James Fletcher III full Interview with Andy Staples | March Madness Bubble Update | 03.11.24
ESPN recently released an updated bracketology for the NCAA Tournament, causing quite a stir among basketball fans. With Selection Sunday just around the corner, all eyes are on the teams teetering on the bubble, anxiously awaiting their fate.
Let us dive into ESPN’s latest NCAA Tournament projections from the renowned Joe Lunardi.
ESPN Bracketology: On The Bubble
As the tournament approaches, the teams in danger of missing out on the tournament are hanging on by a thread. The “Last Four Byes” include Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Florida Atlantic, and Colorado State. Right on their heels, the “Last Four In” teams consist of TCU, Michigan State, Colorado, and Oklahoma. Just outside the bubble sit the “First Four Out,” including St. John’s, Virginia, Seton Hall, and Indiana State. And finally, the “Next Four Out” teams are Pittsburgh, Providence, Kansas State, and Ohio State.
Midwest Region (Detroit): No. 1 Purdue
Purdue’s impressive performance has secured them the top seed in the Midwest Region. Despite falling in the Big Ten semifinals, their undeniable qualifications have earned them this position. Not far behind are Tennessee, Creighton, and Kansas, closely vying for the top spots as well.
Some notable matchups in this region include Purdue facing off once morest Grambling/Montana State, Texas once morest Dayton, South Carolina once morest Samford, and Kansas once morest Yale.
West Region (Los Angeles): No. 1 North Carolina
The ACC runner-ups, North Carolina Tar Heels, have claimed the number one seed in the West Region. Although they fell short in the title game once morest NC State, their impressive season propelled them to this position. Accompanying them in the top three seeds are Arizona and Baylor, with Alabama securing the No. 4 seed.
Exciting matchups in this region feature North Carolina versus Howard/Wagner, BYU versus Grand Canyon, and Gonzaga versus Michigan State/Oklahoma.
South Region (Dallas): No. 1 Houston
Despite a disappointing loss in the Big 12 title game once morest Iowa State, the Houston Cougars have managed to grab the top seed in the South Region. Joining them in the top four are Marquette, Illinois, and Kentucky.
Highlighted matchups in this region include Houston versus Stetson, Wisconsin versus McNeese, and Washington State versus James Madison.
East Region (Boston): No. 1 UConn
Following their Big Ten championship win, UConn stands as the only No. 1 seed to secure a conference title in these projections. Iowa State, Auburn, and Duke complete the top four teams in this region.
Intriguing matchups to watch in this region
