Ten, 16-14, 8-10)
Nevada (WAC, 21-15, 13-5)

Maryland looks to have enough to win the group, and Nevada and Illinois should be battling for second. Poor USC is in disarray right now with all the recruiting violations, and I don't think they'll have what it takes to battle back.

Predictions: Maryland, Nevada, Illinois, USC

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 17

#17 Michigan St. (Big Ten, 28-9, 14-4)
Nebraska (Big 12, 15-18, 2-14)
Montana (Big Sky, 22-10, 10-6)
Missouri St. (MVC, 24-12, 8-10)

I don't see Michigan St. having too much trouble with this group. Then you have a good mid-major, a mediocre power team, and a decent small team. I'm going with the mid-major

Predictions: Michigan St., Missouri St., Nebraska, Montana


Group 18

#18 Tennessee (SEC, 28-9, 11-5)
South Florida (Big East, 20-13, 9-9)
Coastal Carolina (Big South, 28-7, 15-3)
Wisconsin-GB (Horizon, 22-13, 11-7)

Tennessee looks like the safe bet in this one, but don't sleep on Coastal Carolina. They are a solid team that should have gotten an NCAA berth.

Predictions: Tennessee, Coastal Carolina, Green Bay, S. Florida

[EagleFan]

I feel like a trend setter...

Sounds cool.

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 19

#19 Georgetown (Big East, 23-11, 10-8)
Oklahoma (Big 12, 13-18, 4-12)
Florida (SEC, 21-13, 9-7)
Sam Houston St. (Southland, 25-8, 14-2)

In my eyes there is no clear cut favorite in this group. Oklahoma, it's amazing they were in the top 120 with a record 5 games under .500. They don't even have the worst record in this tournament, more on that later. Although Sam Houston St. has the best record of this group, that is quite deceiving.

Prediction: Georgetown, Florida, Oklahoma, Sam Houston


Group 20

#20 Northern Iowa (MVC, 30-5, 15-3)
Texas Tech (Big 12, 19-16, 4-12)
Arizona State (Pac Ten, 22-11, 12-6)
Akron (MAC, 24-11, 14-4)

Despite the fact that UNI upset Kansas in the actual 2010 tournament, I'm not sold on them. I'm actually going to take another chance and pick Texas Tech to win this group. I do think this is another group that could see a wildcard spot.

Predictions: Texas Tech, Northern Iowa, Arizona St., Akron

[collegesportsfanms]

Eaglefan, you definitely caught my eye with your report. I had completely forgotten about whatifsports. I like how you are doing other years besides just 2009-2010 in your report. I can see myself doing many different dynasties with whatifsports. That is if you and molson don't beat me to it.

I hope to get a lot of followers with this report, and I hope that people chime in with their predictions and their thoughts on my predictions. I know I have made a few crazy predictions so far.

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 21

#21 St. Marys (WCC, 28-6, 11-3)
Florida St. (ACC, 22-10, 10-6)
Pacific (Big West, 23-12, 12-4)
Harvard (Ivy, 21-8, 10-4)

There looks to be 4 pretty strong teams in this group. I'm giving the edge to St. Marys, but I could easily see any 4 of these teams winning the group.

Predictions: St. Marys, Pacific, Florida St., Harvard


Group 22

#22 Wisconsin (Big Ten, 24-9, 13-5)
Providence (Big East, 12-19, 4-14)
Memphis (Conference USA, 24-10, 13-3)
Murray St. (Ohio Valley, 31-5, 17-1)

Murray St., in my mind, could be the most underrated team in this tournament. The best thing for them is, this isn't a reasonably tough draw. How Providence was in the top 120 is beyond me. 12-19? Ouch.

Predictions: Memphis, Wisconsin, Murray St., Providence

[EagleFan]

Providence? I guess their 8-5 non-conference record really helped their rating...

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 23

#23 Cornell (Ivy, 29-5, 13-1)
Miami (ACC, 20-13, 4-12)
UCSB (Big West, 20-10, 12-4)
Indiana St. (MVC, 17-15, 9-9)

Hard to see an Ivy League school as a top 25 team, but Cornell is the real deal. And again, they get a fairly easy draw, so they should advance to the round of 64, maybe even the round of 32. The question is, who will step up and take the #2 slot.

Predictions: Cornell, Miami, Indiana St., UCSB


Group 24

#24 Pittsburgh (Big East, 25-9, 13-5)
Georgia Tech (ACC, 23-13, 7-9)
Wright St. (Horizon, 20-12, 12-6)
Portland (WCC, 21-11, 10-4)

Portland is a sleeper here, with some early season upsets in the 09-10 season. I really like Georgia Tech out of this group. I think Pitt is a bit overrated.

Predictions: Georgia Tech, Pitt, Portland, Wright St.

[collegesportsfanms]

Eaglefan, that could very well be. This project was tough for me, because there were, I believe 340 teams that played NCAA division I basketball this year. No way was I going to include all of them. 120 seemed like a fair number, especially since 129 make the postseason. 129 doesn't divide evenly. I don't agree with all the teams that are in it, and I thought about changing it so that all the conference tournament champions were in. I may do this project again after this one is done, and differ it somehow. Any ideas would be appreciated, oh smart one!

[EagleFan]

You definitely have your work cut out for you. Careful not to make the mistake that I made, I ran so heavily with it early on that I got burnt out a bit (then work picked up like made and that made it harder for me to get the time). I have been slowly cutting back the detail of the games (trying to do it a little at a time so it doesn't seem as sudden). I will go back to more detail when I get to the final elimination round.

[collegesportsfanms]

Eaglefan, the good thing is, I already have 2 other projects that I'm working on. I have a Gonzaga dynasty going on Draft Day Sports: College Basketball, and I have a 1998 Chicago Cubs replay I'm working on for DICE baseball. I try to keep a few projects going so that I can take my time with them, rotate every so often, and make sure I don't get too burnt out on any one thing. 3 is enough for now though. lol

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 25

#25 New Mexico (MWC, 30-5, 14-2)
Boston College (ACC, 15-16, 6-10)
Old Dominion (CAA, 27-9, 15-3)
Wofford (Southern, 26-9, 15-3)

My prediction: At least 1 mid-major team will make it to the next round. OK, so that's an obvious prediction considering this group has 3 mid-major type teams playing. At the same time, I'm not sold on Boston College to advance. It wouldn't surprise me if Old Dominion or even Wofford swooped in to take the 2nd spot.

Predictions: New Mexico, Old Dominion, Boston College, Wofford


Group 26

#26 Texas (Big 12, 24-10, 9-7)
N.C. State (ACC, 20-16, 5-11)
Washington (Pac Ten, 26-10, 11-7)
New Mexico St. (WAC, 22-12, 11-5)

I really like this group, and I'm going to have fun playing it. I think this one could go down to the wire, and I could possibly see a wildcard coming from this group as well. I still like Texas to win it, but not by much.

Predictions: Texas, Washington, N.C. State, New Mexico St.

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 27

#27 Gonzaga (WCC, 27-7, 12-2)
Minnesota (Big Ten, 21-14, 9-9)
UCLA (Pac Ten, 14-18, 8-10)
UNLV (MWC, 25-9, 11-5)

I think this group is going to be a toss-up between Gonzaga and UNLV. I like them both to make it, with Minnesota finishing a close third. Sorry UCLA, I don't like your chances.

Predictions: Gonzaga, UNLV, Minnesota, UCLA



Group 28

#28 Missouri (Big 12, 23-11, 10-6)
UConn (Big East, 18-16, 7-11)
Northern Colorado (Big Sky, 25-8, 12-4)
Illinois St. (MVC, 22-11, 11-7)

This is another tough group. While I see Missouri as the favorite, I'm not sold on UConn at #2. I think we have a couple solid mid-major teams in this group. That being said, I'm going with UConn at 2, simply because of the big game experience, but don't be surprised to see Illinois St. or N. Colorado slide in.

Predictions: Missouri, UConn, N. Colorado, Illinois St.

[Izulde]

Yay, UNLV's best sport. I hope we kick the shit out of the Golden Gophers while we're at it.

GO FIGHT WIN!

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 29

#29 Richmond (Atlantic Ten, 26-9, 13-3)
Marquette (Big East, 22-12, 11-7)
Tulsa (Conference USA, 23-12, 10-6)
Morehead St. (Ohio Valley, 24-11, 15-3)

This is another solid group of mid-majors. However I'm going with Marquette to win the group. I also think Richmond is a tad overrated, and I think they'll be in a fight with Tulsa for the second spot. I like Tulsa though, so I'm giving it to them. Richmond would be in line for a wildcard spot.

Predictions: Marquette, Tulsa, Richmond, Morehead St.


Group 30

#30 California (Pac Ten, 24-11, 13-5)
Dayton (Atlantic Ten, 25-12, 8-8)
Virginia Tech (ACC, 25-9, 10-6)
Creighton (MVC, 18-16, 10-8)

Another solid group, but I like the Hokies of VA Tech in this one. I think Dayton and California will fight to the finish. And as for Creighton, being a huge Wichita St. fan, I hope Creighton loses every game. lol

Prediction: Virginia Tech, Dayton, Cal, Creighton

[collegesportsfanms]

OK, all the groups have been listed. If you want to make your own predictions, or debate mine, feel free. I'm open to lots of comments. As I told eaglefan, I have 2 other projects going on that I also have to devote time too, along with everything else, so I'm not sure when I'll get group 1's games played. I will try for this weekend. I'm going to probably take this at a slow pace, play no more than 1 or 2 groups a day. Hope you all enjoy

[collegesportsfanms]

Here is a list of conferences and how many teams they have in this 120 team tournament.

Big East: 14
ACC: 12
Big 12: 11
Big Ten: 8
SEC: 8
Atlantic Ten: 7
MVC: 7
Pac Ten: 6
Conference USA: 5
CAA: 4
Mountain West: 4
WAC: 4
Big Sky: 3
Horizon: 3
Ivy: 3
MAAC: 3
MAC: 3
WCC: 3
Big West: 2
Ohio Valley: 2
Southern: 2
Summit: 2
America East: 1
Big South: 1
MEAC: 1
Southland: 1

Not a bad representation, as there are 26 conferences represented in this. The power six conferences have 59 of the 120 teams, so the chances for a mid-major or even a small conference school to win this tournament is a little over 50%. Nice odds!

[EagleFan]

Originally Posted by collegesportsfanms

Predictions: UTEP, Wichita St., Notre Dame, Temple

Way off on this one. Temple wins this group with ease.

[collegesportsfanms]

Time to get this one started. Tonight I will do group 1, and possibly group 2, depending on how long it takes me to do a group.

Group 1

#1 Kansas (Big 12, 33-3, 15-1)
North Carolina (ACC, 20-17, 5-11)
VCU (CAA, 27-9, 11-7)
Applachian St. (Southern, 24-13, 13-5)

Week 1

Kansas- 71, North Carolina- 54
Appalachian St.- 68, VCU- 58

So Kansas wins the battle that everybody was looking forward to, and Appalachian St. starts things off with a stunner. This could shake up Group 1already.

Week 2

VCU- 73, Kansas- 69
Appalachian St.- 72, North Carolina- 63

The wackiniess of group 1 continues, as VCU throws a major kink into things by upsetting Kansas, and Appalachian St. takes control of the group by handling a struggling North Carolina.

Week 3

Kansas- 99, Appalachian St.- 67
North Carolina- 63, VCU- 50

So Kansas brings Appalachian St. back to earth with a big, big victory, and North Carolina gets their first win in group play. Here are the standings after the first round of games:

1. Kansas (2-1, +45)
2. Appalachian St. (2-1, -13)
3. North Carolina (1-2, -13)
4. VCU (1-2, -19)

[collegesportsfanms]

Week 4

Kansas- 67, North Carolina- 64
Applachian St.- 72, VCU- 63

Kansas wins the rematch, although they struggled a lot more, and VCU really hurt their chances to advance by losing again to a surging Appalachian St. team.

Week 5

Kansas- 79, VCU- 72
North Carolina- 76, Appalachian St.- 64

So VCU gave it a good effort, but virtually eliminated themselves by losing to Kansas. Meanwhile, North Carolina kept its small hopes alive by handling App. St. Here are the standings after week 5.

Kansas 4-1 (+55)
Appalachian St. 3-2, (-16)
North Carolina 2-3 (-4)
VCU 1-4 (-35)

So going into the final week of group 1, all Kansas needs to do is beat Appalachian St. to advance. If App. St. wins, then they will advance to the round of 64 along with Kansas, and the #1 seed would be decided by point differential in the 2 games. North Carolina needs to beat VCU and have Kansas beat App. St. VCU has no chance to finish in the top 2, and the only way the can even get the third spot and a possible wildcard is to have App. St. beat Kansas, then beat North Carolina convincingly

Week 6

Kansas- 92, Appalachian St.- 74
VCU- 81, North Carolina- 77

So Kansas spoils VCU's chances by beating Appalachian St., but App St. gets a break, as VCU spoils things for North Carolina by beating them. So here are the final group 1 standings.

#1- Kansas 5-1 (+73)
#2- Appalachian St. 3-3 (-34)
#3- North Carolina 2-4 (-8)
#4- VCU 2-4 (-31)

So Kansas advances as the #1 seed out of the group and should get a high seed in the round of 64. Appalachian St. needs to buy all the VCU players dinner, as their win against North Carolina gets them into the #2 seed. With the point differential and record, they could be a very low seed, probably 55-60. North Carolina gets the third seed and possible wildcard berth by having a better point differential than VCU. Their 2-4 record almost guarantees they won't get a wildcard spot however.

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 2

#2 Duke (ACC, 35-5, 13-3)
Iowa St. (Big 12, 15-17, 4-12)
South Carolina (SEC, 15-16, 6-10)
Ohio (MAC, 22-15, 7-9)

Week 1

Duke- 73, Iowa St- 69
S. Carolina- 81, Ohio- 71

I have to say that the Duke score was a lot closer than I thought it would be, but after the first week, the teams that I thought should win, did win.

Week 2

Duke- 77, S. Carolina- 68
Iowa St.- 80, Ohio- 72

None of the 4 teams are really showing like they want to win this group. Duke's 2 wins haven't been very convincing, and Ohio has been playing teams tough.

Week 3

Duke- 90, Ohio- 76
S. Carolina- 76, Iowa St.- 71

So with the first round of group play completed, here are the standings.

Duke 3-0 (+27)
South Carolina 2-1 (+6)
Iowa St. 1-2 (-1)
Ohio 0-3 (-32)

Duke is still struggling to put teams away, but as long as they keep winning, they will be in a great position. It looks like the #2 spot is going to come down to South Carolina and Iowa St., unless Ohio can pull some upsets in the second half of group play.

[collegesportsfanms]

Week 4

Duke- 87, Iowa St.- 78
S. Carolina- 86, Ohio- 76

Unless Duke has a major collapse in their next 2 games, they should be advancing with the #1 seed. Ohio needs a miracle. Moral victories don't count

Week 5

Duke- 84, S. Carolina- 58
Ohio- 69, Iowa St.- 61

Duke finally got that big win they were looking for, and Ohio threw a kink into Iowa St.'s plans by pulling the upset. Here's a look at the standings with 1 week to go.

Duke 5-0 (62)
S. Carolina 3-2 (-10)
Iowa St. 1-4 (-18)
Ohio 1-4 (-34)

So Duke has already clinched the #1 spot and S. Carolina has clinched the #2spot no matter what happens in week 6. The only thing left to decide is who gets the #3 spot between Iowa St. and Ohio. Not that it should matter much, as neither team is going to qualify for a wildcard.

Week 6

Duke-65, Ohio- 45
Iowa St.- 83, S. Carolina- 71

So Duke runs through the group undefeated, as I figured they might. South Carolina may have hurt themselves for the round of 64 by getting hammered convincingly in their last 2 games. Here are the final group standings for group 2.

#1- Duke 6-0 (+82)
#2- South Carolina 3-3 (-22)
#3- Iowa St. 2-4 (-6)
#4- Ohio 1-5 (-54)

Duke sets themself up great for a possible #1 seed in the round of 64, while South Carolina hurt themselves with their last 2 losses. Iowa St gets the #3 spot and while they have a great point differential, I don't think the 2-4 record will be enough to get them a wildcard spot.

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 3


#3 Kentucky (SEC, 35-3, 14-2)
Louisville (Big East, 20-13, 11-7)
Marshall (Confrence USA, 24-10, 11-5)
Louisiana Tech (WAC, 24-11, 9-7)

Week 1

Kentucky- 73, Louisville- 58
Marshall- 94, Louisiana Tech- 64

A bit of a surprise in the Marshall game as they put the other 3 teams on notice. Kentucky takes care of business against their arch-rivals.

Week 2

Marshall- 69, Kentucky- 67
Louisiana Tech- 76, Louisville- 66

A couple surprises tonight, as Marshall continues to impress. Louisville is starting out slow and needs to get it together.

Week 3

Kentucky- 90, Louisiana Tech- 63
Louisville- 79, Marshall- 76

So Louisiana Tech suffers their second big loss in a row, and Louisville struggles to get by Marshall, who really impressed in their first 3 games. Let's look at the standings after the first half of games.

Kentucky 2-1 (+40)
Marshall 2-1 (+29)
Louisville 1-2 (-22)
Louisiana Tech 1-2 (-47)

[collegesportsfanms]

Week 4

Kentucky- 80, Louisville- 70
Louisiana Tech- 89, Marshall- 80

A big win to get Louisiana Tech in the thick of things, while Louisville continues to struggle. Still a wide open group, especially if Kentucky loses either of its last 2 games.

Week 5

Kentucky- 76, Marshall- 73
Louisville- 83, Louisiana Tech- 69

So Louisville gets back in the mix with a big win, and Marshall keeps their game competitive to keep their chances of a top 2 seed alive. With 1 week to go, let's look at the standings.

Kentucky 4-1 (+53)
Marshall 2-3 (+17)
Louisville 2-3 (-18)
Louisiana Tech 2-3 (-52)

So Kentucky has clinched the top spot in the group, and second place is wide open. 1 of the 3 teams will be eliminated when Marshall and Louisville play, as the loser of that game will no longer be able to get the second seed. Third place and a potential wildcard berth is also wide open, but Louisiana Tech must beat Kentucky to even have a chance.

Week 6

Louisiana Tech-66, Kentucky- 50
Marshall- 79, Louisville- 67

So Marshall eliminates Louisville with a convincing victory, and Louisiana Tech forces a tiebreaker situation by upsetting Kentucky convincingly.

Here are the final standings:

Kentucky 4-2 (+37)
Marshall 3-3 (+29)
Louisiana Tech 3-3 (-36)
Louisville 2-4 (-30)

So Kentucky wins the group, but backs into it after being hammered in their last game. They could be one of the weaker first place seeds. Louisville is eliminated, and since Marshall and Louisiana Tech tied for second, we have our first tiebreaker situation. Since both teams won 1 game against each other, we have to go to the second tiebreaker: point differential among the 2 teams in the 2 games against each other. Since Marshall beat Louisiana Tech by 30 and only lost to them by 9, that means Marshall gets second place. Louisiana Tech has a good consolation price looming, as their 3-3 record could get them a wildcard berth, but there are still 27 groups to go.

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 4

#4 Syracuse (Big East, 30-5, 15-3)
Northwestern (Big Ten, 20-14, 7-11)
Vanderbilt (SEC, 24-9, 12-4)
Utah St. (WAC, 27-8, 14-2)

Week 1

Syracuse- 83, Northwestern- 56
Utah St.- 80, Vanderbilt- 49

I expected Syracuse to run all over Northwestern, but I did not expect Vanderbilt to get dispatched as easily as they did.

Week 2

Syracuse- 80, Vanderbilt- 69
Utah St.- 70, Northwestern- 61

So Syracuse and Utah St. set up for what will probably a game to decide #1 and #2 in the group, while Vanderbily and Northwestern could be playing for #3 and #4.

Week 3

Syracuse- 80, Utah St.- 60
Vanderbilt- 69, Northwestern- 68

Ouch! That Cuse-Utah St. game was ugly in a hurry. Surprised to see Vanderbilt struggling so much.

Lets take a look at the standings halfway through:

Syracuse 3-0 (+58)
Utah St. 2-1 (+20)
Vanderbilt 1-2 (-41)
Northwestern 0-3 (-37)

[collegesportsfanms]

Week 4

Syracuse- 88, Northwestern- 64
Vanderbilt- 66, Utah St.- 57

Vanderbilt tightens things up for second place, and Syracuse virtually eliminates Northwestern, barring a miracle.

Week 5

Syracuse- 70, Vanderbilt- 63
Utah St.- 74, Northwestern- 64

Syracuse remains undefeated, Northwestern remains winless. However we still have a battle for second and third brewing. Here are the standings going into the final week.

Syracuse 5-0 (+89)
Utah St. 3-2 (+21)
Vanderbilt 2-3 (-39)
Northwestern 0-5 (-71)

So Syracuse has clinched, and with a win against Utah St. they will be the second team in 4 groups to run through the group undefeated. Their point differential already is better than Duke, which would give them a great chance to be #1 in the 64 team tournament. Utah St. has virtually locked up second place. A win against Syracuse or a Vanderbilt loss to Northwestern clinches second outright. Even if both teams finish 3-3, due to tiebreakers, Utah St. would advance. At this point, Vanderbilt is basically playing for a possible wildcard berth. Hammering Northwestern would certainly help.

Week 6

Syracuse- 75, Utah St.- 65
Vanderbilt- 77, Northwestern- 70

So the results as expected as Syracuse probably locked up the #1 seed overall with 6 big victories. Northwestern is the first team to go winless. Here are the final group 4 standings.

Syracuse 6-0 (+99)
Utah St. 3-3 (+11)
Vanderbilt 3-3 (-32)
Northwestern 0-6 (-78)

So Syracuse clinches top spot, and due to tiebreaker, because Utah St. beat Vandy by 31 and only lost to Vandy by 9, Utah St. moves on. Vanderbilt doesn't win as big as they could have, so their wildcard hopes are in jeopardy.

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 5

#5 West Virginia (Big East, 31-7, 13-5)
Oklahoma St. (Big 12, 22-11, 9-7)
Mississippi St. (SEC, 24-12, 9-7)
San Diego St. (25-9, 11-5)

Week 1

West Virginia- 82, Oklahoma St.- 69
San Diego St.- 69, Mississippi St.- 54

Pretty much the expected results this week. A little surprised the Aztecs were able to win so easily.

Week 2

Mississippi St.- 78, West Virginia- 68
Oklahoma St.- 62, San Diego St.- 58

A big upset as Mississippi St. evened up the group with a win, and Oklahoma St. pulled one out as well.

Week 3

West Virginia- 66, Mississippi St.- 56
Mississippi St.- 84, Oklahoma St.- 75

The Bulldogs continue to play solid basketball after the loss to San Diego St., but I think this is still a wide open group. Here are the standings after the first round of games:

West Virginia 2-1 (+13)
Mississippi St. 2-1 (+4)
San Diego St. 1-2 (+1)
Oklahoma St. 1-2 (-18)

[collegesportsfanms]

Week 4

West Virginia- 79, Oklahoma St.- 74
Mississippi St.- 64, San Diego St.- 59

So the Aztecs lose their third straight game after the opening week win. Next weeks game between Mississippi St. and West Virginia could decide the group.

Week 5

West Virginia- 65, Mississippi St.- 56
San Diego St.- 83, Oklahoma St.- 78

So the Mountaineers get it done, and San Diego St. gets themselves back into the mix with a much needed win. Let's look at the standings with 1 week left.

West Virginia 4-1 (27)
Mississippi St.- 3-2 (0)
San Diego St.- 2-3 (-1)
Oklahoma St.- 1-4 (-28)

The one thing that is for certain is the elimination of Oklahoma St. Even with a win, a 2-4 record could do no better than tie them for third. Everything else is wide open. Mississippi St. can still win the group if they beat Oklahoma St. and San Diego St. beats West Virginia

Week 6

West Virginia- 72, San Diego St.- 48
Oklahoma St.- 60, Mississippi St.- 53

The Mountaineers get their biggest win of the group, and the Cowboys look good winning the last game of the season. Here are the final standings:

West Virginia 5-1 (+51)
Mississippi St. 3-3 (-7)
San Diego St. 2-4 (-23)
Oklahoma St. 2-4 (-21)

So West Virginia makes it 5 for 5 for ranked teams to win their group. Mississippi St. back into second place after losing their last game of the season. The Bulldogs also make history, becoming the 5th straight 3 and 3 team to finish in second place. San Diego St. beats out Oklahoma St. by 1 point for third place. Since the 2 teams split in the group match-ups, the tiebreaker goes to margin of victory in the 2 games. Oklahoma St. won the first game by 4, and the Aztecs won the rematch by 5. It doesn't matter though, because with their 2-4 record, their point differential is not good enough to get them in the top 4 of the wildcard standings, so they are officially eliminated. As is Oklahoma St., who actually had a better point differential within the group, but still wouldn't have made it either way.

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 6

#6 Kansas St. (Big 12, 29-8, 11-5)
Seton Hall (Big East, 19-13, 9-9)
Arizona (Pac Ten, 16-15, 10-8)
Kent St. (MAC, 24-10, 13-3)

Week 1

Kansas St.- 78, Seton Hall- 72
Kent St.- 78, Arizona- 76

A couple close games this week. It looks like all these teams could be a contender.

Week 2

Arizona- 80, Kansas St.- 66
Seton Hall- 73, Kent St.- 71

Arizona wins the battle of the Wildcats this week, and scores the most convincing win of the group. The group remains even with all the teams at 1-1.

Week 3

Kansas St.- 81, Kent St.- 74
Arizona- 83, Seton Hall- 75

A couple more good games, as both Wildcats' win. Here are the group 6 standings halfway through.

Arizona 2-1 (+20)
Kansas St. 2-1 (-1)
Kent St. 1-2 (-7)
Seton Hall 1-2 (-12)

[collegesportsfanms]

Week 4

Kansas St.- 84, Seton Hall- 76
Arizona- 84, Kent St.- 77

So Kansas St. and Arizona both win to set up what should be a battle for the group next week. It's amazing that only 1 point separated both games having the same final score.

Week 5

Kansas St.- 78, Arizona- 77
Kent St.- 67, Seton Hall- 58

So Kansas St. gets revenge in a hard fought game, and Kent St. takes care of business against the Hall. Let's look at the group standings going into the final week.

Kansas St. 4-1 (+8)
Arizona 3-2 (+26)
Kent St. 2-3 (-5)
Seton Hall 1-4 (-29)

So Kansas St. just needs to beat Kent St. to win the group. If Kansas St. loses and Arizona wins, then Arizona would win the group based on tiebrakers. No matter what Kansas St. will advance to the round of 64. If Arizona loses and Kent St. wins, then both those teams will be 3-3 and will have to go to tiebreakers to determine second place. Seton Hall still has a slight chance to get into third place, but they need to win and Kent St. needs to lose. Not only that, but to have any chance at a wildcard berth, Seton Hall needs to win big.

Week 6

Kansas St.- 87, Kent St.- 84
Arizona- 78, Seton Hall- 75

Another set of close games, but the top 2 teams won, eliminating Seton Hall from the tournament. Here are the final group standings.

Kansas St. 5-1 (+11)
Arizona 4-2 (+29)
Kent St. 2-4 (-8)
Seton Hall 1-5 (-32)

So Kansas St. does lock up the top spot in the group, but their point differential is the lowest of the group winners so far. Arizona should be one of, if not the highest second place seed, because so far they are the only second place finisher that has went 4-2. All the others were 3-3. Right now Arizona is looking at the #31 seed, but that could change. Kent St. finishes third and has a solid point differential. Unfortunately with 2 teams in the third place finishing group that have 3-3 records, and 2 other teams that finished 2-4 and have a better point differential (North Carolina and Iowa St. with 0 and -6 point diff, respectively) that does eliminate Kent St. from the tournament. It's a shame, because both 3-3 teams have point differentials of -32 and -36.

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 7

#7 Butler (Horizon, 33-5, 18-0)
St. Louis (Atlantic Ten, 23-13, 11-5)
Ole Miss (SEC, 24-11, 9-7)
Morgan St. (MEAC, 27-10, 15-1)

Week 1

Butler- 83, St. Louis- 75
Ole Miss- 69, Morgan St.- 58

No surprises in the first week, as both teams that I expected to win did.

Week 2

Ole Miss- 78, Butler- 65
Morgan St.- 86, St. Louis- 81

So the Rebels shake things up by knocking off the mid-major powerhouse. Morgan St. also gets their first win.

Week 3

Butler- 83, Morgan St.- 69
St. Louis- 77, Ole Miss- 69

The Billikens shake things up by defeating previously unbeaten Ole Miss, pretty much ensuring that all 4 teams have a chance to advance in the second half of group play. Here are the standings after the first half of play:

Ole Miss 2-1 (+16)
Butler 2-1 (+11)
St. Louis 1-2 (-5)
Morgan St. 1-2 (-20)

[collegesportsfanms]

Week 4

Butler- 70, St. Louis- 62
Ole Miss- 78, Morgan St.- 60

The Rebels get a big victory to increase their point differential to help their seeding. It also sets up a big game for first place in the group, the rematch between Butler and Ole Miss.

Week 5

Butler- 61, Ole Miss- 57
Morgan St.- 75, St. Louis- 74

So Morgan St. does it to St. Louis again, virtually eliminating them from the tournament. Butler gets revenge with a tough victory, helping their cause. Here are the standings with 1 week left in group play:

Butler 4-1 (+23)
Ole Miss 3-2 (+30)
Morgan St. 2-3 (-37)
St. Louis 1-4 (-14)

So the game that matters in week 6 is Morgan St. and Butler. If Morgan St. can somehow pull the upset of Butler, it would put them at 3-3. That would give them a great chance to advance, because it would put them at 3-3. Even if Ole Miss were to win to clinch second place, a 3-3 record for a third place finisher would be enough to put them in the top 4 of the wildcard standings. The same holds true for Ole Miss. Even if they lose to St. Louis again, they are moving on, because they would also be 3-3. The Rebels would rather just win and clinch second place. St. Louis is eliminated, even if they beat Ole Miss again. The best they can hope for is a third place tie with Morgan St., but Morgan St. would win the tiebreaker because of the fact they beat the Billikens head to head both times.

Week 6

Morgan St.- 79, Butler- 73
Ole Miss- 60, St. Louis- 49

So Morgan St. gets the job done, shaking up the race completely, since Ole Miss also won. Here are the final standings:

Ole Miss 4-2 (+41)
Butler 4-2 (+17)
Morgan St. 3-3 (-31)
St. Louis 1-5 (-25)

So by losing their last game, Butler becomes the first national seed not to win their group. Ole Miss gets the group by tiebreaker. Since the 2 teams split their meetings, we went to point differential in the 2 games. Ole Miss beat Butler in the first game by 13, and Butler won the second, but only by 4. Ole Miss becomes the second 4-2 team out of the group winners, with all the others being 5-1. Butler does the same, becoming the second team in the second place finishers to finish 4-2, with all the others being 3-3. And Morgan St., by virtue of their win, and 3-3 record, moves strongly into wildcard consideration. Right now they are the wildcard leader, being the third team to finish 3-3 with a third place finish. All the others are 2-4. Unfortunately this does eliminate Iowa St. from the tournament. They had the second highest point differential of the 2-4 teams. So as of right now, 3 of the 4 wildcard teams are 3-3. Only North Carolina is 2-4.

[collegesportsfanms]

So as not to confuse anybody, let's take a look at the wildcard standing through 7 groups.

Morgan St. 3-3 (-31)
Vanderbilt 3-3 (-32)
Louisiana Tech 3-3 (-36)
North Carolina 2-4 (0)
Iowa St. 2-4 (-6) ELIMINATED
Kent St. 2-4 (-8) ELIMINATED
San Diego St. 2-4 (-23) ELIMINATED

So it's pretty simple at this point. To get a wildcard berth, you either have to have a 3-3 record, or a 2-4 record with a point differential of 0 or better. I think it's going to be hard to beat North Carolina with a 2-4 record, seeing as how their point differential is 0. The thing to shoot for is a 3-3 record. And since all 3 teams with 3-3 records have not so good point differentials, I'm declaring the wildcard race completely open with 23 more groups to go. Surely there will be some more 3-3 teams with much better point differentials then in the -30s.

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 8

#8 Baylor (Big 12, 28-8, 11-5)
Charlotte (Atlantic Ten, 19-12, 9-7)
UAB (Conference USA, 25-9, 11-5)
Oakland (Summit, 26-9, 17-1)

Week 1

Baylor- 78, Charlotte- 69
UAB- 75, Oakland- 60

No surprises here, as UAB takes care of business like expected, as does Baylor.

Week 2

UAB- 72, Baylor- 61
Charlotte- 75, Oakland- 69

The Blazers take a big step towards winning the group with a big home win against Baylor. The Charlotte game was close throughout.

Week 3

Baylor- 65, Oakland- 59
Charlotte- 82, UAB- 80

So Baylor continues to struggle, but played good enough to get the win. Charlotte hands UAB its first loss and sets up what will be a very interesting second half of group play. Here are the standings after 3 weeks:

UAB 2-1 (+24)
Baylor 2-1 (+4)
Charlotte 2-1 (-1)
Oakland 0-3 (-27)

[collegesportsfanms]

Week 4

Baylor- 72, Charlotte- 63
Oakland- 73, UAB- 68

Oakland pulls the upset of the group so far, sending UAB into a shellshock, while Baylor gets back on track with their second 9 point victory over Charlotte.

Week 5

Baylor- 70, UAB- 50
Charlotte- 79, Oakland- 63

Poor UAB had it all set after a 2-0 start but have now lost 3 straight, this time getting hammered. Charlotte gets another big win over Oakland, who probably shouldn't have even beat UAB. Here are the standings with 1 week left:

Baylor 4-1 (+33)
Charlotte 3-2 (+6)
UAB 2-3 (-1)
Oakland 1-4 (-38)

So Oakland is eliminated and Baylor has clinched the group. Even if Oakland somehow upsets Baylore and UAB gets revenge on Charlotte, it wouldn't matter. Both teams would be 4-2, and both of Charlotte's losses would be against Baylor, giving them the group. The game that North Carolina is most interested in is the UAB-Charlotte game. A UAB win puts them at 3-3 which would give them bare minimum third place finish. If UAB wins by more than 2, then UAB would take second in the group due to tiebreakers, and Charlotte would be third. If UAB wins by 2, then it gets crazy. If UAB wins by 1, they take third. Either of these scenarios would eliminate North Carolina from wildcard contention. If UAB loses, however, they would be eliminated because their 2-4 record with a negative point differential wouldn't be good enough. Let's see what happens.

Week 6

Baylor- 76, Oakland- 54
UAB- 82, Charlotte- 71

So Baylor crushes Oakland, no big surprise as the Bears really turned it up their last 2 games. And UAB crashes the party, beating Charlotte in a win they had to have. Here are the final group standings:

Baylor 5-1 (+55)
UAB 3-3 (+10)
Charlotte 3-3 (-5)
Oakland 1-5 (-60)

So Baylor wins the group, as we already knew before the final week of the season. UAB takes second by virtue of a tiebreaker. They split with Charlotte, but UAB won by 11 while Charlotte only won by 2. That does give Charlotte third place, and their 3-3 record is good enough to get them in the wildcard hunt, eliminating North Carolina. Their point differential of the 3-3 third place teams is far and beyond better than any of the others, so right now Charlotte is looking at the top wildcard spot and seed #61. Oakland got a lucky win against UAB, but didn't do much else, giving up the worst point differential of the 1-5 last place teams thus far.

Here are the wildcard standings after 8 groups:

Charlotte 3-3 (-5)
Morgan St. 3-3 (-31)
Vanderbilt 3-3 (-32)
Louisiana Tech 3-3 (-36)
North Carolina 2-4 (0) ELIMINATED
Iowa St. 2-4 (-6) ELIMINATED
Kent St. 2-4 (-8) ELIMINATED
San Diego St. 2-4 (-23) ELIMINATED

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 9

#9 Purdue (Big Ten, 29-6, 14-4)
St. Johns (Big East, 17-16, 6-12)
Weber St. (Big Sky, 20-11, 13-3)
Iona (MAAC, 21-10, 12-6)

Week 1

St. Johns- 75, Purdue- 69
Iona- 81, Weber St.- 62

So it was bound to happen sooner or later. Purdue becomes the first ranked team in 9 groups to not win their first game. Was it a fluke? Or is Purdue in trouble? Iona looks to have the advantage over the 2 mid-major teams with a convincing victory.

Week 2

Weber St.- 67, Purdue- 53
Iona- 65, St. Johns- 57

Unbelievable! Purdue loses again, this time quite convincingly. They've got a lot of work to do now.

Week 3

Iona- 69, Purdue- 60
St. Johns- 80, Weber St.- 76

Who would have thought at this point Iona would be undefeated and 9th ranked Purdue would be winless? That's what we have right now. Purdue is in trouble, a lot of trouble. Here are the standings after the first half of group 9 play.

Iona 3-0 (+36)
St. Johns 2-1 (+2)
Weber St. 1-2 (-9)
Purdue 0-3 (-29)

Week 2

[collegesportsfanms]

Week 4

Purdue- 72, St. Johns- 46
Iona- 68, Weber St.- 59

So the Boilermakers finally wake up, but is it too late? Iona is in a great position, especially if they can beat St. Johns in their next game.

Week 5

Weber St.- 72, Purdue- 63
St. Johns- 59, Iona- 50

So Purdue's luck has run out, as Weber St. knocks them out of the tournament, and St. Johns hands Iona their first loss. Here are the standings with 1 more week to go.

Iona 4-1 (+36)
St. Johns 3-2 (-15)
Weber St. 2-3 (-9)
Purdue 1-4 (-12)

So as you saw, Purdue will become the first ranked team not to advance to the round of 64. Even if they beat Iona, their 2-4 record won't get them a wildcard. However, Purdue can give St. Johns the group title by beating Iona, that is if St. Johns also beats Weber St. Then we would have a tiebreaker situation. Actually, there is still a chance of Weber St. finishing second in the group if they beat St. Johns by more than 4. So there is still a lot to play for. With their point differential being pretty low, both St. Johns and Weber St. are in good position to get into the top 4 of the wildcard standings.

Week 6

Purdue- 61, Iona- 52
St. Johns- 56, Weber St.- 52

So Purdue plays their role in group spoiler, and St. Johns gets a big win. Here are the final group standings:

St. Johns 4-2 (-11)
Iona 4-2 (+27)
Weber St. 2-4 (-13)
Purdue 2-4 (-3)

So St. Johns wins the group by tiebreaker. Both Iona and St. Johns won 1 game in the 2 game series, but Iona only won by 8 while St. Johns won by 9. However, you can expect St. Johns seed to be very low. Not only are they 4-2, which is a bad record for a first place team, they are the only group winner to finish with a negative point differential. I would say they are almost a lock for the #30 seed. Iona will be a strong second place seed, being one of the few to finish 4-2. Right now out of all the second place finishers that finished 4-2, they have the second best point differential. Weber St. gets third place over Purdue because Weber St. won both games in the series. However, they are officially eliminated from the tournament because their 2-4 record isn't good enough. And poor Purdue had a very poor showing in their group, becoming the first ranked team to not advance.

Wildcard standings after 9 groups:


Charlotte 3-3 (-5)
Morgan St. 3-3 (-31)
Vanderbilt 3-3 (-32)
Louisiana Tech 3-3 (-36)
North Carolina 2-4 (0) ELIMINATED
Iowa St. 2-4 (-6) ELIMINATED
Kent St. 2-4 (-8) ELIMINATED
Weber St. 2-4 (-13) ELIMINATED
San Diego St. 2-4 (-23) ELIMINATED

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 10

#10 Ohio St. (Big Ten, 29-8, 14-4)
Rhode Island (Atlantic Ten, 26-10, 9-7)
William and Mary (CAA, 22-11, 12-6)
Princeton (Ivy, 22-9, 11-3)

Week 1

Ohio St.- 86, Rhode Island- 71
William & Mary- 69, Princeton- 54

A little surprised by the W&M score, I figured it would be a tighter game than that. It's possible the next 2 weeks will see some seperation from the bottom 2 teams.

Week 2

Ohio St.- 65, William & Mary- 56
Princeton- 67, Rhode Island- 61

So the Buckeyes are lookin good through 2 weeks, and as expected, Rhode Island is proving to be the weakest school of this group.

Week 3

Ohio St.- 73, Princeton- 69
Rhode Island- 61, William & Mary- 58

So the Buckeyes run through the first half of the group undefeated, and everything else is wide open since Rhode Island got their first win against W&M. Here are the standings halfway through:

Ohio St. 3-0 (+28)
William & Mary 1-2 (+3)
Princeton 1-2 (-13)
Rhode Island 1-2 (-18)

[collegesportsfanms]

Week 4

Ohio St.- 84, Rhode Island- 66
William & Mary- 54, Princeton- 53

W&M puts themselves in a great position by beating Princeton a second time, and Ohio St. keeps trying for those big wins to better their seed in the round of 64.

Week 5

Ohio St.- 63, William & Mary- 54
Rhode Island- 67, Princeton- 65

So the Buckeyes are 1 win away from a perfect record in group play, while Rhode Island puts themselves in a better position to advance. Here are the standings with 1 week left:

Ohio St. 5-0 (+55)
William & Mary 2-3 (-5)
Rhode Island 2-3 (-34)
Princeton 1-4 (-16)

The way things have played out in this group is very simple. Ohio St. has clinched the group, they are playing for a top seeding now. Princeton has been eliminated no matter what happens. The Rhode Island-William & Mary winner will take second place with a 3-3, while the loser will take third place but be eliminated from the tournament with a 2-4 record.

Week 6

Ohio St.- 64, Princeton- 54
William & Mary- 84, Rhode Island- 66

So the Buckeyes run through their group undefeated, but they were tested in a few of their games. The Tribe of W&M leave no dubt, crushing Rhode Island in convincing fashion. Now to our final standings of Group 10

Ohio St. 6-0 (+65)
William & Mary 3-3 (+14)
Rhode Island 2-4 (-53)
Princeton 1-5 (-26)

So Ohio St. wins the group easily, and being only the third undefeated group winner should have a very good seed. It depends on how many other undefeated group winners we have, but I don't expect too many as the rest of the groups are tough. William & Mary finishes in second with a 3-3 record. Rhode Island does win a couple games, but their 2-4 record and lousy point differential will not even be close to giving them a wildcard spot. And Princeton came in with high hopes, played their toughest game against Ohio St., but can only muster up 1 win against Rhode Island.

Here are the Wildcard standings after 10 groups:

Charlotte 3-3 (-5)
Morgan St. 3-3 (-31)
Vanderbilt 3-3 (-32)
Louisiana Tech 3-3 (-36)
North Carolina 2-4 (0) ELIMINATED
Iowa St. 2-4 (-6) ELIMINATED
Kent St. 2-4 (-8) ELIMINATED
Weber St. 2-4 (-13) ELIMINATED
San Diego St. 2-4 (-23) ELIMINATED
Rhode Island 2-4 (-53) ELIMINATED

[collegesportsfanms]

So we are a third of the way through group play, let's take a look and see how thing are unfolding so far.

Teams that have advanced
Group Winners

Kansas
Duke
Kentucky
Syracuse
West Virginia
Kansas St.
Ole Miss
Baylor
St. Johns
Ohio St.

Second Place Group Finishers

Appalachian St.
South Carolina
Marshall
Utah St.
Mississippi St.
Arizona
Butler
UAB
Iona
William & Mary


Current Top 4 in Wildcard Standings

Charlotte
Morgan St.
Vanderbilt
Louisiana Tech

Teams Eliminated From Tournament

North Carolina
Iowa St.
Kent St.
Weber St.
San Diego St.
Rhode Island
VCU
Ohio
Louisville
Northwestern
Oklahoma St.
Seton Hall
St. Louis
Oakland
Purdue
Princeton

[collegesportsfanms]

Group 11

#11 Temple (Atlantic Ten, 29-6, 14-2)
Notre Dame (Big East, 23-12, 10-8)
UTEP (Conference USA, 26-7, 15-1)
Wichita St. (MVC, 25-10, 12-6)

Week 1

Notre Dame- 73, Temple- 62
UTEP- 80, Wichita St.- 71

The more I think about it, the more this group could be considered the group of death. All 4 of these teams could have a chance to advance. Although in the first week, Notre Dame took down Temple and UTEP beat my favorite school, Wichita St.

Week 2

UTEP- 69, Temple- 65
Notre Dame- 74, Wichita St.- 59

It's not lookin too good for my Shockers, as Notre Dame hammers them. UTEP puts temple in a hole as well, so next week we've got the 2 undefeated teams and the 2 winless teams.

Week 3

Wichita St.- 73, Temple- 64
Notre Dame- 74, UTEP- 64

So the 10th seeded Temple Owls keep digging themselves into a hole after they are beaten by Wichita St. and Notre Dame looks strong, winning the battle of unbeatens. Here are the standings halfway through.

Notre Dame 3-0 (+36)
UTEP 2-1 (+3)
Wichita St. 1-2 (-15)
Temple 0-3 (-24)

[collegesportsfanms]

Week 4

Notre Dame- 74, Temple- 56
UTEP- 67, Wichita St.- 59

So Notre Dame stays undefeated, embarassing Temple. The Shockers see their chances of advancing diminished greatly as they lose to UTEP again.

Week 5

UTEP- 62, Temple- 53
Notre Dame- 65, Wichita St.- 47

So UTEP keeps Temple winless and Notre Dame clinches a spot in the round of 64 with a big victory over a Wichita St. team that I figured would be much better. Here are the standings with 1 week remaining:

Notre Dame 5-0 (+72)
UTEP 4-1 (+20)
Wichita St. 1-4 (-41)
Temple 0-5 (-51)

So the "group of death" turned out not to be, as there is a big diference between the top 2 and bottom 2 teams. WSU and Temple are eliminated, and Notre Dame and UTEP will be moving on. Still things to be decided though seeding wise. If Notre Dame wins, they win the group undefeated. However if UTEP wins, they must win by more than 10 to win the group since Notre Dame beat them by 10 the first time. If UTEP wins by less than 10, the Fighting Irish would still win the group. Temple and Wichita State are playing for pride in their game.

Week 6

Wichita St.- 81, Temple- 71
Notre Dame- 77, UTEP- 68

So for the second straight group, we have a team winning the group by going undefeated. Wichita State sweeps Temple, unfortunately they couldn't beat anybody else. Poor Temple couldn't beat anybody in their group. Here are the final standings:

Notre Dame 6-0 (+82)
UTEP 4-2 (+11)
Wichita St. 2-4 (-31)
Temple 0-6 (-61)

So Notre Dame becomes only the 4th team to go undefeated in their group, and the second Big East team. They should have a good seed. UTEP should be a middle of the pack team in the second place group finishers. The 4-2 record is good, but the point differential of only +11 is the worst among the 4-2 finishers. Wichita St. needed just 1 more win to have wildcard consideration, but their 2-4 record won't get it done so they are officially eliminated. Also officially eliminated is #11 Temple, who had an embarassing tournament. They are only the second team to go winless, joining Northwestern in the Hall of Infamy.

Wildcard Standings

Charlotte 3-3 (-5)
Morgan St. 3-3 (-31)
Vanderbilt 3-3 (-32)
Louisiana Tech 3-3 (-36)
North Carolina 2-4 (0) ELIMINATED
Iowa St. 2-4 (-6) ELIMINATED
Kent St. 2-4 (-8) ELIMINATED
Weber St. 2-4 (-13) ELIMINATED
San Diego St. 2-4 (-23) ELIMINATED
Wichita St. 2-4 (-31) ELIMINATED
Rhode Island 2-4 (-53) ELIMINATED