CLEVELAND, Ohio a We already know who the NCAA projects as the top 16 teams for the NCAA Tournament. All of them are just about locks.
However, some could drop out of the ranks should they struggle down the stretch. As recently as a week ago, Duke looked to be one of those teams, but they have rebounded nicely. Injuries, however, have hit a few teams, like Florida and Butler, and could have an impact down the stretch.
One of the five power conferences, the Big Ten, had no teams in the Top 16. That’s a pretty strong signal a league that often sends half of its members or more into the field may get four teams or less. So many teams in the league are having down seasons including Indiana, Ohio State, Michigan State and Michigan.
Also, it’s the undercard that is still to come into form. Several teams can rise to the top of the NCAA Tournament bubble, perhaps as soon as this week.
For example, in the Atlantic 10 Conference VCU and Dayton are tied for first place and are quite likely in as at-large teams. VCU plays at third-place Richmond on Friday. Should the Rams win that game and then make it through the rest of the season without a major stumble, consider them in.
Dayton plays St. Bonaventure on Saturday. Like VCU, if the Flyers take care of business against the Bonnies, and likewise have no major stumble, consider them in. The Atlantic 10 will then be a two-bid league with the possibility of a third should another team win the Conference Tournament.
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