ESPN releases updated Bracketology after wild weekend of college basketball upsets

On Tuesday, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi updated his Bracketology. The March Madness expert was forced to make plenty of changes after a wave of upsets swept across college basketball this past weekend.

Despite the medley of shocking outcomes, the SEC still reigns supreme in Lunardi’s eyes. The SEC has 13 teams in Lunardi’s latest Bracketology. The Big Ten doesn’t trail far behind, boasting 10 teams in the Big Dance bracket.

Of course, Lunardi’s NCAA Tournament predictions are still subject to change. The bubble teams are hopeful that change will occur sooner rather than later.

ESPN Bracketology: On the Bubble

After going 1-1 this past week, Georgia maintained its spot as one of the last four byes in the NCAA Tournament. For teams in the SEC or Big Ten, going. 500 may be more than enough to stay in the race for a spot in March Madness.

Alas, other schools like Xavier can’t afford mistakes during conference play, with the Big East weaker than usual this season. With four weeks left of conference play, there will be no shortage of opportunities for teams to change Lunardi’s mind.

Last Four Byes: Utah State, Ohio State, Vanderbilt, Georgia
Last Four In: San Diego State, BYU, Pittsburgh, Nebraska
First Four Out: UCF, Xavier, Arizona State, USC
Next Four Out: Wake Forest, SMU, North Carolina, Arkansas

ESPN Bracketology: South Region – Atlanta

Auburn has looked like an unstoppable force this season, boasting a 20-1 record and a perfect 8-0 mark in conference play. Auburn star Johni Broome is back from injury and showing no signs of weakness, most recently tallying 20 points and 12 rebounds in a win over Ole Miss.

Alas, Auburn isn’t the only team catching Lunardi’s eye. Although the Cougars finally fell in conference play this past Saturday, they’ve looked excellent against Big 12 competition. They have the best defense in the country this season, holding opponents to 56.6 points per game.

1. Auburn vs. 16. Omaha/Morehead State
8. Creighton vs. 9. Gonzaga
5. Arizona vs. 12. McNeese State
4. Memphis vs. 13. Grand Canyon

6. St. John’s vs. 11. San Diego State/Nebraska
3. Kentucky vs. 14. Cleveland State
7. Mississippi State vs. 10. Utah State
2. Houston vs. 15. Norfolk State

East Region – Newark

Duke maintained its spot as the No. 1 seed in the East Region this week, thanks to back-to-back wins over in-state rivals NC State and North Carolina. Cooper Flagg continues to look like one of the best players in the nation, averaging 20 points, 4.2 assists and eight rebounds per contest.

No. 2 seed Florida doesn’t lack talent, either. Headlined by its backcourt duo of Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin, the Gators are capable of beating any team in the country. Nonetheless, they also reminded fans they’re far from perfect after suffering a 64-44 loss to Tennessee on Saturday.

1. Duke vs. 16. Marist/American
8. Baylor vs. 9. Texas
5. Ole Miss vs. 12. George Mason
4. Michigan State vs. 13. Akron

6. UCLA vs. 11. Georgia
3. Kansas vs. 14. Towson
7. Michigan vs. 10. New Mexico
2. Florida vs. 15. UNC Asheville

Midwest Region – Indianapolis

Alabama is finding its rhythm at the perfect time. The Crimson Tide have won five games in a row, most recently dominating Georgia 90-69. Alabama’s offense is a well-oiled machine, averaging a nation-high 90.2 points per game this season.

Alas, if Lunardi’s predictions are correct, Alabama’s road to the Final Four won’t be easy. This week, Lunard placed Purdue as the two-seed in the Midwest Region. After suffering a loss in the National Championship last season, the Boilermakers are hungry for another chance at the national title.

1. Alabama vs. 16. Southern
8. Saint Mary’s vs. 9. Oklahoma
5. Illinois vs. 12. Yale
4. Texas Tech vs. 13. Samford

6. Maryland vs. 11. Drake
3. Marquette vs. 14. Jacksonville State
7. Louisville vs. 10. Vanderbilt
2. Purdue vs. 15. Bryant

West Region – San Francisco

Tennessee staked its claim as Lunardi’s fourth No. 1 seed this week with its stunning 20-point triumph over Florida. In the win, the Volunteers were without starters Zakai Zeigler and Igor Milicic but were lock-down on defense, holding Florida to just 24.5% shooting from the field.

Iowa State fell to a No. 2 seed this week. The Cyclones are on a three-game losing streak, falling against Arizona, Kansas State and Kansas. Iowa State shot 36.9% from the field through the three losses and must find its shooting touch to turn its season around.

1. Tennessee vs. 16. Central Connecticut
8. Clemson vs. 9. West Virginia
5. Missouri vs. 12. UC Irvine
4. Wisconsin vs. 13. Arkansas State

6. Oregon vs. 11. BYU/Pittsburgh
3. Texas A&M vs. 14. Northern Colorado
7. UConn vs. 10. Ohio State
2. Iowa State vs. 15. Florida Gulf Coast