Bracket Watch '12 - FINAL projection and seed list

With the final games of the early afternoon now complete, here is my FINAL projection of the season, as well as my seed list which will go first.

Seed List
1-Kentucky
2-Syracuse
3-North Carolina
4-Michigan State
5-MISSOURI
6-Ohio State
7-Kansas
8-Duke
9-Baylor
10-Marquette
11-Wisconsin
12-FLORIDA STATE
13-Michigan
14-Indiana
15-MURRAY STATE
16-VANDERBILT
17-LOUISVILLE
18-Georgetown
19-UNLV
20-Wichita State
21-SAINT MARY'S
22-Cincinnati
23-Temple
24-CREIGHTON
25-Gonzaga
26-NEW MEXICO
27-MEMPHIS
28-Notre Dame
29-San Diego State
30-Florida
31-Iowa State
32-Kansas State
33-Virginia
34-Alabama
35-Purdue
36-HARVARD
37-Connecticut
38-LONG BEACH STATE
39-Saint Louis
40-California
41-West Virginia
42-Southern Mississippi
43-Brigham Young
44-Colorado State
45-VCU
46-Xavier
47-Texas
48-North Carolina State
49-South Florida
50-Drexel(Last at-large)
51-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
52-COLORADO
53-NEW MEXICO STATE
54-SAINT BONAVENTURE
55-DAVIDSON
56-LOYOLA(MD)
57-MONTANA
58-BELMONT
59-OHIO
60-DETROIT
61-LEHIGH
62-UNC ASHEVILLE
63-LAMAR
64-LONG ISLAND
65-NORFOLK STATE
66-VERMONT
67-MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE
68-WESTERN KENTUCKY

Just missing:
69-Seton Hall
70-Washington
71-Mississippi State
72-Iona
73-Northwestern
74-Mississippi
75-Oral Roberts
76-Nevada
77-Arizona

THE BRACKET

Final Four pairings
Midwest(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. South(3)
First Four pairings
Tuesday: MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Texas vs. South Florida
Wednesday: NORFOLK STATE vs. VERMONT; North Carolina State vs. Drexel

MIDWEST Regional

Louisville
1-Kentucky vs. 16-MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-San Diego State vs. 9-HARVARD
Albuquerque
4-Michigan vs. 13-SAINT BONAVENTURE
5-LOUISVILLE vs. 12-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
Omaha
2-Kansas vs. 15-UNC ASHEVILLE
7-Gonzaga vs. 10-Connecticut
Nashville
3-FLORIDA STATE vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Temple vs. 11-VCU

WEST Regional

Columbus
1-Michigan State vs. 16-LAMAR
8-Virginia vs. 9-Kansas State
Nashville
4-VANDERBILT vs. 13-North Carolina State/Drexel
5-Georgetown vs. 12-Xavier
Omaha
2-MISSOURI vs. 15-DETROIT
7-NEW MEXICO vs. 10-LONG BEACH STATE
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-BELMONT
6-CREIGHTON vs. 11-Southern Mississippi

EAST Regional

Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse vs. 16-LONG ISLAND
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-NEW MEXICO STATE
5-Wichita State vs. 12-Colorado State
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-LEHIGH
7-MEMPHIS vs. 10-California
Louisville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Cincinnati vs. 11-Brigham Young

SOUTH Regional

Greensboro
1-North Carolina vs. 16-NORFOLK STATE/VERMONT
8-Florida vs. 9-Kansas State
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-COLORADO
5-Unlv vs. 12-Texas/South Florida
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-OHIO
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-Saint Louis
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-MONTANA
6-SAINT MARY'S vs. 11-West Virginia

Bracket Watch '12 - Selection Sunday, Part 2

Now in case St. Bonaventure is successful in winning the Atlantic 10 title, here's what the bracket would look like:

Final Four pairings
Midwest(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. South(3)

First Four pairings
Tuesday: MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Texas vs. South Florida
Wednesday: NORFOLK STATE vs. VERMONT; North Carolina State vs. Drexel

MIDWEST Regional

Louisville
1-Kentucky vs. 16-MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-San Diego State vs. 9-Harvard
Albuquerque
4-Michigan vs. 13-ST. BONAVENTURE
5-LOUISVILLE vs. 12-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
Omaha
2-Kansas vs. 15-UNC ASHEVILLE
7-Gonzaga vs. 10-Connecticut
Nashville
3-Florida State vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Temple vs. 11-VCU

WEST Regional

Columbus
1-Michigan State vs. 16-LAMAR
8-Virginia vs. 9-Kansas State
Nashville
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-North Carolina State/Drexel
5-Georgetown vs. 12-Xavier
Omaha
2-MISSOURI vs. 15-DETROIT
7-NEW MEXICO vs. 10-LONG BEACH STATE
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-BELMONT
6-CREIGHTON vs. 11-Southern Mississippi

EAST Regional

Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse vs. 16-LONG ISLAND
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-NEW MEXICO STATE
5-Wichita State vs. 12-Colorado State
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-LEHIGH
7-MEMPHIS vs. 10-California
Louisville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Cincinnati vs. 11-Brigham Young

SOUTH Regional

Greensboro
1-North Carolina vs. 16-NORFOLK STATE/VERMONT
8-Florida vs. 9-Kansas State
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-COLORADO
5-Unlv vs. 12-Texas/South Florida
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-OHIO
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-Saint Louis
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-MONTANA
6-SAINT MARY'S vs. 11-West Virginia

Last four in the field: Texas(48), South Florida(49), North Carolina State(50), Drexel(51)
First four left out: Seton Hall(52), Washington(53), Mississippi State(54), Iona(55)
Next six left out: Northwestern(56), Mississippi(58), Oral Roberts(59), Arizona(60), Miami(FL)(62), Nevada(63)

Now, once the early games are finished, I'll be back to post the final projection. It's likely, but not a guarantee, that one of these two provisional brackets will end up being the last projection of the season. It will also be accompanied by the final seed list too. So I'll see you all this afternoon.

Bracket Watch '12 - Selection Sunday

Well, here it is at the last. This is the day where everyone will know who's in and who didn't make the cut. Since there is a bid stealer in our midst, I've created two brackets based on what happens today. This one depicts the status quo, in which Xavier wins the Atlantic 10.

Final Four pairings
Midwest(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. South(3)

First Four pairings
Tuesday: MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Drexel vs. Seton Hall
Wednesday: NORFOLK STATE vs. VERMONT; North Carolina State vs. South Florida

MIDWEST Regional

Louisville
1-Kentucky vs. 16-MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-San Diego State vs. 9-Kansas State
Albuquerque
4-Michigan vs. 13-COLORADO
5-LOUISVILLE vs. 12-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
Omaha
2-Kansas vs. 15-UNC ASHEVILLE
7-Gonzaga vs. 10-Connecticut
Nashville
3-Florida State vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Temple vs. 11-West Virginia

WEST Regional

Columbus
1-Michigan State vs. 16-NORFOLK STATE/VERMONT
8-Virginia vs. 9-HARVARD
Nashville
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-North Carolina State/South Florida
5-Georgetown vs. 12-VCU
Omaha
2-MISSOURI vs. 15-DETROIT
7-NEW MEXICO vs. 10-LONG BEACH STATE
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-BELMONT
6-CREIGHTON vs. 11-XAVIER

EAST Regional

Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse vs. 16-LONG ISLAND
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-NEW MEXICO STATE
5-Wichita State vs. 12-Colorado State
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-LEHIGH
7-MEMPHIS vs. 10-California
Louisville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Cincinnati vs. 11-Brigham Young

SOUTH Regional

Greensboro
1-North Carolina vs. 16-LAMAR
8-Florida vs. 9-Purdue
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Drexel/Seton Hall
5-Unlv vs. 12-Texas
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-OHIO
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-Saint Louis
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-MONTANA
6-SAINT MARY'S vs. 11-Southern Mississippi

Last four in the field: North Carolina State(48), South Florida(50), Drexel(51), Seton Hall(52)
First four left out: Washington(53), Mississippi State(54), Iona(55), Northwestern(57)
Next five left out: Mississippi(58), Oral Roberts(59), Arizona(60), Miami(FL)(61), Nevada(62)

In a moment, the St. Bonaventure variation.

Bracket Watch '12 - Friday Bracket

Close games, burst bubbles, overtime games, double overtime games, triple overtime games, hysterics abound. Man that had to be the wildest Thursday in Championship Week history. And all of this is captured in the latest projection based on what's going on. And if that doesn't get your attention, then I don't know what will.

Final Four pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)

First Four pairings
Tuesday: Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern) vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Xavier vs. South Florida
Wednesday: Norfolk State(Mid-Eastern) vs. Lamar(Southland); Mississippi State vs. Drexel

SOUTH Regional

Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Mississippi Valley State/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Saint Louis
Nashville
4-Florida State vs. 13-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
5-Georgetown vs. 12-VCU
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-DETROIT
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-Southern Mississippi
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-BELMONT
6-Wichita State vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)

WEST Regional

Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Norfolk State/Lamar
8-Cincinnati vs. 9-Kansas State
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Tennessee
5-Unlv vs. 12-Brigham Young
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-LEHIGH
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-Connecticut
Columbus
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Florida vs. 11-West Virginia

EAST Regional

Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-Stony Brook or Vermont(America East)
8-Virginia vs. 9-Purdue
Nashville
4-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 13-Mississippi State/Drexel
5-SAINT MARY'S vs. 12-Washington
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-UNC ASHEVILLE
7-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 10-Alabama
Pittsburgh
3-Michigan vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Louisville vs. 11-Texas

MIDWEST Regional

Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-LONG ISLAND
8-New Mexico vs. 9-HARVARD
Albuquerque
4-Indiana vs. 13-Nevada(Western Athletic)
5-Vanderbilt vs. 12-Xavier/South Florida
Louisville
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Akron(Mid-American)
7-CREIGHTON vs. 10-California(Pacific-12)
Portland
3-Marquette vs. 14-MONTANA
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Colorado State

Line Adjustments:
Up 1 seed line: Harvard: Xavier/South Florida winner
Down 1 seed line: Alabama, Tennessee

Last four in the field(by seed list number): Xavier(48), Mississippi State(50), South Florida(51), Drexel(52)
First four left out: Seton Hall(53), Northwestern(54), North Carolina State(55), Iona(56)
Next four left out: Miami(FL)(57), Arizona(58), Oregon(59), Oral Roberts(61)
Also under consideration: Central Florida, Dayton, St. Joseph's, Marshall, Mississippi, Middle Tennessee, Minnesota

Important Note for Saturday

As you may already know, I'll be attending the Minnesota State High School Boy's Hockey Championships on Saturday, so if it's possible to do so, I'll have a bracket up early that day. If not, the next projection will be on Sunday morning, with the final one to be revealed after the early games are played.

Bracket Watch '12 - Thursday Update

Jeff Hathaway gave it away during his Indy presser, Peyton Manning is replacing him as chairman of the selection committee-NO WAIT! That wasn't it....Kentucky and Syracuse will be #1 seeds. As for the rest of the field, they're going to have to wait. But in the meantime, with enough results out there to be an influence, here's a freshly updated look at the field of 68.

Final Four Pairings:
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)

First Four Pairings
Tuesday: Norfolk State(Mid-Eastern) vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Tennesse vs. Xavier
Wednesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern); Colorado State vs. Texas

SOUTH Regional

Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Norfolk State/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-Georgetown vs. 13-Nevada(Western Athletic)
5-SAINT MARY'S vs. 12-VCU
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-LEHIGH
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-HARVARD
Portland
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-BELMONT
6-Notre Dame vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)

WEST Regional

Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Mississippi Valley State
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Alabama
Albuquerque
4-Indiana vs. 13-Tennessee/Xavier
5-Unlv vs. 12-Brigham Young
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
7-Louisville vs. 10-Southern Mississippi
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-MONTANA
6-Wichita State vs. 11-Washington(Pacific-12)

EAST Regional

Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC ASHEVILLE
8-Virginia vs. 9-Purdue
Nashville
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Colorado State/Texas
5-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 12-South Florida
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-DETROIT
7-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 10-California
Pittsburgh
3-Michigan vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Florida vs. 11-West Virginia

MIDWEST Regional

Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-LONG ISLAND
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Cincinnati
Nashville
4-Florida State vs. 13-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
5-Vanderbilt vs. 12-Northwestern
Louisville
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Akron(Mid-American)
7-CREIGHTON vs. 10-Connecticut
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Mississippi State

Line adjustments: None today

Last four in the field(by seed list number): Colorado State(48), Texas(50), Tennessee(51), Xavier(52)
First four left out: Drexel(53), Oregon(54), Seton Hall(55), North Carolina State(56)
Next four left out: Iona(57), Miami(FL)(59), Arizona(60), Central Florida(62)
Also under consideration: Oral Roberts, Dayton, St. Joseph's, Middle Tennessee, Marshall

Bracket Watch '12 - Wednesday Update

Sorry for the lack of commentary today, I'm a little bit busy.

Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)

First Four Pairings
Tuesday: Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern) vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Texas vs. South Florida
Wednesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Savannah State(Mid-Eastern); Tennessee vs. Xavier

SOUTH Regional

Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Mississippi Valley State/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Nevada(Western Athletic)
5-SAINT MARY'S vs. 12-Northwestern^
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-Montana(Big Sky)
7-Louisville vs. 10-Southern Mississippi
Louisville
3-Michigan vs. 14-BELMONT
6-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 11-Connecticut^

WEST Regional

Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Savannah State
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-Colorado State^
5-Georgetown vs. 12-Brigham Young^
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
7-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 10-Cincinnati
Nashville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Florida vs. 11-Washington(Pacific-12)^

EAST Regional

Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC ASHEVILLE
8-Virginia vs. 9-HARVARD
Albuquerque
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
5-Unlv vs. 12-Texas/South Florida
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-CREIGHTON vs. 10-West Virginia
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-Akron(Mid-American)
6-Notre Dame vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)

MIDWEST Regional

Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-Long Island(Northeast)
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Purdue
Nashville
4-Florida State vs. 13-Tennessee/Xavier
5-Wichita State vs. 12-VCU
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-DETROIT
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-California^
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Mississippi State^

Line adjustments(for conference and hosting conflicts):
Harvard(Up 1 seed line)
Cincinnati(Down 1 seed line)

Last four in the field(by seed list number): Texas(48), South Florida(49), Tennessee(51), Xavier(52)
First four left out: Drexel(53), Seton Hall(54), Oregon(55), North Carolina State(56)
Next four left out: Arizona(57), Iona(58), Miami(FL)(59), Oral Roberts(62)
Also under consideration: St. Joseph's, Central Florida, Dayton, Middle Tennessee, Mississippi, La Salle

Bid Ranges for teams not already qualified playing tonight:
Robert Morris: First Four
Lehigh: 15-16
Weber State: 15

Bracket Watch '12 - Tuesday Update

Monday Night was the most exciting night of this championship week thus far, as the four bids were decided by either three points or in overtime. We also saw Oral Roberts fall by a point and thus out of the field entirely, and we also witnessed Western Kentucky continue to pull a Rally Squirrel by beating back Denver. What does this all mean? Read on:

Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)

First Four Pairings
Tuesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern); Texas vs. South Florida
Wednesday: Savannah State(Mid-Eastern) vs. North Texas(Sun Belt); Tennessee vs. Xavier

SOUTH Regional

Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Mississippi Valley State
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Nevada(Western Athletic)
5-SAINT MARY'S vs. 12-Northwestern^
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-Montana(Big Sky)
7-Louisville vs. 10-Southern Mississippi
Louisville
3-Michigan vs. 14-BELMONT
6-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 11-Connecticut^

WEST Regional

Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Savannah State/North Texas
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-Colorado State^
5-Georgetown vs. 12-Brigham Young^
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
7-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 10-Cincinnati
Nashville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Florida vs. 11-Washington(Pacific-12)^

EAST Regional

Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC ASHEVILLE
8-Virginia vs. 9-Harvard(Ivy)
Albuquerque
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-South Dakota State(Summit)
5-Unlv vs. 12-Texas/South Florida
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Valparaiso(Horizon)
7-CREIGHTON vs. 10-West Virginia
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-Akron(Mid-American)
6-Notre Dame vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)

MIDWEST Regional

Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-Long Island(Northeast)
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Purdue
Nashville
4-Florida State vs. 13-Tennessee/Xavier
5-Wichita State vs. 12-VCU
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-California^
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Mississippi State^

Line adjustments(for conference and hosting conflicts):
Harvard(Up 1 seed line)
Cincinnati(Down 1 seed line)

Last four in the field(by seed list number): Texas(48), South Florida(49), Tennessee(51), Xavier(52)
First four left out: Drexel(53), Seton Hall(54), Oregon(55), North Carolina State(56)
Next four left out: Arizona(57), Iona(58), Miami(FL)(59), Oral Roberts(62)
Also under consideration: St. Joseph's, Central Florida, Dayton, Middle Tennessee

Bracket Watch '12 - The Stretch Run

Well, it's six days until Selection Sunday, and that means Bracket Watch goes into daily projection mode, with updates every day(except possibly Saturday, but except for those who have followed the blog over the years, you know that I'll try to post some sort of update that day). And here is the first bracket of the week:

Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)

First Four Pairings
Tuesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern); Texas vs. South Florida
Wednesday: Long Island(Northeast) vs. Savannah State(Mid-Eastern); Tennessee vs. Xavier

SOUTH Regional

Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Mississippi Valley State
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Nevada(Western Athletic)
5-St. Mary's vs. 12-Northwestern^
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-Montana(Big Sky)
7-Louisville vs. 10-Southern Mississippi
Louisville
3-Michigan vs. 14-BELMONT
6-CREIGHTON vs. 11-Drexel(Colonial)^

WEST Regional

Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Long Island/Savannah State
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-Colorado State^
5-Georgetown vs. 12-Brigham Young^
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Denver(Sun Belt)
7-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 10-Cincinnati
Nashville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-Davidson(Southern)
6-Florida vs. 11-Washington(Pacific-12)^

EAST Regional

Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC ASHEVILLE
8-Virginia vs. 9-Harvard(Ivy)
Albuquerque
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-Texas/South Florida
5-Unlv vs. 12-Oral Roberts(Summit)^
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Valparaiso(Horizon)
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-West Virginia
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-Akron(Mid-American)
6-Notre Dame vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)

MIDWEST Regional

Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Purdue
Nashville
4-Florida State vs. 13-Tennessee/Xavier
5-Wichita State vs. 12-Connecticut^
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 10-California^
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-Loyola(MD)(Metro Atlantic)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Mississippi State^

Line adjustments(for conference and hosting conflicts):
Drexel(Up 1 seed line)
Harvard(Up 1 seed line)
Cincinnati(Down 1 seed line)
Connecticut(Down 1 seed line)

Last four in the field(by seed list number): Texas(50), South Florida(51), Tennessee(52), Xavier(53)
First four left out: VCU(54), Seton Hall(55), Oregon(56), North Carolina State(57)
Next four left out: Arizona(58), South Dakota State(59), Iona(60), Miami(FL)(61)
Also under consideration: St. Joseph's, Central Florida, Dayton, Middle Tennessee

Potential seed ranges for teams not yet qualified:
Fairfield: 15-16
Western Carolina: 16

Bracket Watch '12 - Friday Bracket Update

And now for something completely different, a Friday bracket. Enjoy at your own risk.

Note: ^Indicates team on the bubble.
Final Four pairings:
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)

First Four pairings:
Tuesday: Long Island(Northeast) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern); Arizona vs. Colorado State
Wednesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Savannah State(Mid-Eastern); Seton Hall vs. North Carolina State

SOUTH Regional

Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. Long Island/Mississippi Valley State
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Iowa State
Nashville
4-Wisconsin vs. 13-Iona(Metro Atlantic)
5-Murray State(Ohio Valley) vs. 12-Connecticut*
Greensboro
2-North Carolina vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-Louisville vs. 10-California*
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)*

WEST Regional

Greensboro
1-Duke(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Savannah State
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Purdue
Portland
4-Georgetown vs. 13-Oral Roberts(Summit)*
5-Unlv vs. 12-Mississippi State*
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Akron(Mid-American)
7-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 10-Southern Mississippi*
Albuquerque
3-Wichita State(Missouri Valley) vs. 14-Nevada(Western Athletic)
6-Notre Dame vs. 11-Brigham Young

EAST Regional

Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse vs. 16-UNC Asheville(Big South)
8-Alabama vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-Florida State vs. 13-Arizona/Colorado State
5-St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. 12-South Florida
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Montana(Big Sky)
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-Harvard(Ivy)
Louisville
3-Indiana vs. 14-Middle Tennessee(Sun Belt)
6-Florida vs. 11-West Virginia*

MIDWEST Regional

Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
8-Virginia vs. 9-Washington(Pacific-12)
Nashville
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-Seton Hall/NC State
5-Michigan vs. 12-Drexel(Colonial)*
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Valparaiso(Horizon)
7-Creighton vs. 10-Cincinnati*
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-Davidson(Southern)
6-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 11-Texas*

Last four in the field(by seed list number): Arizona(49), Seton Hall(51), Colorado State(52), North Carolina State(53)
First four left out: Xavier(54), Northwestern(55), Oregon(56), Miami(FL)(57),
Next four left out: Virginia Commonwealth(58), St. Joseph's(60), Central Florida(61), South Dakota State(63)
Also under consideration: Dayton, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Buffalo, Wagner

Note 2: Should VMI upset UNC Asheville in the Big South final, the Keydets would be slotted into the first four and Stony Brook would be moved out of it.

Bracket Watch '12 - 13 Days to go

For those of you who want a piece that just gushes about what a great day Saturday was in the college basketball landscape, you are sadly quite mistaken. Not that I would have done one, but most sites already have. No, you'll just get the latest projections.
Note: ^Indicates bubble team.

Final Four pairings:
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)

First Four pairings:
Tuesday: Long Island(Northeast) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwest); Seton Hall vs. Northwestern
Wednesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Savannah State(Mid-Eastern); South Florida vs. Miami(FL)

SOUTH Regional

Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. Long Island/Mississippi Valley State
8-Memphis vs. 9-Purdue
Albuquerque
4-Baylor vs. 13-Seton Hall^/Northwestern^
5-St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. 12-Arizona^
Greensboro
2-North Carolina vs. 15-Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-California^
Louisville
3-Indiana vs. 14-Middle Tennessee(Sun Belt)
6-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 11-Mississippi State^

WEST Regional

Columbus
1-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 16-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
8-Kansas State vs. 9-West Virginia^
Portland
4-Georgetown vs. 13-Oral Roberts(Summit)^
5-Nevada-Las Vegas vs. 12-Long Beach State(Big West)^
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Weber State(Big Sky)
7-Virginia vs. 10-Washington(Pacific-12)
Albuquerque
3-Wichita State(Missouri Valley) vs. 14-Nevada(Western Athletic)
6-Louisville vs. 11-Brigham Young^

EAST Regional

Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC Asheville(Big South)
8-Alabama vs. 9-Iowa State^
Nashville
4-Michigan vs. 13-South Florida^/Miami(FL)^
5-Murray State(Ohio Valley) vs. 12-Drexel(Colonial)^
Greensboro
2-Duke(Atlantic Coast) vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 10-Connecticut^
Nashville
3-Florida vs. 14-Davidson(Southern)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Texas^

MIDWEST Regional

Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Savannah State
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-Wisconsin vs. 13-Iona(Metro Atlantic)
5-Vanderbilt vs. 12-Cincinnati^
Columbus
2-Marquette vs. 15-Valparaiso(Horizon)
7-Creighton vs. 10-Southern Mississippi^
Pittsburgh
3-Ohio State vs. 14-Akron(Mid-American)
6-Florida State vs. 11-Harvard(Ivy)^

Notes: The following teams were moved a seed line to fit the principles:
St. Mary's(Up 1)
Texas(Up 1)
West Virginia(Up 1)
Florida State(Down 1)
Long Beach State(Down 1)
Washington(Down 1)

Last four in the field(by seed list): Seton Hall(49), Northwestern(50), South Florida(52), Miami(FL)(53)
First four left out: Xavier(54), Colorado State(55), Central Florida(56), St. Joseph's(58)
Next four left out: Oregon(59), Virginia Commonwealth(60), North Carolina State(61), South Dakota State(64)
Also considered: Louisiana State, Maryland, Massachusetts, Wyoming

Bracket Watch '12 - At the far turn of the season.

Less than four weeks remain for teams jockeying for NCAA tournament position. And after another heartstopping weekend, here's how the projected field plays out. As is the case, all projections are done as if the season had ended after the last game of the previous night. All conference leaders are per accseeds.info

Final Four Pairings:
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)

First Four Pairings:
Tuesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern); Miami(FL) vs. Washington
Wednesday: Texas-Arlington(Southland) vs. Long Island(Northeast); Seton Hall vs. Purdue

SOUTH Region

Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Stony Brook/MVSU
8-Connecticut vs. 9-Memphis
Albuquerque
4-Wichita State(Missouri Valley) vs. 13-Oral Roberts(Summit)
5-San Diego State vs. 12-Minnesota
Pittsburgh
2-Georgetown vs. 15-Loyola(MD)(Metro Atlantic)
7-Murray State(Ohio Valley) vs. 10-Texas
Greensboro
3-North Carolina vs. 14-Drexel(Colonial)
6-Wisconsin vs. 11-Alabama

WEST Region

Greensboro
1-Duke vs. 16-UTA/Long Island
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Harvard(Ivy)
Portland
4-St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. 13-Davidson(Southern)
5-Louisville vs. 12-Arizona
Omaha
2-Kansas vs. 15-Weber State(Big Sky)
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-Saint Louis
Columbus
3-Michigan vs. 14-Bucknell(Patriot)
6-Florida vs. 11-Middle Tennessee(Sun Belt)

EAST Region

Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC Asheville(Big South)
8-Creighton vs. 9-New Mexico
Nashville
4-Florida State(Atlantic Coast) vs. 13-Seton Hall/Purdue
5-Vanderbilt vs. 12-North Carolina State
Louisville
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Mercer(Atlantic Sun)
7-Southern Mississippi(Conference USA) vs. 10-California(Pacific-12)
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-Nevada(Western Athletic)
6-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 11-Brigham Young

MIDWEST Region

Omaha
1-Missouri(Big 12) vs. 16-Norfolk State(Mid-Eastern)
8-Mississippi State vs. 9-West Virginia
Portland
4-UNLV(Mountain West) vs. 13-Miami(FL)/Washington
5-Indiana vs. 12-Long Beach State(Big West)
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Valparaiso(Horizon)
7-Gonzaga vs. 10-Kansas State
Nashville
3-Marquette vs. 14-Akron(Mid-American)
6-Virginia vs. 11-Illinois

Note: Seton Hall and NC State swapped seed lines to avoid conference conflicts in the 2nd round.

Last four in the field(by seed list number): Miami(FL)-49; Purdue-50; NC State-52; Washington-53
First four left out: Cincinnati, Belmont, Xavier, Wyoming
Next four left out: Mississippi, Northwestern, Oregon, Northern Iowa
Under Consideration: Central Florida, Colorado State, St. Joseph's, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Maryland, Colorado, South Dakota State, Iona, Ohio

Please note that the next projection will be made out on Friday.

Bracket Watch - January 30th

Last week I promised to present a tournament based on European Soccer tourneys, but when trying to run it I ran into a lot of trouble. So I've had to put the tournament on the shelf until the end of the season. Now onto this week's projections, which look rather ragged after the week that has occured(Though, admittedly, not as ragged as they were the week previous).

Note: All projections are done as if the season has ended already, with no attempt to predict the future. Conference leaders are determined by each leagues' tiebreakers(Which is new this year, previously, if no H2H meetings had been played, I would revert to the RPI. This year, I won't chance it and will use the criterias the conferences are using to determine seeds) .

Final Four Pairings
East(1) vs. South(4)
Midwest(2) vs. West(3)

First Four Games
Tuesday
Stony Brook(America East) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern)
Illinois vs. Arkansas
Wednesday
Texas-Arlington(Southland) vs. UNC Asheville(Big South)
North Carolina State vs. Cincinnati

EAST Region

Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-Stony Brook/MVSU
8-Harvard(Ivy) vs. 9-Iowa State
Columbus
4-Wisconsin vs. 13-LaSalle(Atlantic 10)
5-Murray State(Ohio Valley) vs. 12-Louisville
Albuquerque
2-Baylor vs. 15-Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
7-Gonzaga vs. 10-Colorado State
Greensboro
3-North Carolina vs. 14-George Mason(Colonial)
6-Connecticut vs. 11-Iona(Metro Atlantic)

SOUTH Region

Pittsburgh
1-Ohio State(Big Ten) vs. 16-Long Island(Northeast)
8-Alabama vs. 9-Long Beach State(Big West)
Nashville
4-Georgetown vs. 13-Davidson(Southern)
5-Vanderbilt vs. 12-Xavier
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-Wichita State vs. 10-New Mexico
Nashville
3-Florida vs. 14-NC State/Cincinnati
6-Michigan vs. 11-Seton Hall

MIDWEST Region

Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Norfolk State(Mid-Eastern)
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Middle Tennessee(Sun Belt)
Portland
4-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 13-Notre Dame
5-Indiana vs. 12-Dayton
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Akron(Mid-American)
7-Virginia vs. 10-Minnesota
Albuquerque
3-Creighton(Missouri Valley) vs. 14-Nevada(Western Athletic)
6-Mississippi State vs. 11-Memphis

WEST Region

Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-UTA/UNCA
8-California(Pacific-12) vs. 9-Purdue
Louisville
4-Marquette vs. 13-Illinois/Arkansas
5-Florida State(Atlantic Coast) vs. 12-Oral Roberts(Summit)
Portland
2-Unlv vs. 15-Weber State(Big Sky)
7-St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. 10-Temple
Columbus
3-Michigan State vs. 14-Cleveland State(Horizon)
6-West Virginia vs. 11-Southern Mississipps

Switches: St. Mary's and West Virginia swapped seed lines for better early round placement.

Last four in the field: Illinois, Arkansas, NC State, Cincinnati
First four left out: Washington, Texas, Mississippi, Brigham Young
Next four left out: Massachusetts, Stanford, South Florida, Marshall
Also under consideration: Miami(FL), Saint Louis, Pittsburgh, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Central Florida, Missouri State, Northern Iowa, Wyoming, Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico State

Bracket Watch '12 - January 23rd.

After a few weeks of just seeds, I now have a bracket to put them in. And I'll tell you this much, it will be difficult for anyone to correctly pick all 68 teams this year, never mind getting close with their seeds.

Final Four Pairings:
East(1) vs. West(4)
South(2) vs. Midwest(3)

The First Four:
Tuesday: Boston University(America East) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern); Minnesota vs. Xavier
Wednesday: UNC Asheville(Big South) vs. Texas-Arlington(Southland); Saint Louis vs. Marshall

EAST Regional

@ Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. Boston University/MVSU
8-Wichita State vs. 9-Virginia
@ Albuquerque
4-Florida vs. 13-Minnesota/Xavier
5-St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. 12-Long Beach State
@ Greensboro
2-North Carolina vs. 15-Norfolk State(Mid-Eastern)
7-Louisville vs. 10-New Mexico
@ Columbus
3-Michigan(Big Ten) vs. 14-Central Florida(Conference USA)
6-Kansas State vs. 11-Temple

WEST Regional

@ Greensboro
1-Duke vs. 16-Eastern Michigan(Mid-American)
8-Wisconsin vs. 9-California(Pacific-12)
@ Nashville
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-Saint Louis/Marshall
5-Connecticut vs. 12-North Carolina State
@ Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-Harvard(Ivy) vs. 10-Purdue
@ Portland
3-Nevada-Las Vegas vs. 14-Weber State(Big Sky)
6-Indiana vs. 11-Oral Roberts(Summit)

SOUTH Region

@ Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Valparaiso(Horizon)
8-Seton Hall vs. 9-Dayton(Atlantic 10)
@ Nashville
4-Florida State(Atlantic Coast) vs. 13-Iowa State
5-Michigan State vs. 12-Southern Mississippi
@ Albuquerque
2-Baylor vs. 15-George Mason(Colonial)
7-Marquette vs. 10-Illinois
@ Pittsburgh
3-Georgetown vs. 14-Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
6-Mississippi State vs. 11-Colorado State

MIDWEST Region

@ Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-UNC Asheville/UT Arlington
8-Alabama vs. 9-Gonzaga
@ Columbus
4-Murray State(Ohio Valley) vs. 13-Davidson(Southern)
5-West Virgina vs. 12-Middle Tennessee(Sun Belt)
@ Louisville
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Long Island(Northeast)
7-Cincinnati vs. 10-Virginia Tech
@ Portland
3-Creighton(Missouri Valley) vs. 14-Nevada(Western Athletic)
6-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 11-Iona(Metro Atlantic)

Last four in the field: Minnesota, Xavier, Saint Louis, Marshall
First four left out: Oregon, South Florida, Memphis, Stanford
Next four left out: Northwestern, Notre Dame, Ohio, Mississippi
Also under consideration: La Salle, Massachusetts, Pittsburgh, Iowa, Oklahoma, Cleveland State, Akron, Missouri State, Northern Iowa, Arizona, Arkansas, Brigham Young

For Note Purposes Only
Look for the State of the Bubble series next week.

Bracket Watch '12 - The season debut

Well, conference play is underway in most of the country. Making this the perfect time to put up the first field of 68. Seeds are up first this week(the full bracket will be up later this afternoon).

1-Syracuse(East), Kentucky(South), Ohio State(Midwest), Baylor(West)
2-North Carolina, Duke, Kansas, Indiana
3-Michigan State, Louisville, Missouri, Alabama
4-Unlv, Georgetown, Michigan, Florida
5-Kansas State, Saint Louis, Murray State, Connecticut
6-Purdue, Seton Hall, West Virginia, Marquette
7-San Diego State, Gonzaga, Creighton, Notre Dame
8-Illinois, Kansas State, Stanford, Mississippi State
9-Memphis, Harvard, St. Mary's, Dayton
10-New Mexico, Wisconsin, Texas, Temple
11-Arizona, Florida State, Southern Mississippi, Long Beach State
12-Colorado, Middle Tennessee, Iona, Marshall
13-Wichita State*, Vanderbilt*, Nevada, Virginia Tech*, Ohio*, Cleveland State
14-George Mason, Illinois State, Davidson, Belmont
15-Weber State, Buffalo, Bucknell, Oral Roberts
16-Lamar, Norfolk State, Central Connecticut State*, UNC Asheville*, Stony Brook*, Texas Southern*

*Will play in the First Four.

Last four in the field: Wichita State, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Ohio
First four left out: Pittsburgh, Northern Iowa, Xavier, California
Next four left out: Saint Joseph's, Kent State, Northwestern, Central Florida
Also under consideration: North Carolina State, Rutgers, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Missouri State, Washington

Predicting the finish-The Bracket

Sorry for the long delay on the bracket. It was finished a few days ago, but forgot to put it up because I was too busy. So, let's get to it.

Final Four Pairings
Midwest(1) vs. West(4)
South(2) vs. East(3)

The First Four
(UD Arena; Dayton, OH; University of Dayton)

March 13th
Game 1: Wagner(Northeast) vs. Alabama State(Southwestern)
Game 2: Brigham Young vs. Cincinnati
March 14th
Game 1: South Dakota State(Summit) vs. UNC Asheville(Big South)
Game 2: Creighton vs. Mississippi State

MIDWEST Region
(Edward Jones Dome; St. Louis; Missouri Valley Conference)

@ Consol Energy Center; Pittsburgh; Duquesne University
1-Ohio State(Big Ten) vs. 16-Wagner/Alabama State
8-New Mexico(Mountain West) vs. 9-Florida State
@ Rose Garden Arena; Portland; University of Oregon
4-Wichita State vs. 13-North Texas(Sun Belt)
5-Vanderbilt vs. 12-Utah State(Western Athletic)
@ The Pit; Albuquerque; University of New Mexico
2-Baylor(Big 12) vs. 15-Lamar(Southland)
7-Washington vs. 10-Marquette
@ Nationwide Arena; Columbus; Ohio State University
3-Pittsburgh vs. 14-Western Michigan(Mid-American)
6-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 11-Northwestern

WEST Region
US Airways Center; Phoenix; Arizona State University

@ Pittsburgh
1-Connecticut(Big East) vs. 16-Stony Brook(America East)
8-Clemson vs. 9-Michigan State
@ Albuquerque
4-Arizona(Pacific-12) vs. 13-Marshall(Conference USA)
5-Texas A&M vs. 12-Brigham Young/Cincinnati
@ Greensboro Coliseum; Greensboro, NC; Atlantic Coast Conference
2-Duke vs. 15-Loyola(MD)(Metro Atlantic)
7-West Virginia vs. 10-Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)
@ Portland
3-Gonzaga(West Coast) vs. 14-UC Santa Barbara(Big West)
6-Michigan vs. 11-Belmont(Atlantic Sun)

SOUTH Region
Georgia Dome; Atlanta; Georgia Tech

@ Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Hampton(Mid-Eastern)
8-Old Dominion vs. 9-St. Mary's
@ KFC Yum! Center; Louisville; University of Louisville
4-Florida vs. 13- Appalachian State(Southern)
5-Notre Dame vs. 12-Creighton/Mississippi State
@ Bridgestone Arena; Nashville; Ohio Valley Conference
2-Memphis vs. 15-Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
7-Louisville vs. 10-Miami(FL)
@ Century Link Center; Omaha; Creighton University and Missouri Valley Conference
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-Weber State(Big Sky)
6-Alabama vs. 11-Detroit

EAST Region
TD Garden; Boston

@ Columbus
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-South Dakota State/UNC Asheville
8-Missouri vs. 9-Unlv
@ Nashville
4-Purdue vs. 13-Harvard(Ivy)
5-Virginia Tech vs. 12-Indiana State(Missouri Valley)
@ Louisville
2-Syracuse vs. 15-Lehigh(Patriot)
7-Xavier vs. 10-Central Florida
@ Omaha
3-Kansas vs. 14-Milwaukee(Horizon)
6-Ucla vs. 11-Georgetown

Last four in the field: Brigham Young, Cincinnati, Creighton, Mississippi State
First four left out: Saint Louis, Villanova, Oklahoma State, Uab
Next four left out: Indiana, Virginia, George Mason, California

Reminder: The first Bracket Watch will be posted on January 3rd.

Bracket Watch for January 21st

A lot of movement this week as upsets throughout the nation shook up, not only the seed list, but also the at-large pool. As a result, there a few new teams in the projected field for the first time this year. So sit back and enjoy the field.

Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
Midwest(2) vs. East(3)

SOUTH Region

North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: Quinnipiac(Northeast) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)Rhode Island
Anaheim
(4)Stanford vs. (13)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)
(5)St. Mary's vs. (12)Connecticut
Tampa
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Mississippi vs. (10)Illinois State
North Little Rock
(3)Texas vs. (14)Stephen F. Austin(Southland)
(6)Clemson vs. (11)California

WEST Region

Raleigh
(1)North Carolina vs. (16)Lafayette(Patriot)
(8)Oregon vs. (9)Providence
Birmingham
(4)Dayton vs. (13)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(5)Vanderbilt vs. (12)Akron(Mid-American)
Anaheim
(2)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (15)Northern Arizona(Big Sky)
(7)Texas A&M vs. (10)Villanova
Denver
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)Cal State-Northridge(Big West)
(6)Gonzaga(West Coast) vs. (11)South Alabama(Sun Belt)

MIDWEST Region

Omaha
(1)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (16)Jacksonville(Atlantic Sun)
(8)Louisville vs. (9)Mississippi State(SEC)
Denver
(4)Washington State vs. (13)Utah State(WAC)
(5)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (12)San Diego State(Mountain West)
Birmingham
(2)Indiana vs. (15)Hampton(MEAC)
(7)Florida vs. (10)Miami(FL)
Washington
(3)Pittsburgh vs. (14)Davidson(Southern)
(6)Butler vs. (11)Massachusetts

EAST Region

Raleigh
(1)Tennessee vs. (16)Cornell(Ivy)
(8)Kansas State vs. (9)Arizona State
Tampa
(4)Michigan State vs. (13)UNC Asheville(Big South)
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)Kent State
Washington
(2)Duke(ACC) vs. (15)Binghamton(America East)
(7)Marquette vs. (10)Baylor
Omaha
(3)Xavier(A-10) vs. (14)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(6)Arizona vs. (11)Cleveland State(Horizon)

Teams moved up to fit the field: Clemson(7), Kansas State(9), St. Mary's(6)
Teams moved down to fit the field: Arizona(5), Providence(8), Texas A&M(6)

New to the field: Binghamton, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Providence, Villanova, Baylor, Virginia Commonwealth, Cornell, Akron, Quinnipiac, California, Mississippi State, Davidson, Stephen F. Austin, Alabama State, Oral Roberts

Out of the field: Hartford, Boston College, Florida State, St. Joseph's, Ohio State, Delaware, Dartmouth, Nevada-Las Vegas, Wagner, Arkansas, Chattanooga, Northwestern State, Jackson State, IUPUI

Next four from the cut line: Villanova, Baylor, Miami(FL), Illinois State
Last four in the field: Massachusetts, California, Kent State, Connecticut
First four left out: Creighton, Boston College, Southern California, Brigham Young
Next four left out: Nevada-Las Vegas, Maryland, Ohio State, George Mason
Next four out after that: Syracuse, Purdue, Oklahoma, Arkansas
Also on board: Florida State, Charlotte, Duquesne, St. Joseph's, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Texas Tech, Houston, Tulane, Valparaiso, Ohio, Indiana State, New Mexico, Texas Christian, Auburn, Sam Houston State

Next field: January 28th

BracketWatch for January 14th

Final Four Pairings
East(1) vs. West(4)
South(2) vs. Midwest(3)

EAST Region

@Raleigh
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: Dartmouth(Ivy) vs. Jackson State(SWAC)
(8)Oregon vs. (9)Syracuse
@Birmingham
(4)Butler vs. (13)UNC Asheville(Big South)
(5)Vanderbilt vs. (12)St. Joseph's
@Tampa
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Arizona vs. (10)Boston College
@Omaha
(3)Indiana(Big Ten) vs. (14)IUPUI(Summit)
(6)Rhode Island vs. (11)Utah State(WAC)

WEST Region

@Anaheim
(1)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (16)Hartford(America East)
(8)Oklahoma vs. (9)Nevada-Las Vegas
@Tampa
(4)Xavier vs. (13)Chattanooga(Southern)
(5)Mississippi vs. (12)South Alabama(Sun Belt)
@North Little Rock
(2)Texas vs. (15)Hampton(MEAC)
(7)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (10)Arkansas
@Denver
(3)Marquette vs. (14)Cleveland State(Horizon)
(6)Gonzaga vs. (11)Florida State

SOUTH Region

@North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Northwestern State(Southland)
(8)Miami(FL) vs. (9)Pittsburgh
@Denver
(4)Wisconsin vs. (13)Cal State-Northridge(Big West)
(5)Texas A&M vs. (12)San Diego State(Mountain West
@Raleigh
(2)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (15)Jacksonville(Atlantic Sun)
(7)West Virginia vs. (10)Clemson
@Anaheim
(3)Washington State vs. (14)Northern Arizona(Big Sky)
(6)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (11)Kansas State

MIDWEST Region

@Omaha
(1)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (16)Delaware(CAA)
(8)Louisville vs. (9)Ohio State
@Washington
(4)Dayton(A-10) vs. (13)Siena(MAAC)
(5)Stanford vs. (12)Illinois State
(2)Michigan State vs. (15)Wagner(Northeast)
(7)Notre Dame vs. (10)Kent State(MAC)
@Birmingham
(3)Duke vs. (14)Lafayette(Patriot)
(6)Arizona State vs. (11)Florida

Gone This Week: UMBC, Virginia, Massachusetts, Villanova, Montana State, Winthrop, Baylor, Harvard, Niagara, New Mexico, Southeast Missouri State, Holy Cross, Southern, Oral Roberts, Boise State
New This Week: Hartford, St. Joseph's, Northern Arizona, UNC Asheville, Kansas State, Dartmouth, Siena, Illinois State, Austin Peay, Lafayette, Arkansas, Florida, Jackson State, IUPUI, Utah State

Teams that moved up to fit bracket: Chattanooga(14), Syracuse(10)Teams that moved down to fit bracket: Kent State(9), Northern Arizona(13)

Next four from the bubble: Clemson, Boston College, Arkansas, Florida State
Last four in the field: Florida, Kansas State, Illinois State, St. Joseph's
First four outside: Baylor, Connecticut, Brigham Young, Minnesota
Next four outside: Nebraska, California, New Mexico, Villanova
Next four after that: Creighton, Providence, Duquesne, Southern California

Next update: January 21st

BracketWatch debut projection

OK, OK, I know what you're thinking: Wasn't he going to do his first bracket on Thursday? Well I was going to until....Joe Lunardi put out his field this morning. Thus the first projection of this season(and of the history of this blog). But before I reveal the field, a few reminders of how the field is put together.

*1: All projections reflect what already has happened in the season to date, not wild predictions of the future.
*2: The whole field is seeded and placed in the bracket according to the NCAA's own rules.
*3: Conference leaders are those who hold the best record in that particular conference. Should there be a tie at the top, the tie will be broken by these rules:
A: Head-to head matchups
B: if no meeting thus far; Best Division I Won-Loss record
C: if still unbroken: Better RPI rank(http://www.kenpom.com/rpi.php will serve as the source for all RPI information)

And now the first field of the season:

Final Four Matchups
East(1) vs. West(4)
South(2) vs. Midwest(3)

EAST Region
Charlotte Bobcats Arena
Charlotte, NC
3-27/29

Raleigh, NC(RBC Center)
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: Northwestern State(Southland) vs. Southern(SWAC)
(8)Oklahoma vs. (9)Notre Dame
Tampa, FL(St. Pete Times Forum)
(4)Butler vs. (13)Holy Cross(Patriot)
(5)Xavier vs. (12)Winthrop(Big South)
Denver, CO(Pepsi Center)
(2)Washington State vs. (15)Montana State(Big Sky)
(7)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas
Birmingham, AL(BJCC Arena)
(3)Indiana vs. (14)Jacksonville(Atlantic Sun)
(6)Pittsburgh vs. (11)Arizona State

WEST Region
USAirways Center
Phoenix, AZ
3-27/29

Anaheim, CA(Honda Center)
(1)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (16)Wagner(Northeast)
(8)Ohio State(Big Ten) vs. (9)Virginia
Denver
(4)Georgetown vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit League)
(5)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (12)Baylor
North Little Rock, AR(Alltel Arena)
(2)Texas vs. (15)Southeast Missouri State(Ohio Valley)
(7)Stanford vs. (10)Villanova
Birmingham
(3)Vanderbilt(SEC) vs. (14)Boise State(WAC)
(6)Wisconsin vs. (11)Boston College

SOUTH Region
Reliant Stadium
Houston, TX
3-28/30

North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Delaware(Colonial)
(8)Kent State(MAC) vs. (9)Florida State
Anaheim
(4)Texas A&M vs. (13)Chattanooga(Southern)
(5)West Virginia vs. (12)Niagara(MAAC)
Raleigh
(2)Tennessee vs. (15)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(7)Arizona vs. (10)Syracuse(Big East)
Washington, DC(Verizon Center)
(3)Duke vs. (14) Hampton(MEAC)
(6)Rhode Island vs. (11)San Diego State

MIDWEST Region
Ford Field
Detroit, MI
3-28/30

Omaha, NE(Qwest Center Omaha)
(1)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (16)Harvard(Ivy)
(8)Gonzaga vs. (9)Miami(FL)
Tampa
(4)Marquette vs. (13)South Alabama(Sun Belt)
(5)Mississippi vs. (12)Massachusetts)
Washington
(2)Michigan State vs. (15)Cleveland State(Horizon)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)Louisville
Omaha
(3)Dayton(Atlantic 10) vs. (14)California State-Northridge(Big West)
(6)Oregon vs. (11)New Mexico

Switches to make bracket fit(and the seeds that they are in truth):
Moved Up: Arizona(8), Miami(FL)(9), Mississippi(6), Nevada-Las Vegas(11), New Mexico(12), Pittsburgh(7), Virginia(10)
Moved Down: Arizona State(10), Clemson(6), Gonzaga(7), Louisville(9), Massachusetts(11), Villanova(9), Wisconsin(6)

Next four from the bubble: Villanova, Virginia, Arizona State, Boston College
Last four in the field: Nevada-Las Vegas, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Baylor
First four left out: California, Connecticut, Florida, Arkansas
Next four left out: Illinois State, Southern California, Providence, Penn State
Next four out after that: Houston, North Carolina State, Minnesota, Kansas State

Just to let you know, I will not be doing any bids-by-conference lists this year.

Next field: January 14th(Yes this means I'm back to doing Monday brackets through February.

Bracket coming....soon

I should have my preseason projections up on Wednesday. I have the projected champions already chosen, but haven't selected any of the at-large teams.

Also, I will have a weekly Top 30 list each week, but will have no bearing on the bracket. (Think of it as a hot list). Without more ado, here it is:

1. UCLA
2. Memphis
3. North Carolina
4. Kansas
5. Georgetown
6. Tennessee
7. Michigan State(loss to Grand Valley State not withstanding)
8. Louisville
9. Indiana
10. Washington State
11. Alabama
12. Southern Illinois
13. Gonzaga
14. Duke
15. North Carolina State
16. Texas A&M
17. Ohio State
18. Butler
19. Southern California
20. Villanova
21. Oregon
22. Davidson
23. Clemson
24. Arizona
25. Virginia Commonwealth
26. Kentucky
27. Kansas State
28. Arkansas
29. Xavier
30. Pittsburgh

close: Florida, Mississippi State, Washington, Syracuse, Bradley, Utah