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Joe Lunardi provides Saturday afternoon update on NCAA Tournament scenarios

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•02/04/23•

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Streeter Lecka via Getty Images.

We’re only halfway through the college basketball Saturday slate, with some fun games occurring to begin the day. Nobody is watching as close as ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, who is providing game by game updates on NCAA Tournament scenarios. He gave out some updates as the 4 p.m. ET games are still going on.

The first of which involves Alabama, who is currently a one-seed and No. 2 overall. Lunardi said there will be no room to over take Purdue as the top overall seed in the tournament. However, a loss against LSU would slide them down the one line.

At the time of posting Alabama is holding onto a lead in Baton Rouge. They are looking to begin SEC play 10-0 for the second time in three years under head coach Nate Oats. However, there is still plenty of basketball left.

Kansas State and Texas have a more cut and dry scenario from Lunardi compared to Alabama. Winner will be a two-seed heading into next week, while the loser will be a three. There are no easy nights in the Big 12, especially when playing in an environment such as the Little Apple.

Elsewhere in the Big 12, Oklahoma State got one of the biggest wins of the day against TCU. Head coach Mike Boynton has provided more security by moving up a couple of spots. However, the are still considered one of the final four teams in the field of 68.

TCU is safely in the tournament, impressing throughout a tough conference schedule. A loss to Oklahoma State will not deteriorate the Horned Frogs’ resume.

Kentucky stabilizes spot in NCAA Tournament with Memphis loss

Just a few weeks ago, there were serious questions over whether or not Kentucky would be in the NCAA Tournament. A home loss against South Carolina was the low point of the season as question began to be asked of head coach John Calipari.

However, things have turned around quickly as five out of the last six have been wins. A huge one against Florida — who is fresh off an upset win against Tennessee — will take place on Saturday night at Rupp Arena.

Even before the game has tipped off, Kentucky has stabilized their NCAA Tournament spot, though. Memphis dropped a tough one to Tulane, moving them into the ‘Last Four In’ category. The Wildcats slid up to ‘Last Four Byes’ and continue to be on the right side of the bubble.