ESPN releases updated Bracketology ahead of pivotal weekend in college basketball

There are just a couple of days remaining in college basketball’s regular season. Last weekend, each of the six top ranked teams in the AP Top 25 lost on Saturday, with other upsets also being seen. With a number of highly anticipated and important matchups on this weekend’s slate, the stakes are very high. Ahead of a pivotal weekend in college basketball, ESPN has released updated Bracketology, sharing an interesting preview at the upcoming 2022 NCAA Tournament.

In ESPN’s Bracketology, a number of teams across college basketball are still fighting for a bid to the NCAA Tournament. While there are still conference tournaments to be played, this weekend will be make-or-break for some teams fighting for a spot in March Madness. There were a number of upsets and close finishes on Wednesday night, which could be setting up for another exciting weekend.

ESPN Bracketology: Last four in/first four out

Last four in (with byes): North Carolina, San Francisco, Wyoming, Michigan

Last four in: Rutgers, Xavier, Memphis, Loyola Chicago

First four out: Indiana, BYU, SMU, Virginia Tech

Next four out: VCU, Florida, Oregon, Dayton

Projected NCAA Tournament field in ESPN’s updated Bracketology: West region

1. Gonzaga vs. 16. New Orleans/Alcorn State
8. Iowa State vs. 9. Creighton

5. Alabama vs. 12. South Dakota State
4. UCLA vs. 13. Towson

6. Saint Mary’s vs. 11. Michigan
3. Texas Tech vs. 14. Seattle

7. Colorado State vs. 10. North Carolina
2. Wisconsin vs. 15. Montana State

East region

1. Auburn vs. 16. Cleveland State/Bryant
8. Seton Hall vs. 9. Wake Forest

5. Arkansas vs. 12. North Texas
4. Illinois vs. 13. Vermont

6. Iowa vs. 11. Xavier/Memphis
3. Villanova vs. 14. Princeton

7. Michigan State vs. 10. Notre Dame
2. Kentucky vs. 15. Longwood

Midwest region

1. Arizona vs. 16. Long Beach State
8. TCU vs. 9. Murray State

5. Texas vs. 12 Chattanooga
4. Providence vs. 13. Iona

6. LSU vs. 11. Wyoming
3. Purdue vs. 14. Northern Iowa

7. USC vs. 10. San Diego State
2. Kansas vs. 15. Jacksonville State

South region

1. Baylor vs. 16. Norfolk State
8. Marquette vs. 9. Miami

5. UConn vs. 12. Rutgers/Loyola Chicago
4. Houston vs. 13. Toledo

6. Ohio State vs. 11. Davidson
3. Tennessee vs. 14. Texas State

7. Boise State vs. 10. San Francisco
2. Duke vs. 15. Colgate

Four conferences have six bids in ESPN’s updated Bracketology

There are four teams in ESPN’s latest Bracketology with at least six NCAA Tournament bids. The Big Ten leads the way with eight selections, while the Big East has seven. There are six teams from each of the Big 12 and SEC. In the ACC, there are five teams, while the Mountain West has four. The WCC and Pac-12 each have three bids, and the American has two.

The top overall seed in this Bracketology is Gonzaga, despite last weekend’s loss. Loyola Chicago is the true final team in, while Indiana is the first team on the outside looking in.