Projected NCAA Tournament Field

I am by no means an expert at this bracketology stuff but I have done some surfing around and this seems to be what most people have as the NCAA Tournament field.

Northeast Regional (Manchester, NH)

1. UMass Lowell vs 4. Wisconsin

2. New Hampshire vs 3. Denver


East Regional (Providence, RI)

1. Quinnipiac vs 4. Canisius

2. BOSTON COLLEGE vs 3. Union


Midwest Regional (Toledo, OH)

1. Notre Dame vs 4. St Cloud State

2. Miami vs 3. Minnesota State


West Region (Grand Rapids, MI)

1. Minnesota vs 4. Yale

2. North Dakota vs 3. Niagara


The selection show is tonight at 9 PM on ESPNU.

 Projected NCAA Tournament Field: A Glimpse into College Basketball's Pinnacle

March Madness, the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, is one of the most anticipated and exhilarating sporting events in the United States. As the regular season progresses, college basketball fans eagerly await the unveiling of the projected NCAA Tournament field, which sets the stage for the ultimate spectacle in the sport. In this article, we will delve into the significance of the projected field, explore the criteria and selection process, and answer frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of this thrilling event.

I. The Significance of the Projected NCAA Tournament Field

The projected NCAA Tournament field is a critical milestone in college basketball. It signifies the teams that are likely to secure a coveted spot in the tournament, making it a topic of immense interest and discussion among fans, analysts, and teams alike.

Anticipation: As the regular season unfolds, the anticipation of which teams will make the tournament creates excitement and suspense.

Bracketology: Bracketologists and fans begin crafting their brackets, predicting matchups, and speculating about Cinderella stories.

II. Selection Criteria and Process

The selection of teams for the NCAA Tournament is a meticulous process that relies on several key criteria and guidelines.

RPI (Rating Percentage Index): The RPI is a formula used to rank teams based on their wins, losses, and strength of schedule.

Strength of Schedule: Teams are evaluated based on the strength of their opponents, both in and out of conference.

Conference Performance: Success within a team's conference, including regular-season performance and conference tournaments, plays a significant role.

Notable Wins and Quality Losses: Wins against top-ranked teams and close losses to quality opponents are considered.

III. The Bubble Teams

One of the most intriguing aspects of the projected field is the inclusion of bubble teams. These are teams that are on the cusp of making the tournament but are not guaranteed a spot.

Bubble Watch: As the tournament draws near, media outlets and analysts release "bubble watch" lists, highlighting teams that are on the bubble.

Bubble Burst: The selection committee's decisions can lead to heartbreak for some bubble teams, while others celebrate their inclusion.

IV. Seedings and Matchups

Once the projected field is unveiled, attention turns to seedings and matchups. Teams are seeded based on their performance, and the bracket is filled with intriguing first-round matchups.

Selection Sunday: Selection Sunday is a highly anticipated event where the official tournament bracket is revealed, along with seedings and matchups.

Cinderella Stories: The tournament is known for Cinderella stories, where lower-seeded teams upset higher-seeded opponents, creating memorable moments.

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many teams are in the projected NCAA Tournament field?

The tournament field typically consists of 68 teams: 32 conference champions and 36 at-large selections.

What happens to teams that do not make the projected field?

Teams that do not make the projected field have the option to participate in other postseason tournaments, such as the NIT (National Invitation Tournament).

What are some factors that can influence a team's selection or seeding?

Factors include a team's overall record, conference performance, notable wins, strength of schedule, and recent performance leading up to Selection Sunday.

How does the selection committee make decisions about the tournament field?

The selection committee consists of NCAA officials and conference commissioners who review teams' resumes, engage in discussions, and make decisions based on established criteria.

VI. Conclusion

The projected NCAA Tournament field is a captivating prelude to March Madness. It symbolizes the culmination of months of hard work and dedication by college basketball teams and the dreams of players, coaches, and fans across the nation. As teams eagerly await their fate on Selection Sunday, the stage is set for thrilling moments, unexpected upsets, and the crowning of a national champion in the world of college basketball.